Parkinson's disease - Part 2: Treatment of motor symptoms

In the absence of a cure, the primary goals in managing Parkinson's disease (PD) are to preserve functionality and health-related quality of life. Meeting these goals can minimize healthcare-resource utilization and long-term healthcare costs. Although effective treatment of motor symptoms of the disease is a central consideration to facilitate improved outcomes, management of nonmotor symptoms is now recognized as an equally important target of intervention, since nonmotor symptoms can contribute greatly to disability. The article addresses the current treatment options of choice for reducing motor symptoms of PD and their most rational use. Cost-effectiveness is a major consideration for managed care and is also analyzed for many available treatment options.