Palliative care in Parkinson disease and related disorders

Abstract

Although neuropalliative care is a relatively new field, there is increasing evidence for its use among the degenerative parkinsonian syndromes, including idiopathic Parkinson disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple system atrophy, dementia with Lewy bodies, and corticobasal syndrome. This chapter outlines the current state of evidence for palliative care among individuals with the degenerative parkinsonian syndromes with discussion surrounding: (1) disease burden and needs across the conditions; (2) utility, timing, and methods for advance care planning; (3) novel care models for the provision of palliative care; and 4) end-of-life care issues. We also discuss currently unmet needs and unanswered questions in the field, proposing priorities for research and the assessment of implemented care models.

Keywords: Advance care planning; Corticobasal syndrome; End-of-life care; Hospice; Movement disorders; Multiple system atrophy; Palliative care; Parkinson disease; Parkinsonian disorders; Progressive supranuclear palsy; Quality of life.