2020 Volume 37 Issue 5 Pages 728-731
We review reports published in 2019 providing new information on the management of Parkinson's disease (PD). L–dopa inhalation powder and sublingual apomorphine are effective on the motor symptom of off–state of PD patients. Rasagiline is safe and effective in monotherapy for patients with early–stage of PD. Zonisamide is effective against parkinsonism in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). An oral preparation of nicotine has a significant improvement in scores of falls and freezing gait. Nicotine gum is effective for hypotension in PD patients. Fesoterodine improved nocturia and urinary urgency in PD patients. Percutaneous vagal nerve stimulation for PD patients with gastrointestinal complaints is a potential device for the non–invasive improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms. Incobotulinumotoxin A is effective on PD hypersalivation. Vinpocetine and intranasal insulin are effective for symptoms of cognitive impairment of PD. Aerobic exercise using gamed–virtual reality software and body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) were reported to be effective for PD. Probiotics significantly improved PD symptoms, and a significant improvement effect of licorice on motor symptoms was also reported. Treatment methods using medical devices are also advancing, such as Proprioceptive Focal Stimulation (Equistasi®) by nanotechnology equipment, high–frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) have been reported. Simultaneous stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and substantia nigra reticulata (SNr) is effective for restless leg syndrome and nocturnal motor symptoms. A method that directly targets the dentatoruburothamic tract (DRTT) under the guidance of diffusion tensor imaging and tractography (DTIT) improves the tremor of PD patients. Finally, caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) using a device called Thermo Neuro Modulation (TNM™) improves motor and non–motor symptoms of PD.