Diagnosis and treatment of hallucinations in elderly palliative care patients with Parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Parkinson's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disease. Until recently, the treatment was focused on dopamine deficiency and enabling patient activity. Much less attention was paid to the cognitive impairment and non-motor symptoms of the disease. Dementia, hallucinations and delusions are the most common cognitive disorder influencing a patient's quality of life. Hallucinations are probably the most common and bothersome non-motoric symptom. This paper discusses the diagnosis and treatment of hallucinations with atypical antipsychotics and possible alternatives. We also suggest a sensible approach for patients with hallucinations and delusions.