Table 2.
Symptom | Pharmacologic management | Nonpharmacologic management |
---|---|---|
Motor symptoms | ||
Bradykinesia/rigidity |
Levodopa (trial is recommended) Amantadine (second-line) Dopamine agonist (avoid) |
Physical/occupational therapy referral |
Dysphagia |
Speech language pathologist referral Compensatory modifications Comfort feeding/PEG tube |
|
Dystonia |
Botulinum toxin (first-line) GABA agonists (use with caution) Dopaminergic/anticholinergic agents (avoid) |
Occupational therapy referral Passive stretching Guided muscle relaxation Strengthen antagonist muscles Surgical consultation (severe cases) |
Gait freezing |
Levodopa (trial is recommended) Amantadine |
Walker-mounted laser pointers Visual and rhythmic cues Arc turning |
Hypophonia | Levodopa |
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (BIG) Personal voice amplifier |
Imbalance/falls |
Levodopa (trial is recommended) Vitamin D, calcium Bisphosphonates |
Physical/occupational therapy referral Frequent exercise (treadmill) Multicomponent physical activity programs Assistive devices Bone density screening |
Motor speech difficulty |
Speech language pathologist referral MBS or FEES Augmentative and alternative communication devices |
|
Myoclonus |
Levetiracetam (use with caution) Clonazepam (use with caution) Piracetam, gabapentin, and valproic acid (no evidence for use) |
|
Pseudobulbar affect | Dextromethorphan–quinidine | Pocket education cards |
Sialorrhea |
Botulinum toxin (use with caution) Glycopyrrolate/scopolamine (avoid) |
Speech language pathologist referral Occupational therapy referral |
Tremor |
Levodopa, amantadine (rest tremor) Botulinum toxin (severe dystonic tremor) |
Adaptive devices (weighted silverware) |
Visual impairment |
Artificial tears (dry eyes) Botulinum toxin (blepharospasm, eyelid apraxia) |
Neuro-ophthomology referral (prisms) Occupational therapy referral Eyelid crutches (poorly tolerated) Tinted glasses |
Weight loss |
High-calorie supplementation Favorite foods |
|
Cognitive symptoms | ||
Executive dysfunction |
Safety screen Occupational therapy referral Compensatory technology Cardiovascular exercise Heart-healthy diet Cognitive and social engagement Address sleep or mood difficulty |
|
Aphasia |
Speech language pathologist referral Audiology screen Augmentative and alternative communication devices Compensatory communication techniques |
|
Memory dysfunction |
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (avoid if motor or behavioral problems) Memantine (avoid) |
Compensatory technology Establishment of a routine Cardiovascular exercise Heart-healthy diet Cognitive and social engagement Address sleep or mood problems |
Behavioral symptoms | ||
Problematic behaviors | SSRIs (avoid paroxetine) |
DICE model of behavioral intervention Assess for untreated medical or psychiatric problems Address untreated pain Address sleep or mood problems Environmental modification Establishment of a routine/schedule Increase activity (physical activity and hobbies) Cognitive and social engagement Caregiver education and modeling Tailored activity plan |
Anxiety/depression |
SSRIs (avoid paroxetine) SNRI/buproprion (second-line) TCAs (typically not used) ECT (refractory cases) |
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) Mindfulness yoga Guided meditation |
Apathy/inertia |
“Activating” antidepressants (e.g., SNRI) Methylphenidate (use with caution) Avoid SSRIs (may worsen apathy) |
Regular exercise Scheduled activities |
Agitation/aggression |
SSRIs (e.g., citalopram) Antipsychotics (avoid if possible) Low-dose lithium (avoid if gait problems) |
Music therapy Pet therapy Aromatherapy Massage/touch therapy See “Problematic Behaviors” |
Other symptoms | ||
Insomnia/fatigue |
Melatonin Suvorexant Trazodone (use with caution) Benzodiazepines (avoid if possible) |
Regular physical exercise Sleep hygiene Screen for sleep disordered breathing Establish a routine Strategic napping |
Urinary control |
Mirabegron Antispasmodics (e.g., tolterodine, trospium, solfenacin, darifenacin) Anticholinergics (e.g., oxybutynin; avoid if possible) Botulinum toxin |
Referral to urology Bladder training Pelvic floor exercises Electrical stimulation techniques Adult pads |
Constipation |
Polyethylene glycol, senna, lactulose Bisacodyl suppository |
Increase fluid intake High-fiber diet Regular physical activity |