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Date of Award
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Sophie Farley
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a complicated neurodegenerative condition with distinct motor subtypes that require tailored management approaches. While levodopa remains the cornerstone of therapy, response rates and disease progression vary significantly among patients, particularly between tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease (TD-PD) and postural instability/gait difficulty (PIGD) subtypes. Clinicians often struggle to distinguish these motor subtypes and apply evidence-based, subtype-specific management strategies. This reviews the latest research on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of PD motor subtypes, providing clinicians with practical guidance on optimizing pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions to individualize treatment plans. Improved recognition and management of PD motor subtypes will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes, reducing fall risk, medication-related complications, and functional decline.
Recommended Citation
Desai, Dev, "Parkinson’s Disease Motor Subtypes: Classification, Pathophysiology, Manifestations, and Tailored Treatment Strategies" (2025). Capstone Showcase. 44.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2025/pa/44
Parkinson’s Disease Motor Subtypes: Classification, Pathophysiology, Manifestations, and Tailored Treatment Strategies
Parkinson's disease is a complicated neurodegenerative condition with distinct motor subtypes that require tailored management approaches. While levodopa remains the cornerstone of therapy, response rates and disease progression vary significantly among patients, particularly between tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease (TD-PD) and postural instability/gait difficulty (PIGD) subtypes. Clinicians often struggle to distinguish these motor subtypes and apply evidence-based, subtype-specific management strategies. This reviews the latest research on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of PD motor subtypes, providing clinicians with practical guidance on optimizing pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions to individualize treatment plans. Improved recognition and management of PD motor subtypes will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes, reducing fall risk, medication-related complications, and functional decline.