The effects of levodopa therapy in patients with Parkinson's disease. I. Clinical response.

Eighty-eight patients with Parkinson's disease were treated with levodopa. A group of elderly patients 65 years and older was compared with a second group under the age of 65, and it was found that generally the younger patients could be treated with greater success than the older ones. Most of the elderly could not tolerate the large doses required to produce optimal physical recovery. Severity of complications forced discontinuance of treatment in a larger percentage of elderly patients. The rate of complications was about equal in the two groups, except the incidence of confusion, which was significantly higher in the elderly. Of the two deaths that occurred, both were in the older group. Results of treatment were better in patients whose families gave positive support.