Parkinson’s Disease

Objectives

• Explain the mechanism of striatal dopamine depletion due to loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and its impact on motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.
• Identify the key clinical features and criteria for diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease, including the differentiation of Parkinson’s Disease from other causes of parkinsonism.
• Review the pharmacologic management of Parkinson’s Disease, including the role of levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO B inhibitors, COMT inhibitors, and other adjunct therapies.
• Understand the indications, mechanisms of action, side effects, and clinical application of various pharmacotherapies in both early and advanced stages of Parkinson’s Disease, along with their impact on motor complications such as dyskinesias and motor fluctuations​​​​.