Appendix C: Practice parameter: Neuroprotective strategies and alternative therapies for Parkinson disease (an evidenced-based review): Report of the Quality Standards Subcommitte of the American Academy of Neurology

O. Suchowersky, G. Gronseth, J. Perlmutter, S. Reich, T. Zesiewicz, W. J. Weiner

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective: To define key issues in the management of Parkinson disease (PD) relating to neuroprotective strategies and alternative treatments, and to make evidence-based treatment recommendations. Methods: Two clinical questions were identified. 1) In a patient diagnosed with PD, are there any therapies that can slow disease progression? 2) Are there any nonstandard pharmacologic or nonpharmacologic therapies that have been shown to improve motor function in PD? Articles were classified according to a four-tiered level of evidence scheme. Recommendations were based on the evidence. Results and conclusions: 1. Levodopa does not appear to accelerate disease progression. 2. No treatment has been shown to be neuroprotective. 3. There is no evidence that vitamin or food additives can improve motor function in PD. 4. Exercise may be helpful in improving motor function. 5. Speech therapy may be helpful in improving speech volume. 6. No manual therapy has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of motor symptoms, although studies in this area are limited. Further studies using a rigorous scientific method are needed to determine efficacy of alternative therapies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)170-176
Number of pages7
JournalCONTINUUM Lifelong Learning in Neurology
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2007

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Appendix C: Practice parameter: Neuroprotective strategies and alternative therapies for Parkinson disease (an evidenced-based review): Report of the Quality Standards Subcommitte of the American Academy of Neurology'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this