| Abstract | | Background. The article reviews modern concept of drug treatment of Parkinson's disease. If our patients is functionally bandicapped or socially embarrased there is no reason to delay the treatment in a false belief that we may worsen the long-term prognosis of the disease. MAO-B inhibitors are belived by some to slowdown the degenerative process. A sensible choice of medication may keep the patient in a satisfactory state for a long time, and in later stages, an appropriate combination of drugs may minimiye complications seen in advanced Parkinson's disease. The most common adverse events in the course of treatment are described and their management is outlined. While the duration of "on" periods can be increased by various therapeutic strategies, levodoparelated dyskinesias are aften resistant to any treatment; drug induced psychoses are generally more manageable. Conclusions. If contemporary concepts are followed in the management of Parkinson's disease, the majority of patients hould remain independent for many years to come, and their life expectancy should be much longer. The patient-even if seemingly "uncomplicated". - should be seen by a specialist once a year. The referral enables neurologist to check diagnosis in early years and to ascertain the most appropriate drug combinations, their dosage and timing in advanced stages.
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