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Parkinson's Disease — UKMLA MCQ

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HardNeurologyParkinson's DiseaseUKMLAMRCGP AKTPARAMRCP Part 1PSA

A 68-year-old with newly diagnosed Parkinson disease has bradykinesia and rigidity that now interfere with dressing and walking. Which first-line medicine offers the greatest motor benefit when symptoms affect quality of life?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: A — Levodopa/carbidopa therapy with safety counselling

The best answer is “Levodopa/carbidopa therapy with safety counselling”. NICE recommends offering levodopa when early motor symptoms affect quality of life. It improves activities of daily living and motor symptoms more than dopamine agonists or MAO-B inhibitors, although dyskinesia and later fluctuations are discussed. Dopamine agonists carry important sleepiness, hallucination and impulse-control risks, especially relevant in older adults.

Reference: NICE NG71: Parkinson disease in adults: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng71/chapter/Recommendations