Clinics in geriatric medicine
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The term parkinsonian syndromes refers to a group of disorders whose clinical features overlap those of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. The four major entities include three important neurodegenerations, multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration, and a lacunar cerebrovascular disorder, vascular parkinsonism. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathology, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of these disorders.
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Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a reversible disorder characterized by gait impairment, subcortical dementia, and urinary urgency and incontinence associated with impaired cerebrospinal fluid circulation and ventriculomegaly. Treatment with shunt surgery is most likely to increase mobility, and may also improve dementia and urinary symptoms. An international, independent study group recently published guidelines for the diagnosis and management of idiopathic NPH. This article helps geriatricians identify patients who might have NPH, and care for these patients after shunt placement.
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The management of advancing Parkinson's disease (PD) is a daunting task, complicated by dynamic medication responses, side effects, and treatment-refractory symptoms in an aging patient population. The motor and nonmotor complications of advancing PD are reviewed, and practical treatment strategies are provided. Careful assessment in the context of the known natural history of advancing PD and rational treatment choices can create significant improvement in the lives of patients who have advancing PD.