To successfully educate and advocate on behalf of people with Parkinson's disease and their family members and caregivers, nurses and other health professionals need a working knowledge of current trends in the medical management of Parkinson's. The goal of treatment is to gain control over the symptoms of the disease and promote the best possible quality of life for patients and their families. This paper provides an overview of current approaches to the medical management of Parkinson's. It explores the challenges encountered when treating people with young-onset Parkinson's and those who experience medication side effects, in particular the increasingly recognised impulsive/compulsive behavioural disorders associated with some classes of medication. The key role of the nurse in symptom monitoring and promoting compliance with medication regimens is emphasised.