Levodopa/benserazide ('Madopar') combination therapy in elderly patients with parkinsonism

A clinical evaluation was carried out in 20 elderly patients with parkinsonism to assess the effectiveness and acceptability of treatment with a combination preparation of levodopa and benserazide over a period of 9 months. Mean daily maintenance dosage was 612.5 mg levodopa and 140 mg benserazide. The effects of treatment on clinical features and activities of daily living were monitored at monthly intervals. Significant improvement occurred in the first month and optimal improvement was usually reached by the end of 3-months' treatment. Akinesia and rigidity were abolished or improved in the majority of patients but the effect on tremor was less satisfactory. The preparation was well tolerated and side-effects were not troublesome.