Multidisciplinary approach intervention involving medication instruction and environmental adjustment using assistive devices for preventing falls in a patient with Parkinson’s disease: A case report.

<p>Objective: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by postural instability and freezing of gait. To date, the efficacy of exercise, oral medication and education related falls in patients with PD are well known. However, the effectiveness of multidisciplinary approach including oral medication and environmental adjustment in preventing falls in patients with PD remains unknown. This study aimed to clarify the effectiveness of multidisciplinary approach in preventing falls in a patient with PD.</p><p>Methods: A female patient in her early 70’s with PD with postural instability and freezing of gait underwent physical therapy including environmental adjustment.</p><p>Results: The total number of falls during the two-year follow-up was 164. Handrails were installed in the kitchen and living room in month Y+11. The number of falls increased over time: the patient fell 19 times in month Y+13. Although she had not been taking laxatives since her first visit, she resumed oral medication of laxatives in month Y+14. From Y+15 months onwards, she adapted to the moving environment, by which the number of falls decreased to less than 9 times, approximately half of that in month Y+13.</p><p>Conclusions: Regarding fall prevention in patients with PD at home, multidisciplinary approach according to the characteristics of the disease would be effective, in addition to appropriate oral medication. </p>