ATMRD 2025

Pharmacological treatment of Parkinson’s disease has evolved over time from the first landmark trials of L-dopa through today’s newer formulations and adjunctive medications. This session describes the landmark medication trials that every clinician should know and the major lessons drawn from each, with a focus on the evolution that has led to improved control of parkinsonian symptoms.

Although L-dopa/carbidopa is the mainstay of treatment for Parkinson’s disease, its benefits begin to fluctuate over time. This session considers the available adjunctive medications that can be integrated into the treatment regimen to help manage the fluctuations and customize care as Parkinson’s progresses. Studies evaluating promising medications in development will also be described.

The effects of L-dopa/carbidopa begin to fluctuate over time in people with Parkinson’s disease, leading to so-called OFF episodes that interfere with quality of life. This session discusses the on-demand therapies that can help provide relief for OFF episodes and how/when to use them. Emphasis is placed on results of clinical trials that document timing and optimal use of these medications.

Nearly all people with Parkinson’s experience non-motor symptoms prior to motor manifestations, and additional non-motor features typically develop as the disease progresses. Non-motor symptoms can be among the most bothersome for patients and are critical to address. This session focuses on common non-motor symptoms, describing their timing in the disease course and pharmacological treatment.

Not all patients with Parkinson’s disease fit the textbook description. Fortunately, many of these patients benefit from the right combination of medications. In this panel discussion, experts consider challenging cases of Parkinson’s disease to help clinicians identify when and how to use different levodopa-based formulations and adjunctive therapies.