Scales in Parkinson's disease.

The search for valid instruments to measure different domains of health disturbances becomes increasingly important for the assessment of Parkinson's disease. The most widely used tool is the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) which was introduced in 1987 and is currently awaiting revision. In addition, a variety of instruments have been used to capture non-motor aspects of Parkinson's disease but only a minority of these instruments has been validated for this particular disease condition. Measurements of quality of life are being incorporated into an increasing number of studies in order to reflect a more integral view of health and have contributed to a better understanding of the impact of disease and interventions. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health introduced by the WHO in 2001 offers a multidimensional approach to human functioning and participation that can also be applied to the assessment of health status in PD. This workshop report will focus on the present state of clinimetry in PD and discuss future perspectives.