Bromocriptine versus levodopa in early Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Drugs that mimic dopamine as bromocriptine were introduced as monotherapy or in combination with LD in the hope that this approach would prevent or delay the onset of motor complications in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, hitherto, the role of bromocriptine (BR) in this issue has remained controversial. Objectives To assess the […]
Bromocriptine/levodopa combined versus levodopa alone for early Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Drugs that mimic dopamine, such as bromocriptine (BR), were introduced as monotherapy or in combination with levodopa (LD) in the hope that this approach would prevent or delay the onset of motor complications in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, hitherto, the role of BR has remained controversial. We present a systematic review […]
Occupational therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Despite drug and surgical therapies for Parkinson’s disease, patients develop progressive disability. It has both motor and non-motor symptomatology, and their interaction with their environment can be very complex. The role of the occupational therapist is to support the patient and help them maintain their usual level of self-care, work and leisure activities […]
Cholinesterase inhibitors for Parkinson’s disease dementia
Abstract Background The loss of cholinergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic innervations seen in Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD) suggest a potential role for cholinesterase inhibitors. Concerns have been expressed about a theoretical worsening of Parkinson’s disease related symptoms, particularly movement symptoms. Objectives To assess the efficacy, safety, tolerability and health economic data relating to the use of […]
Monoamine oxidase B inhibitors for early Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors slow disease progression in Parkinson’s disease (PD) but clinical trials have produced conflicting results. Objectives To assess the evidence from randomised controlled trials for the effectiveness and safety of long-term use of MAO-B inhibitors in early PD. Search methods We searched the following electronic databases: Cochrane Central Register […]
Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors for levodopa-induced complications in Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background As Parkinson’s disease progresses the control of motor symptoms often requires the addition of other drugs to levodopa. The principle aim of COMT inhibitor therapy is to increase the duration of effect of each levodopa dose and thus reduce the time patients spend in the relatively immobile ‘off’ phase. Objectives To compare the […]
Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors versus active comparators for levodopa-induced complications in Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background As Parkinson’s disease progresses the control of the symptoms often requires the addition of other drugs to levodopa. The principle aim of COMT inhibitor therapy is to increase the duration of effect of the levodopa dose and thus reduce the time patients spend in the relatively immobile ‘off’ phase. Objectives To compare the […]
Amantadine for dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Abnormal involuntary movements known as dyskinesias are amongst the most disabling side-effects of levodopa therapy. It is thought that amantadine, an NMDA-receptor antagonist, may reduce dyskinesias in patients with Parkinson’s disease without worsening Parkinsonian symptoms. Objectives To compare the efficacy and safety of adjuvant amantadine therapy versus placebo in treating dyskinesia in patients […]
Therapies for depression in Parkinson’s disease
Abstract Background Depression is one of the most common neuropsychiatric disturbances in Parkinson’s disease. 40% of observed variation in quality of life is due to depression. However, there is little hard evidence of the efficacy and safety of antidepressant therapies in Parkinson’s disease. Objectives To assess the efficacy and safety of antidepressant therapies in idiopathic […]
Amantadine in Parkinson’s Diseas
Abstract Background Although levodopa is the most common drug prescribed to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease it is associated with motor and psychiatric side-effects. Consequently, interest has turned to alternative drugs with improved side-effect profiles to replace or augment levodopa. Amantadine, originally used as an antiviral drug, has been shown to improve the symptoms […]