Putting the patient first: Should general practitioners start people with probable Parkinson's disease on levodopa while awaiting diagnostic confirmation?

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease poses challenges for timely diagnosis and specialist care, particularly in rural areas. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to assist general practitioners (GPs) who wish to collaborate with their patient with probable Parkinson's disease to improve access to appropriate medication when there might be a delay in obtaining a confirmatory diagnosis from a Parkinson's disease specialist. The feasibility and rationale for commencing levodopa as well as an approach to initiating and monitoring its response are discussed. The importance of educating patients and caregivers, encouraging exercise and building a multidisciplinary team to optimise care is also discussed. DISCUSSION: The literature supports early levodopa initiation in probable Parkinson's disease to improve a patient's quality of life. The presented approach offers GPs effective management strategies that enhance patient care and mitigate the risks of delayed treatment.<p></p>