Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurologic disorders, affecting approximately 1% of individuals older than 60 years and causing progressive disability that can be slowed, but not halted, by treatment. The 2 major neuropathologic findings in Parkinson's disease are loss of pigmented dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta and the presence of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites.

Clinical diagnosis requires the presence of 2 of 3 cardinal signs:
- resting tremor
- rigidity
- bradykinesia

The goal of medical management of PD is to provide control of signs and symptoms for as long as possible while minimizing adverse effects. The holistic management of patients with progressive PD embodies many of the principles and practices of palliative care.

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Adapted from Medscape Drugs & Diseases. Parkinson disease. Available at http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1831191-overview . Accessed on March 12, 2017. To view the entire article and all other content on the Medscape Drugs & Diseases site, a free, one-time registration is required.