Parkinson’s Disease Medications Prescribing and Falls Assessment in Older Persons Movement Disorder Clinic

Abstract

Abstract Background Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder. It is the second most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s. The movement disorder clinic for Older Persons is well established in the Mater Hospital for years. Patients are followed regularly, and multiple domains are assessed including UPDRS (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale), medications, and falls. Methods A retrospective audit of patient’s clinic letters was performed for a sample of 48 patients over a 5months period. Inclusion criteria was; idiopathic Parkinson's Disease and ≥ 65 years old. Exclusion criteria was; atypical parkinsonism and virtual consultations. The audit had two sections; medications profile and falls assessment. A retrospective audit of patient’s clinic letters was performed for a sample of 48 patients over a 5months period. Inclusion criteria was; idiopathic Parkinson's Disease and ≥ 65 years old. Exclusion criteria was; atypical parkinsonism and virtual consultations. The audit had two sections; medications profile and falls assessment. Results Of the total number of 48 patients audited, 65% were females and 35% were males. The majority (83%) of patients were ≥75yrs of age, and 17% age 65-75yrs, with mean age of 83years old. 68.8% didn’t have the year of diagnosis documented. 88% were on levodopa/decarboxylase inhibitor, 29% on MAOB-I (6% only on it as first line), 17% on dopamine agonist, 2% on Amantadine. 83% of the patients had assessment of falls reflected on history taking and lying (sitting)/standing BP documentation. Of which 60% had no falls, and 21% had evidence of postural drop. Conclusion Most of the patients attending the clinic were 75 years of age or older. Levodopa combined with a decarboxylase inhibitor was the most commonly used medication in this cohort of patients. The majority of patients had falls assessments conducted and documented. However, for most patients, the year of diagnosis was not recorded.