Device-assisted therapies for Parkinson disease

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Advanced Parkinson disease often presents with motor fluctuations and dyskinesias.
• Oral and transdermal treatments may become inadequate for symptom control in later disease stages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review device-assisted therapies for advanced Parkinson disease.
• To outline the roles of different therapies and their management.

Main Methods:

• Review of device-assisted therapies including subcutaneous apomorphine infusion, intestinal levodopa infusion, subcutaneous levodopa infusion, and deep brain stimulation.
• Discussion of factors influencing therapy selection and management protocols.

Main Results:

• Device-assisted therapies offer options for managing motor fluctuations and dyskinesias.
• Subcutaneous infusions are less invasive than intestinal infusions or deep brain stimulation.
• Therapy selection is individualized based on patient factors.

Conclusions:

• Device-assisted therapies are crucial for advanced Parkinson disease management.
• Specialist multidisciplinary involvement is essential for initiation and management.
• Primary care plays a vital role in ongoing patient support and adverse event monitoring.