Parkinson's disease - clinical fact sheet and MCQ
Overview
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterised by both motor and non-motor symptoms. Its prevalence increases with age, making it a common condition encountered in Australian general practice.1
Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
Early recognition of PD facilitates optimal management. Patients may present with classic motor symptoms such as unilateral rest tremor, bradykinesia, rigidity, and postural instability.1,2 However, non-motor symptoms—including constipation, anosmia, rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder, and urinary urgency—often precede motor manifestations and should raise clinical suspicion.1
Parkinson’s disease may be diagnosed by the presence of bradykinesia, plus one of:
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