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Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease does not always present with tremor. The Family Physician is often the first to encounter the patient with Parkinson’s disease and needs to be familiar with and employ the tools necessary to make the differential diagnosis. However, many Family Physicians do not have an easy to use reference and Parkinson’s disease remains under-diagnosed in Primary Care. Compounding this issue is the fact that many patients may not live in an area that is served by neurologists. This program is designed to help family physicians recognize Parkinson’s disease, diagnosis and actively manage the disease – as well as comorbidities as they arise – and help patients maintain their functional status and quality of life. This program also assists physicians in recognizing the stress of those who care for Parkinson’s patients and provides tools for caring for the caregiver.

Patient Case Study: Meeting the Challenge: A Family Physician's Guide to the Diagnosis and Management of Parkinson's Disease

This program has been designed to provide education to family physicians and other primary care providers on the diagnosis and management of Parkinson’s Disease (PD). An estimated 340,000 Americans were diagnosed with PD in 2005, a figure that is expected to grow as the population ages. PD exerts a tremendous cost, both economically and on the health-related quality of life. It affects every aspect of an individual’s life, from physical changes such as progressive motor dysfunction to cognitive and behavioral changes. It also has a significant impact on family members and other caregivers, with caregivers’ quality of life directly related to patients’ health-related quality of life. Family physicians are trained to care for the “whole” patient and family physicians are uniquely positioned to care for both the patient with Parkinson’s disease and the caregiver. Their dedication to providing a “medical home,” in which patients and their families can develop a personal relationship with their physician and the rest of the healthcare team, is particularly beneficial in the treatment of a degenerative disease like PD.

Instructions

To receive a statement of credit for up to 2 credits, you must:

  • Review the entire activity
  • Reflect on the content
  • Successfully complete the post-test with a score of 70% or higher
  • Complete the evaluation form and follow the directions to receive your certificate of credit

 

Please provide feedback on this course.

CE Credits: 1.00
Expiration Date: 07/01/2010

Patient Case Study: Identification and Management of Early Stage Parkinson's Disease

This program has been designed to provide education to family physicians and other primary care providers on the diagnosis and management of Parkinson’s Disease (PD).

 

An estimated 340,000 Americans were diagnosed with PD in 2005, a figure that is expected to grow as the population ages. PD exerts a tremendous cost, both economically and on the health-related quality of life. It affects every aspect of an individual’s life, from physical changes such as progressive motor dysfunction to cognitive and behavioral changes. It also has a significant impact on family members and other caregivers, with caregivers’ quality of life directly related to patients’ health-related quality of life.

 

Family physicians are trained to care for the “whole” patient and family physicians are uniquely positioned to care for both the patient with Parkinson’s disease and the caregiver. Their dedication to providing a “medical home,” in which patients and their families can develop a personal relationship with their physician and the rest of the healthcare team, is particularly beneficial in the treatment of a degenerative disease like PD.


Instructions

To receive a statement of credit for up to 2 credits, you must:

  • Review the entire activity
  • Reflect on the content
  • Successfully complete the post-test with a score of 70% or higher
  • Complete the evaluation form and follow the directions to receive your certificate of credit

 

Please provide feedback on this program.

CE Credits: 1.00
Expiration Date: 07/01/2010