[Recent aspects of Parkinson therapy]

After a short summary of the leading symptoms, the neuropathological and the pathobiochemical findings in Parkinson's disease, the possibilities of pharmacological treatment are pointed out. The choice of the suitable medication depends on the stage and severity of the disorder and the leading symptoms. Medical side-effects and contraindications of the different antiparkinsonica must be considered. Problems of long-term medication especially of L-dopa are discussed. Examples of reasonable "combined therapies" are given allowing the attempt to reduce the L-dopa dose without losing treatment effectiveness. In addition to the pharmacological treatment and for special indications, surgical i.e. stereotactic manipulations, intensive physiosocial care, physiotherapy and logotherapy are very necessary.