They found that movement disorders physicians prescribed a dopamine agonist to the majority of younger patients. This is a good thing. Most movement disorders specialists will prescribe a dopamine agonist to a patient younger than 65. Younger people with Parkinson's tend to respond well to dopamine agonists. The time for levodopa therapy, the gold standard, usually comes a little further down the line for this group.
However, many people newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in this veteran study were seen by non-neurologists. As a result, only 20 percent of the veterans under the age of 65 received a dopamine agonist as the primary medication. This implies physicians who do not regularly treat Parkinson's disease may not have the most current information on how to best initiate Parkinson's disease therapy .
Why should this matter to me?
First of all, it would be a mistake to say a dopamine agonist is the ideal first medication for everyone under 65 with Parkinson's disease. The medication you receive should depend on a lot of factors. This is a complex disease, that manifests itself differently in each person. Because of that complexity, My Parkinson's Info believes ideal treatment for Parkinson's disease usually will come from a movement disorders specialist. They work with Parkinson's disease and read extensively about the medications. A movement disorders specialist will be more likely to match your symptoms and needs with medications, treatments, and therapies that will address your needs. Life will never be perfect, but movement disorders specialists can help improve it. Rebuttals or other points of view are welcome at mnilsen@myparkinsonsinfo.com.
