Parkinson's Disease: A Collaborative Approach to Addressing Non-Motor Symptoms
Disease State Management/Drug Therapy CE for Pharmacy Techs
Monograph
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Course Summary
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is often identified by its motor symptoms; however, they represent only part of the disease burden. Non-motor symptoms (NMS) are now recognized as central features of PD. These symptoms may occur before motor signs appear, develop alongside them, or progress independently. Non-motor symptoms affect nearly every aspect of daily life, including mood, sleep, memory and thinking, autonomic regulation, pain, and sensory perception. This course focuses on NMS and highlights opportunities for pharmacists to support patients and contribute to interdisciplinary care.
Recognize non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, including those that emerge during the prodromal phase
Distinguish pharmacologic strategies used to manage non-motor symptoms
Describe nonpharmacologic interventions that improve non-motor symptoms and promote quality of life
Identify interdisciplinary opportunities to support recognition, patient education, and referrals
Course Syllabus
I. Introduction
II. Epidemiology of Non-Motor Symptoms
III. Clinical Presentation
A. Categories of Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease
B. Fluctuations in Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms
C. Improving Recognition in Practice
IV. Pathophysiology of Non-Motor Symptoms
V. Diagnosis of PD: The Role of Non-Motor Symptoms
A. Non-Motor Symptoms as Diagnostic Features
B. Diagnostic Challenges
VI. Non-Pharmacologic Management of Non-Motor Symptoms
A. Physical Therapy and Exercise
B. Occupational Therapy
C. Speech and Swallowing Support
D. Nutrition and Diet
E. Mental Health and Cognitive Interventions
F. Complementary and Creative Therapies
G. Self-Management Strategies
H. Coordinating Interdisciplinary Care
VII. Practical Summary: Managing Non-Motor Symptoms
VIII. Advanced and Emerging Therapies for Non-Motor Symptoms of PD
A. Pharmacologic Therapies Targeting Non-Motor Pathways
B. Deep Brain Stimulation and Non-Motor Symptoms
C. Microbiome and Inflammation-Based Approaches
D. Non-Invasive Neuromodulation
IX. Case Study
X. Summary
- Read the course objectives and faculty planner disclosure
- Read the course material
- Complete the post-test with a minimum score of 70% and complete the course evaluation form.
- Results are automatically submitted to CPE Monitor
Faculty Planner Disclosure
The following individuals were involved in developing this activity: Kimberly Valenta, MD, Pamela Sardo, PharmD, BS, and Becca Resnik, RN. Kimberly Valenta, Pamela Sardo, and Becca Resnik have no conflicts of interest or financial relationships regarding the subject matter. There are no financial relationships or commercial or financial support relevant to this activity to report or disclose by RxCe.com or any of the individuals involved in the development of this activity.
Unlabeled Use Disclosures
The information provided in this course is general in nature and it is solely designed to provide participants with continuing education credit(s). This course and materials are not meant to substitute for the independent, professional judgment of any participant regarding that participant’s professional practice, including but not limited to patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Medical and pharmacy practices, rules, and laws vary from state to state, and this course does not cover the laws of each state; therefore, participants must consult the laws of their state as they relate to their professional practice. Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, must consult with their employer, healthcare facility, hospital, or other organization, for guidelines, protocols, and procedures they are to follow. The information provided in this course does not replace those guidelines, protocols, and procedures but is for academic purposes only, and this course’s limited purpose is for the completion of continuing education credits. Participants are advised and acknowledge that information related to medications, their administration, dosing, contraindications, adverse reactions, interactions, warnings, precautions, or accepted uses are constantly changing, and any person taking this course understands that such person must make an independent review of medication information prior to any patient assessment, diagnosis, treatment and/or health management. Any discussion of off-label use of any medication, device, or procedure is informational only and such uses are not endorsed hereby. Nothing contained in this course represents the opinions, views, judgments, or conclusions of RxCe.com LLC. RxCe.com LLC is not liable or responsible to any person for any inaccuracy, error, or omission with respect to this course, or course material.
Computer Hardware/Software Requirements
Please ensure the device you plan to use meets these requirements and specifications:
- Operating System: Windows 7,8,10, or 11 /Mac OS X 10.9 or later/iOS/Android
- Supported Browsers: Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome, Safari, Opera
- A connection to the internet
- For Live Webinars or Conferences: GoToWebinar application for iOS, Android, Mac, or PC. You cannot 'call into' a live conference.
- Target Audience: Pharmacy Tech
- Secondary Audiences: This educational activity is also for other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, physicians, or others who may be part of a healthcare team and may be interested in this educational topic. A healthcare team approach to patient care may be discussed in this activity, as applicable. No state board or professional organization has evaluated this activity to determine whether it meets the continuing education requirements of nurses, physicians, or other professions not listed under the “Target Audience” described above. Always verify with individual employers or supervisors whether they will accept this educational activity upon completion.
- Contact Hours: 3.0 (0.3 CEUs)
- Activity Release Date: 5/19/2025
- Activity Expiration Date: 5/19/2028
- Activity Type: Knowledge
- UAN: 0669-0000-25-063-H01-T
- Topic: Disease State Management/Drug Therapy
- CeBroker Number: 20-1304322
Faculty:
RxCe.com, LLC is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education.
RxCe.com, LLC, offers pharmacy technician continuing education courses for PTCB recertification. Pharmacy technician courses are indicated both in the Target Audience description and the ACPE UAN which will end with a "T".