Finding the Right Course of Treatment for Parkinson's Disease

Pharmacy Times Office of Continuing Professional Education

The Case for Early Initiation of Monotherapies and Delayed Dopaminergic Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease

Jack J. Chen, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS, CGPAssociate Professor of Neurology, Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes ScienceAssociate Professor, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CaliforniaMichael W. Jann, PharmDProfessor and Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Mercer University, Atlanta, GeorgiaKelly E. Lyons, PhDResearch Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KansasRajesh Pahwa, MDLaverne and Joyce Rider Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive, disabling neurodegenerative characterized by bradykinesia and at least 1 of the following: resting tremor, muscle rigidity, and postural instability. This activity will focus on how Parkinson’s impacts patients, the therapeutic strategies often used, and the benefits of early diagnosis treatment. It includes 3 sections: “The Impact and Management of Nonmotor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease,” “Advanced Strategies for Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease: The Role of Early Treatment,” and “Implications for Managed Care for Improving Outcomes in Parkinson’s Disease: Balancing Aggressive Treatment with Appropriate Care.”

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to:

• Describe the nonmotor symptoms involved in PD and their impact on patient quality of life.
• Distinguish between the mechanisms of action of the major classes of pharmacotherapies used in the treatment of PD.
• Evaluate therapeutic strategies employed in PD, and design individualized, specific therapeutic strategies based on varied patient characteristics.
• Summarize the potential benefits of early PD diagnosis and treatment.

Credits: 3.0

Expiration Date: October 10, 2012

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