New Diagnosis Workshop: Treatment and Management (2024)

In this webinar, Dr. Melissa Mackenzie from the UBC Movement Disorder Clinic discussed treatment options for managing Parkinson's disease, emphasizing an individualized approach. She highlighted exercise as the most effective strategy for slowing disease progression, stressing its importance alongside medication.

Dr. Mackenzie explained that treatment plans should reflect each patient's specific symptoms and goals, with medication introduced based on need. She reviewed levodopa as the cornerstone drug, noting its effectiveness and potential side effects, while clarifying common misconceptions about its long-term use. Non-motor symptoms, such as mood changes and sleep disturbances, were also addressed, requiring separate management strategies. Advanced treatments like Deep Brain Stimulation and intestinal gel therapy were mentioned for complex cases. Throughout the webinar, Dr. Mackenzie reinforced the need for tailored care that evolves with each patient’s condition.

**Disclaimer: These sessions are designed to provide general education and are not intended for individual advice and/or clinical care. The information conveyed in this recording was accurate at the time of presentation.**