Date Approved

2026

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Health Sciences

Committee Member

Michael Switzer, Ph. D.

Committee Member

Shannon Murray, M.H.S.

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) has a clear lack of dosing guidelines or standard treatment protocols, leaving physicians to develop individualized treatment plans to handle the needs of PD patients. The long-term progressive nature of Parkinson’s requires consistent care and updates to medication regimens. This puts significant strain on the healthcare systems tasked with treating them. With an increasing number of Parkinson’s patients and a plateau of professionals to care for them, patients may soon experience decreased physician availability, longer wait times, and worse quality of life outcomes. This study evaluated the relationship between PD motor symptoms, measured through the MDS-UPDRS Part III, and Levodopa Equivalent Daily Dosage (LEDD), measured with daily Sinemet immediate-release dosages. The intent of this study was to find commonalities between patients to provide more concrete progression and treatment guidelines. From this comparison, it was learned that no direct measurable relationship could be found between the two variables. This demonstrated the complex nature of treating PD over time, and the need for consistent physician attention. The growing number of PD patients and a plateau of physicians to treat them will continue to strain healthcare systems. Though no clinical recommendations could be concluded from this analysis, the economic impact of poor care and decreased quality of life warrants continued investment in both PD research and staff with the expertise needed to treat PD.

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