Parkinson's Disease Treatment

Parkinson's Disease Treatment

There is no standard treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Treatment for Parkinson’s disease relies on a combination of lifestyle changes, medications and therapies.

Adequate rest, exercise and a balanced diet are important lifestyle changes to make. Speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy can also help to improve communication and your quality of life.

In almost all cases, medication will be required to help control the various physical and mental health symptoms associated with the condition. Parkinson’s disease is essentially a decrease in levels of dopamine, which is a chemical in the brain that facilitates normal bodily movement. The medication is targeted at increasing levels of dopamine in the brain.

Medication for Parkinson's Disease

Levodopa - Levodopa is the most common treatment for Parkinson’s disease. It helps to replenish dopamine levels in the brain. Levodopa is generally given with carbidopa. Carbidopa delays the breakdown of levodopa which in turn improves the efficiency of levodopa.

Dopamine agonists - Dopamine agonists can imitate the action of dopamine in the brain. Examples of dopamine agonists are bromocriptine, pramipexole, and ropinirole.

Anticholinergics - Anticholinergics are used to block the nervous system that is faulty in Parkinson’s disease. They can help with rigidity. Benztropine and trihexyphenidyl are some of the anticholinergic drugs available.

Amantadine - Amantadine can be used along with carbidopa-levodopa. It’s a glutamate blocking drug. It offers short-term relief for some of the side effects of levodopa.

COMT inhibitors - Catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors prolong the effect of levodopa. Entacapone and tolcapone are examples of COMT inhibitors.

Monoamine oxidase B (MAO B) inhibitors - MAO B inhibitors inhibit the monoamine oxidase B enzyme. This enzyme breaks down dopamine in the brain. Selegiline and rasagiline are examples of MAO B inhibitors.

Regardless of the type of medication that your doctor has chosen, commit to using it correctly to protect your health and quality of life.

Written by Dr Ruusa Shivute | Health Window

Reference: Beitz JM. Parkinson's disease: a review. Front Biosci (Schol Ed). 2014 Jan 1;6:65-74

March 19, 2021 | Categories: Health Window, Parkinson’s Disease

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