Potential influences of complementary therapy on motor and non-motor complications in Parkinson's disease

CNS Drugs. 2009 Oct;23(10):817-35. doi: 10.2165/11310860-000000000-00000.

Abstract

Nearly two-thirds of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) use vitamins or nutritional supplements, and many more may use other complementary therapies, yet <50% of patients have discussed the use of these complementary therapies with a healthcare professional. Physicians should be aware of the complementary therapies their patients with PD are using, and the possible effects of these therapies on motor and non-motor symptoms. Complementary therapies, such as altered diet, dietary supplements, vitamin therapy, herbal supplements, caffeine, nicotine, exercise, physical therapy, massage therapy, melatonin, bright-light therapy and acupuncture, may all influence the symptoms of PD and/or the effectiveness of dopaminergic therapy. Preliminary evidence suggests complementary therapy also may influence non-motor symptoms of PD, such as respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, mood disorders, sleep and orthostatic hypotension. Whenever possible, clinicians should ensure that complementary therapy is used appropriately in PD patients without reducing the benefits of dopaminergic therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Complementary Therapies / methods*
  • Complementary Therapies / trends
  • Humans
  • Mood Disorders / complications
  • Mood Disorders / psychology
  • Mood Disorders / therapy
  • Motor Skills Disorders / complications
  • Motor Skills Disorders / psychology
  • Motor Skills Disorders / therapy
  • Parkinson Disease / complications*
  • Parkinson Disease / psychology
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy*