Parkinson's disease primer.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the primary motor symptoms of bradykinesia, muscle rigidity, resting tremor, and postural instability. PD most often affects people older than 65, although it does occur at younger ages. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of the pathophysiology of PD and a review of current literature, assessment and diagnostic techniques, therapeutic interventions, and management protocols. Treatment goals are twofold: short-term treatment to alleviate symptoms and reverse functional disability and long-term treatment to maintain effectiveness and limit pharmacologic complications.