J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 44(4); 2026 > Article
Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2026;44(4): 266-286. doi: https://doi.org/10.17340/jkna.2026.0040
파킨슨병 비운동 증상의 진단과 치료의 임상적 접근
이상진, 신혜원
중앙대학교 의과대학 중앙대학교병원 신경과
Clinical Approach of Diagnosis and Management of Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease
Sangjin Lee MD, Hae-Won Shin MD, PhD
Department of Neurology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
Corresponding Author: Hae-Won Shin ,Tel: +82-2-6299-1503, Email: shinhw@cau.ac.kr
Received: May 29, 2026   Revised: June 17, 2026   Accepted: June 18, 2026   Published online: November 1, 2026
Abstract
Non-motor symptoms are common and clinically important manifestations of Parkinson disease (PD), often occurring from the prodromal stage and throughout the disease course. Although PD has traditionally been defined by motor features, non-motor symptoms substantially affect quality of life, functional independence, caregiver burden, and longterm outcomes. These symptoms are frequently underrecognized because patients may not attribute them to PD and clinicians may focus primarily on motor complications. This review summarizes a practical clinical approach to the diagnosis and management of major nonmotor symptoms in PD, with emphasis on applicability to routine neurological practice in Korea. The main domains covered include neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and impulse control disorders; cognitive impairment; autonomic dysfunction; sleep disorders; pain; and fatigue. For each domain, appropriate screening tools, clinical assessment strategies, differential diagnostic considerations, and treatment options are reviewed. Pharmacological treatment should be individualized according to symptom pattern, disease stage, motor fluctuation, comorbidities, cognitive status, and potential adverse effects. Non-pharmacological interventions, including exercise, cognitive behavioral therapy, sleep hygiene, behavioral therapy for urinary symptoms, environmental modification for REM sleep behavior disorder, and multidisciplinary care, are also important components of management. Because non-motor symptoms are often interrelated, comprehensive and repeated assessment is essential. Early recognition, structured evaluation, individualized treatment, and patient-caregiver education may improve clinical outcomes and quality of life in patients with PD.
Key Words: Parkinson disease | Signs and symptoms | Diagnosis | Therapeutics


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