Comparison of speech and language therapy techniques for speech problems in Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Patients with Parkinson’s disease commonly suffer from speech and voice difficulties such as impaired articulation and reduced loudness. Speech and language therapy (SLT) aims to improve the intelligibility of speech with behavioural treatment techniques or instrumental aids. Objectives To compare the efficacy and effectiveness of novel SLT techniques versus a standard SLT approach […]
Speech and language therapy versus placebo or no intervention for speech problems in Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Parkinson’s disease patients commonly suffer from speech and vocal problems including dysarthric speech, reduced loudness and loss of articulation. These symptoms increase in frequency and intensity with progression of the disease). Speech and language therapy (SLT) aims to improve the intelligibility of speech with behavioural treatment techniques or instrumental aids. Objectives To compare […]
Cholinesterase inhibitors for dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson’s disease dementia and cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Previous Cochrane reviews have considered the use of cholinesterase inhibitors in both Parkinson’s disease with dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The clinical features of DLB and PDD have much in common and are distinguished primarily on the basis of whether or not parkinsonism precedes dementia by more than a year. […]
Whole-body vibration training for patients with neurodegenerative disease
Abstract Background Whole-body vibration (WBV) may be a complementary training to standard physical rehabilitation programmes and appears to have potential benefits in the sensorimotor system performance of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Objectives The aim of this review was to examine the efficacy of WBV to improve functional performance according to basic activities of daily living […]
Anti-hypertensive drugs as disease-modifying agents for Parkinson’s disease: evidence from observational studies and clinical trials
Abstract Background Current treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD) is focused on relieving symptoms, at present there is nothing that is widely accepted to halt or slow disease progression. Potential neuroprotective or disease modifying agents have been identified from preclinical studies. One such group of compounds are anti-hypertensive drugs. Objectives 1) Do anti-hypertensive drugs prevent the onset […]
Helicobacter pylori eradication for Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Levodopa is the mainstay of treatment for alleviating the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. However, patients often experience fluctuations in their symptoms over time and ‘wearing off’ which may be partly related to variable absorption of the drug. There is some evidence that treatment of the common gastrointestinal infection Helicobacter pylori (H […]
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as disease-modifying agents for Parkinson’s disease: evidence from observational studies
Abstract Background Neuroinflammation may play a key role in the neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be beneficial in the primary and secondary prevention of PD. Objectives 1) Do NSAIDs prevent the onset of PD? 2) Are NSAIDs neuroprotective in PD – do they slow the progression of disease once PD is […]
Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of adjuvant treatment to levodopa therapy in Parkinson´s disease patients with motor complications
Abstract Background One of the complications of long-term treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) with levodopa is the development of motor complications. Generally, when motor complications develop, clinicians add in an additional drug (to the levodopa regimen) from one of three other classes of anti-Parkinsonian treatments (dopamine agonists, catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitors (COMTIs) or monoamine oxidase type […]
Monoamine oxidase B inhibitors versus other dopaminergic agents in early Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background It has been postulated that monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors alter disease progression in Parkinson’s disease (PD) but trials have produced conflicting results. Objectives To assess the effectiveness and safety of long-term use of MAO-B inhibitors compared with other dopaminergic agents in early PD. Search methods We searched several electronic databases including: the […]
Dopamine agonist therapy in early Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Dopamine agonists are being used increasingly as first line treatment for Parkinson’s disease, but there remains uncertainty about their clinical and cost-effectiveness relative to levodopa. Objectives This meta-analysis aims to quantify more reliably the benefits and risks of dopamine agonists compared to placebo or levodopa in early Parkinson’s disease. Search methods We searched […]