Stemming the Tide: The Proactive Role of Allied Health Therapy in Parkinson's Disease

Miriam R. Rafferty*, Erin R. Foster, Angela Christine Roberts, Kevin A. Smaller, Lynn L. Johnson, Rachael A. Lawson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Motor and nonmotor symptoms occur in early Parkinson's disease (PD), or even in the prodromal stage. Many of these symptoms can be addressed by allied health therapies, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological therapies. However, referrals to these services early in the disease are low. We provide a review summarizing the efficacy of proactive allied health interventions on motor and nonmotor symptoms and daily function in prodromal and early disease. We also highlight areas for additional research and provide recommendations to improve care for individuals with early PD within each discipline. We recognize the overlapping roles of the allied health disciplines and support integrated or transdisciplinary care beginning soon after diagnosis to help stem the tide in the progression of PD symptoms and disability. Plain Language Summary Many people with Parkinson's disease start having symptoms years before their diagnosis. These symptoms can affect movement, communication, mood, work, and other aspects of daily life. Allied health therapies can be used soon after diagnosis, or even when diagnosis is suspected, to address these challenges proactively. This article reviews the roles of physical, occupational, speech, and psychological therapies. We highlight interventions for early Parkinson's disease that are strongly supported by research, such as exercise and self-management.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)S7-S19
JournalJournal of Parkinson's disease
Volume14
Issue numbers1
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 13 2024

Funding

MRR received grant support from the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development of the National Institutes of Health (R01HD110668), the United States Department of Defence Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (W81XWH-19-PRP-EIRA), and the Parkinson\u2019s Foundation. ERF received grant support from the National Institute on Aging (R01AG065214). ACR\u2019s research reported in this article was supported in part by the Canada Research Chairs program. RAL is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre and by grants from Parkinson\u2019s UK (F-1801). These contents, however, do not necessarily represent the policy or endorsement of any of the funding sources.

Keywords

  • Allied health occupations
  • applied psychology
  • exercise
  • interdisciplinary research
  • occupational therapy
  • Parkinson's disease
  • physical therapy
  • speech therapy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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