Parkinson Disease

The purpose of this course is to provide physicians, nurses, and other members of the interprofessional healthcare team a review of pathogenesis, disease progression, diagnosis, and management of Parkinson disease, in order to improve patient care and quality of life. In addition, members of the public may use this course to enhance their personal knowledge of the subject matter presented.


Upon completion of this course, you should be able to:


1. Outline the history, epidemiology, and clinical signs/symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD) and scientific developments related to recognition of the disease.

2. Describe the assessment and management of PD.

3. Assess motor and non-motor symptoms and signs in relation to pathophysiology of PD.

4. Anticipate the time course of symptom development in patients with PD, and use this to assess clinical probability and to inform follow-up of a patient in whom the diagnosis is unclear.

5. Refine history and clinical examination skills in order to detect the early motor and non-motor signs and symptoms of PD.

6. Develop a strategy for the initial workup of patients with suspected PD that conforms with diagnostic and clinical staging criteria.

7. Compare and contrast syndromes that may mimic PD and their differential diagnosis.

8. Devise a treatment strategy and select an appropriate drug regimen for the management of PD.

9. Create an approach to the management of PD based on stage of the disease, severity of symptoms, and rate of progression.

10. Discuss the role of non-motor symptoms of PD and devise a strategy for treatment.

11. Outline a long-term plan for monitoring the course of illness, including patient and family education and safety precautions.


This 10-hour continuing education course is available for download for professional development; if continuing education credit is desired, please see instructions included in eBook.