Treatment of early Parkinson's disease: are complicated strategies justified?

Abstract

A variety of medical treatment strategies have been proposed as a means of slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease. This includes administration of selegiline (deprenyl) therapy, early use of bromocriptine or pergolide, and delay of levodopa therapy or restriction of the dose. There is no compelling evidence supporting the use of any of these treatment strategies for this purpose. Carbidopa-levodopa remains the most potent medication for symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's disease. Although starting levodopa therapy with the controlled-release formulation is advocated, this does not appear to have any major advantages over standard carbidopa-levodopa. Further studies are needed to identify other means of halting the progression of Parkinson's disease.