[The deterioration of patients with parkinsonism treated with L-dopa]

A progressive deterioration in clinical state was noted in more than half of a group of 87 patients with parkinsonism treated with dopa for 4 to 6 years. The pattern of this deterioration is often quite particular: frequency of troubles with walking, falls, predominance of akinesia in certain motor functions, inconstant recurrence of tremor or rigidity. Some intellectual deterioration is sometimes seen, more common in those patients who had suffered episodes of mental confusion. 11 patients died. It may, however, be hoped that the average life expectancy will increase.