[Drug treatment is beneficial also for elderly patients with Parkinson disease. Important to consider also other co-existing diseases].

Parkinson's disease is a relatively common disorder in elderly patients. With carefully performed treatment a considerable improvement can be seen also in patients of high age. L-dopa as well as other antiparkinsonian drugs should be used in lower doses than those subscribed for younger patients. Cognitive decline implies a certain risk for mental confusion, in which case the dose of the causing agent has to be lowered or the treatment interrupted.