The term “parkinsonism” refers to a set of signs and symptoms that look like Parkinson’s disease, but which may also be caused by commonly used medications. It is common in nursing homes.

In this video for long-term care workers, Dr. Joseph Friedman, a movement disorder specialist affiliated with Brown University, visits a well-run nursing home with his research associate, Margaret Lannon, RN. It is not difficult for them to find examples of parkinsonism — none of which had been recognized by physicians or staff.

“Parkinsonism is bad for people,” Dr. Friedman concludes. “It increases the risk of falls. It reduces mobility. It leads to greater dependency, and it has a bad prognosis. I think recognizing it will lead people to see drug effects more often and perhaps choose more appropriate drugs.”

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