The Early Treatment Phase in Parkinson’s Disease: Not a Honeymoon for All, Not a Honeymoon at All?

Abstract

The discovery of levodopa in the late 60 s of twentieth century was a ‘golden moment’ for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Unfortunately, clinical experience showed that some symptoms escaped from symptomatic control, and long-term complications developed. Back then, neurologists coined the term “honeymoon period” for the early phase of uncomplicated response to levodopa, and it continues to be used in scientific literature. However, medical terms are no longer restricted to professionals, and few people with PD relate to the notion of a “honeymoon”. We examine the reasons why this term, once helpful, but inaccurate and inappropriate, should be abandoned.

Paradigm shift in Parkinson's disease: using continuous telemonitoring to improve symptoms control. Results from a 2-years journey

“…In this study, the average change in treatment was minimal, resulting in an LEDD of 255.6 mg (from 799.6 to 1,055.2 mg) ( Table 1 ). Although there are periods lasting up to several years in which pharmacological treatment could extremely efficiently control symptoms, the majority of PD patients will experience ineffective symptom management during disease course ( 28 ). For instance, the patient illustrated at Figure 2 shows improved symptoms control, which, however, was accompanied with an increased L-Dopa of about 800 mg during the 2 year follow-up period.…”