Efficacy of cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine on symptoms not responsive to levodopa in patients affected by Parkinson's disease without dementia: a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) is primarily characterised by parkinsonism due to nigro-striatal dopaminergic denervation. While therapeutic strategies have traditionally focused on compensating for dopaminergic deficit, growing evidence reveals an involvement of cholinergic and glutamatergic pathways in the pathogenesis of the motor and non-motor manifestations of the disease. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the efficacy of cholinesterase inhibitors (ChIs) and memantine (glutamate receptor antagonist) in patients affected by PD without dementia on motor (gait, balance) and non-motor (cognitive, behavioural, sleep and autonomic) symptoms usually poorly responsive to levodopa.

Methods

A systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was c

SUBMITTER: Cani I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12320054 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature