Spotlight on the October 11 Issue

Abstract

This study investigated whether the cumulative exposure of levodopa was a factor in accelerating the disease process in 96 patients with Parkinson disease. No link was established based on measurements of nigral neuronal counts and Lewy body densities, providing support for the safe institution of early levodopa therapy. See p. 1420 From editorialists LeWitt, Dubow, and Singer: “Based on the limits of what is known, clinicians should realize that the notion of levodopa-induced toxicity is at best hypothetical and with considerable counterevidence, including the current study presented by Parkkinen et al.” See p. 1414 From …