Neurorehabilitation in Parkinson disease

Abstract

Parkinson disease (PD) is the second commonest neurodegenerative disorder in the UK with an increasing prevalence in our aging population. The clinical features of PD are varied with a variety of "motor" and "nonmotor" symptoms and the condition is best thought of as a multisystem neurodegenerative disorder rather than as a "pure" movement disorder. Although the mainstay of treatment is pharmacological, nonpharmacological interventions are vital as part of a multidisciplinary approach to the disorder. Neurorehabilitative interventions have been used for some time in the treatment of PD but, until recently, there has been little evidence to support the clinical impression that physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy have a positive impact on both motor and nonmotor symptoms. This chapter will review the current evidence base for neurorehabilitation in PD and discuss the challenges of service provision within healthcare systems.