Evaluation and Intervention of the Client with Parkinson’s Disease

Roughly 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) each year. 10 million people around the world currently have PD, and it is estimated that almost 1 million people in the United States will have PD in 2020 (Parkinson’s Foundation, 2020). Many allied health professionals enter the field with a broad understanding of neurologic rehabilitation but lack specific training in the differential diagnosis, examination, and management of clients with PD. Currently, research in the occupational therapy management of individuals with PD is quite robust, resulting in an ever-changing field of practice in response to new research findings. Therapists might lack information regarding the most valid diagnostic tests and measures and the most current evidence-based treatment techniques. Recent studies have developed new assessment techniques such as the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest) and shorter versions called the Mini-BESTest (Duncan et al., 2013) and the Brief-BESTest (Padgett et al., 2012). Although it has been well established that rehabilitation therapies, such as physical and occupational therapy, are beneficial for people with PD (Tomlinson et al., 2012), evidence on best treatments is still growing. 

This intermediate course is designed to provide occupational therapists (OT) with the information needed to appropriately evaluate and treat the client with PD, including differential diagnosis of individuals who exhibit signs and symptoms indicative of PD. In addition, the learner will be able to manage clients with PD by designing a comprehensive treatment program based on the use of appropriate outcome measures. Equipped with the most current evidence, the learner will be able to discuss and critically evaluate interventions directed at the specific body structure and function, occupational performance, and participation deficits associated with PD