Neurológia pre prax 1/2010

Palliative care in patients with Parkinson's disease

Parkinson‘s disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disease with prevalence of 1 % in the population over 65 years. The modern success of pharmacology and deep-brain % of the populatstimulation surgery to treat the motor symptoms of tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia provide PD patients with longer lives and increased motor functioning. However, in the moderate and advanced stages of disease, the therapeutic benefits of pharmacology diminish and motor symptoms are more complicated to treat. The nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson´s disease receive little attention in clinical settings, although they can lead to disability and caregiver burden. The concept of paliative care accepts the actual clinical disability of the patient and his needs for everyday life.

Keywords: Parkinson´s disease, paliative treatment, concept of care.