The direct costs of the disease reflect a small portion of the burden. The hidden costs, in the form of lost wages, informal care, and changing roles are substantial. Their magnitude is even more important when we consider that the family generally lives on a fixed income, and the caregiver is an older aged spouse. Medical practitioners will best be able to intervene if they look holistically at the patient with this disease. When treating symptoms themselves, practitioners need to be aware of the high level of pain, fatigue, and depression associated with PD, even in the early stages. The results demonstrate clearly that family relationships are affected early, indicating the importance of providing early referrals to services such as home health, social workers/counseling, and well as PD support groups.

Study results demonstrate that improvements in axial mobility and physical performance can be achieved with a 10-week exercise program for people in the early and midstages of PD.

Hospice patients usually transfer to facilities to accomplish goals consistent with good end-of-life care. We can improve their experience by treating patients and their caregivers as unique individuals, exploring and respecting treatment preferences, and creating a pleasant physical environment.