Costs in the treatment of parkinsonism

Summary

Parkinson's disease imposes a considerable economic burden on our society. Apart from the direct costs for therapy., the indirect costs of the disease are estimated to be substantially higher. Unfortunately, only the high costs of current medication are usually considered, when financial aspects are discussed. An ideal therapy, should ameliorate the symptoms of the disease and achieve a high quality of life, but the prognosis should also be improved. Cost estimates have to be extended throughout the course of the disease. We recommend a treatment schedule which is expected to result in a favorable cost profile when the entire course of the disease, is considered. L-Dopa monotherapy in working patients is obsolete. During the course of the disease dopamine agonists, amantadine, budipine, COMT inhibitors and selegiline will be used.