Parkinson Disease A Public Health Approach Technical Brief

Although there are several gaps in understanding the many issues related to neurological disorders, we know enough to be able to shape effective policy responses to some of the most common. This book describes and discusses the increasing public health impact of common neurological disorders such as dementia, epilepsy, headache disorders, multiple sclerosis, neuroinfections, neurological disorders associated with malnutrition, pain associated with neurological disorders, Parkinson's disease, stroke and traumatic brain injuries. It provides information and advice on public health interventions that may reduce their occurrence and consequences, and offers health professionals and planners the opportunity to assess the burden caused by these disorders. The clear message that emerges is that unless immediate action is taken globally, the neurological burden is likely to become an increasingly serious and unmanageable.

This comprehensive reference provides a detailed overview of current concepts regarding the cause of Parkinson's disease-emphasizing the issues involved in the design, implementation, and analysis of epidemiological studies of parkinsonism.

These practice guidelines draw upon the widest relevant knowledge and evidence available to describe and inform contemporary best practice occupational therapy for people with Parkinson's disease. They include practical examples of interventions to allow occupational therapists to apply new treatments to their practice.

A new information and communication technology (ICT) has been deployed in the battle against Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that is both progressive and disabling with significant impact on quality of life. This book explains the experience following from the achieved results in the REMPARK project on Parkinson’s disease management up to the launch of a new medical product to the European market, STAT-ONTM. The new medical device, STAT-ONTM is a real Holter for the motor symptoms associated to PD. It provides objective information about the severity and distribution of PD motor symptoms and their fluctuations in daily life, allowing for an unbiased and correct monitoring of the patient. This real-time remote monitoring solution gives additional information to neurologists, opening up new possibilities for more effective treatment, more accurate control in clinical trials, and for early detection of motor complications. The number of PD patients is continuously rising, adding complexity, especially in the management at the level of public health. It is an incurable disease, with a symptomatic treatment that tries to alleviate the associated symptoms through a correct adjustment of the medication. For this reason, it is also very important to be aware of changes in the manifestation of the symptoms, which may indicate the need for an adjustment or even a change in the therapy strategy. The intensive complementary use of STAT-ONTM by neurologists, health professionals and researchers, will increase the independence and quality of life of patients, improving their disease management, and contributing to a deeper understanding of the nature of the disease.