AAN 2022 | Neuropalliative care is an emerging subspecialty

Robin Bessemer, MD, Western University, Ontario, Canada, discusses the use of palliative care for neurodegenerative diseases, in particular, atypical parkinsonism. Accumulating evidence is indicating the benefits of personalized palliative care in neurodegenerative disease for improving patients’ quality of life, disease symptoms, and outlook. However, there is still a lack of knowledge and support for patients with neurological illness. As more is learned about the disease trajectory in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and multiple system atrophy (MSA), we are gaining a greater understanding of the optimal way to implement neuropalliative care services. A multidisciplinary clinic approach will be key in the management of patients’ complex symptom burden. This interview took place at the American Academy of Neurology 2022 Congress in Seattle, WA.