Addressing critical care gaps in inpatient Parkinson's care – Minimizing the impact of comorbidities and developing new care delivery models

As Parkinson's disease (PD) advances, degradation in neurological function increases the likelihood of complications from other illnesses. Swallowing may worsen, putting patients at risk for aspiration pneumonia; balance and mobility may worsen, putting patients at risk for falls and fractures; and cognition may worsen, increasing the risk for confusion, delirium, and psychosis. This results in increased hospitalization rates, adverse drug effects, polypharmacy, and overall poor outcomes [ [1] Tenison E. Henderson E.J. Multimorbidity and frailty: tackling complexity in Parkinson's disease. J. Parkinsons Dis. 2020; 10: S85-S91https://doi.org/10.3233/JPD-202105 Crossref PubMed Scopus (16) Google Scholar ]. In addition to the progressive nature of the condition, comorbid illnesses may exacerbate parkinsonian symptoms and complicate care. This interplay between the medical risk associated with PD and comorbidities is critical to understand.