Targeting Parkinson's Disease – The Case for Early Referral

Summary Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and disabling condition, for which guidelines for best practice have recently been implemented in the UK. One of the key issues discussed is the provision of a continuum of care by a multidisciplinary team, which must comprise professionals with specialist expertise, including a PD specialist nurse and patient carer(s). Emphasis is placed on the importance of referral of de novo patients to specialist centres for confirmation of diagnosis and management. A synopsis of the classes of drugs available, differential diagnosis and the role of drug treatment in PD are also presented. The guidelines highlight that revision of national guidelines to form local protocols and working practices will improve and integrate care for PD patients. The significance of teamwork and good communication between primary care specialists in the management of PD is emphasised throughout.