Other medications, likedopamine agonistsoramantadine, may also reduce symptoms.
Surgery, likedeep brain stimulation, is generally reserved for those who have exhausted their medication options.
This article will review the medical and surgical treatments for Parkinson’s disease.
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Parkinson’s disease results from the death of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain.
Parkinson’s Disease Is Incurable
Parkinson’s disease cannot be reversed.
Also, there are no medical therapies that can slow or stop the disease from progressing.
That said, the numerous treatment options available can ease symptoms, providing comfort to live well again.
Medication for Parkinsons
There are several medication options for treating Parkinson’s.
Dopaminergic Medications
Dopaminergic(relating to dopamine) therapy lies at the crux of PD treatment.
Dopaminergic medications fall into four main categories, listed in declining order of dopamine potency.
Levodopa works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain and is often prescribed in combination with carbidopa.
Some brand names for carbidopa/levodopa include Crexont and Sinemet.
Two possible exceptions to starting PD treatment with levodopa include:
What Is Dyskinesia?
Dyskinesia is abnormal muscle movements like rapid jerking that are out of a person’s control.
Approximately 80% of people being treated for PD develop levodopa-induced dyskinesia in the advanced stages of the disease.
Dopamine Agonists
Dopamine agonists are medications that stimulate dopamine receptors (docking sites) in the brain.
They can be taken alone or in combination with levodopa.
Dopamine agonists include:
MAO-B Inhibitors
MAO-B inhibitors block or decrease monoamine oxidase B.
This enzyme breaks down dopamine in the brain.
It may also blockglutamatedocking sites in the brain.
Glutamate is a brain chemical involved in altered nerve cell communication in PD.
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergic drugs decrease the action ofacetylcholine, a brain chemical that helps regulate movement.
It works by preventing the breakdown of dopamine.
What Are “Off Periods”?
“Off periods” are when a person’s PD symptoms return.
This happens randomly and unpredictably or because the levodopa wears off in the body sooner than expected.
Deep brain stimulation(DBS) is the most common brain surgery to treat Parkinson’s disease.
DBS involves aneurosurgeonfirst placing an electrode deep within the brain in an area that regulates movement.
The implantable pulse generator delivers electrical signals to the electrode in the brain via a wire under the skin.
The immediate delivery of the drug to the intestines also reduces “off” periods.
The surgeon then opens up the skull and destroys the tissue using radiofrequency in that area.
These foods have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help nourish the brain.
Likewise, a physical therapist can help you devise an exercise program that fits your unique goals and needs.
This connection provides information about Parkinson’s treatment centers across the United States and a few other countries.
They also provide information aboutPD-related clinical trials.
Medication is the mainstay treatment, especially levodopa, a drug that increases dopamine levels in the brain.
Drugs like dopamine agonists, amantadine, or anticholinergics may also be prescribed.
Surgery for Parkinson’s is sometimes considered when medications stop working well.
Exercise and nutrition are also essential components of a Parkinson’s care plan.
These supportive therapies can improve symptoms and quality of life and may help slow the disease down.
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Armstrong MJ, Okun MS.Diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson disease: a review.JAMA.
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