ABSTRACT
Existing medical and surgical treatments for Parkinson's disease are only partially effective in relieving the motor and non-motor symptoms, leaving all patients with the prospect of increasing disability and dependency. This chapter aims to consider what we know of the use of complementary approaches to health in those with Parkinson's disease and the little evidence that is available. In 1997 the Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) UK carried out a survey of its membership of around 25000, and received over 2000 replies. The low response rate and the potential bias mean that the results should be interpreted with caution. However, the results are consistent with subsequent smaller-scale surveys that point both to a high level of interest in, and use of, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, with similar choices and preferences being made. Clearly, many patients see a role for CAM approaches in the overall management of their Parkinson's.
