Determining the efficacy of rasagiline in reducing bradykinesia among Parkinson's disease patients: a review.

BACKGROUND

Bradykinesia has a significant impact on the lives of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Consequently, treating this symptom is of particular concern for patients and clinicians. A number of studies have documented the efficacy of rasagiline in reducing the severity of PD symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize studies that specifically examined the impact of rasagiline on bradykinesia symptoms in PD patients across disease severity.

METHODS

The EMBASE database was searched for relevant articles published between 2000 and November 2010.

RESULTS

Three studies were identified that explicitly examined the effect of rasagiline on the bradykinesia subscale of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor examination. In each, 1 mg/day rasagiline significantly reduced bradykinesia scores in patients.

CONCLUSION

As a monotherapy or an adjunctive therapy, rasagiline is an effective drug for reducing the severity of bradykinesia in PD patients.