Promising non-pharmacological therapies in PD: Targeting late stage disease and the role of computer based cognitive training

S. C. F. Van de Weijer, A. L. A. J. Hommel, B. R. Bloem*, J. Nonnekes, N. M. De Vries

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Non-pharmacological interventions are increasingly being acknowledged as valuable treatment options to overcome or reduce functional problems in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). There is a wide range of such non-pharmacological treatments for which the supportive evidence is emerging. Physiotherapy is one good example in this domain. However, there are also several promising non pharmacological treatment strategies that have thus far received less research attention. Here, we describe two relatively new, but encouraging approaches. First, we focus on a hitherto largely overseen subgroup of PD, namely those with late-stage disease, a population that is often excluded from clinical studies. Importantly, the aims and therapeutic strategies in late-stage PD differ considerably from those in early-stage PD, and an emphasis on non-pharmacological management is particularly important for this vulnerable subgroup. Second, we focus on computer-based cognitive training, as an example of a relatively new intervention that includes innovative elements such as personalized training, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality. We review the latest evidence, practical considerations and future research perspectives, both for non-pharmacological approaches in late-stage PD and for computer based cognitive training. (C) 2017 Published by ElSevier Ltd.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)S42-S46
Number of pages5
JournalParkinsonism & Related Disorders
Volume46
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018
Event22nd World Congress of the International-Association-of-Parkinsonism-and-Related-Disorders - Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM, Ho Chi Minh City
Duration: 1 Jan 2018 → …

Keywords

  • Parkinson's disease
  • Non-pharmacological treatment
  • Late-stage Parkinson's disease
  • Cognitive rehabilitation
  • Gaming
  • Technology
  • Future perspective
  • RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED-TRIAL
  • ADVANCED PARKINSONS-DISEASE
  • PALLIATIVE CARE
  • VIRTUAL-REALITY
  • REHABILITATION
  • EXERCISE
  • EFFICACY
  • PROGRAM
  • PEOPLE
  • REDUCE

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