Guidelines To Improve Treatment Of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease

New guidelines on the diagnosis and management of Parkinson's disease have been endorsed by the Department of Health and Social Services.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommendations include:

* People with suspected Parkinson's disease should be referred quickly and untreated to a specialist with expertise in the differential diagnosis of this condition.

* The diagnosis of Parkinson's disease should be reviewed regularly and reconsidered if atypical clinical features develop.

* People with Parkinson's disease should have access to specialist nursing care which may be provided by a Parkinson's disease nurse specialist.

* Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy should be made available to people with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease is the second most common progressive neurological condition, estimated to affect 100 "180 people per 100,000 of the population. There is a rising prevalence with age and a higher prevalence and incidence of Parkinson's disease in males.

Dr Michael McBride, Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, said: "This guideline offers best practice advice on the care of people with Parkinson's disease. It supports healthcare professionals in identifying the most appropriate care. We expect the guideline to bring about important changes to the standard of care received by people with Parkinson's disease and their carers."

Rosemary Hamill, Northern Ireland Manager, Parkinson's Disease Society said: "The endorsement of the NICE Guideline for Parkinson's disease by Department of Health and Social Services is an important and welcome step towards improving healthcare and treatments for the 3,500 people with Parkinson's in Northern Ireland. The Guideline sets out some important recommendations, such as ensuring all people with the condition have access to the expert advice and help provided by a Nurse Specialist.

"The Guideline states that GPs should not try to diagnose suspected cases of Parkinson's themselves but should refer patients to a specialist who should see them within 6 weeks. Receiving an accurate diagnosis and getting treatment from a specialist is the first step to someone with Parkinson's being able to continue living their life to the full.

"The Parkinson's Disease Society wants to work with commissioners and health providers in Northern Ireland as they design services that will make a positive difference to the lives of every person with Parkinson's in Northern Ireland."