J Meara1, B K Bhowmick, P Hobson. 1. University Department of Geriatric Medicine, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Rhyl, North Wales, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: to study the diagnostic accuracy for parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease in a community-based sample of subjects on anti-parkinsonian medication. METHODS: computerized prescribing records in general practice were used to create a community-based disease register for Parkinson's disease. Subjects were examined to establish the likely diagnosis using recommended clinical diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: of 402 cases, parkinsonism was confirmed in 74% and clinically probable Parkinson's disease in 53%. The commonest causes of misdiagnosis were essential tremor, Alzheimer's disease and vascular pseudo-parkinsonism. Over one-quarter of subjects did not benefit from anti-parkinsonian medication. CONCLUSIONS: there is difficulty in diagnosing parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease in elderly subjects and we suggest early referral of those suspected of having parkinsonism for specialist assessment.
OBJECTIVES: to study the diagnostic accuracy for parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease in a community-based sample of subjects on anti-parkinsonian medication. METHODS: computerized prescribing records in general practice were used to create a community-based disease register for Parkinson's disease. Subjects were examined to establish the likely diagnosis using recommended clinical diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: of 402 cases, parkinsonism was confirmed in 74% and clinically probable Parkinson's disease in 53%. The commonest causes of misdiagnosis were essential tremor, Alzheimer's disease and vascular pseudo-parkinsonism. Over one-quarter of subjects did not benefit from anti-parkinsonian medication. CONCLUSIONS: there is difficulty in diagnosing parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease in elderly subjects and we suggest early referral of those suspected of having parkinsonism for specialist assessment.
Authors: Judith Dams; Bernhard Bornschein; Jens Peter Reese; Annette Conrads-Frank; Wolfgang H Oertel; Uwe Siebert; Richard Dodel Journal: Pharmacoeconomics Date: 2011-12 Impact factor: 4.981