Information Mentors Curriculum Traineeship Preceptors and Site Richard C. Berchou, Pharm. Michigan Approximately 25 outpatients with Parkinson s disease are seen weekly at the Clinical Neuroscience Center, ranging in severity from newly diagnosed to those with severe motor fluctuations.
Patients vary widely in disability, age of onset, and responsiveness to medications.
Often, their clinic visits permit the variability in medical responses to be observed. The neurological problems range from alternative clinical diagnoses, control of medication adverse effects, drug interactions, dementia and depression, adjustment of levodopa therapy, and the use of adjunctive medications. Several clinical trials of new anti-Parkinsonian medications are ongoing in the clinic, and participants in the traineeship can observe clinical ratings and other study methods. As a regular part of their experience, participants will meet daily with patients and their families to discuss medication responses and other management issues. Participants will prepare write-ups on management of selected patients.