Parkinson's Disease *ACPE-Accredited*

This podcast episode provides a comprehensive review of Parkinson's disease, detailing its pathophysiology, risk factors, clinical features, and treatment options. The discussion covers both motor and non-motor manifestations, highlighting the often-overlooked neuropsychiatric symptoms and their impact on patient quality of life. Risk factors such as exposure to pesticides, air pollution, and high dairy consumption are explored, alongside surprising protective factors like smoking and caffeine intake. Diagnostic criteria and red flags for ruling out Parkinson's are outlined, emphasizing the importance of neurology involvement. The hosts review various medications, including carbidopa-levodopa, COMT inhibitors, dopamine agonists, and MAO-B inhibitors, with guidance on managing on-off periods and dyskinesias.