Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinsons treatment is chiefly based on the use of medications. In Parkinsons disease (PD), the neurotransmitter dopamine is either missing or the receptors have become insensitive to dopamine. Thus, all medications work by either increasing the manufacture of dopamine in the brain or by increasing receptor sensitivity.
The classic treatment for Parkinsons disease is the use of L dopa. In the body, L-dopa is converted to dopamine. However, to prevent side effects from dopamine, the drug is also combined with carbidopa so that no dopamine is formed in the rest of the body except the brain. As the disease progresses, the benefits of L-dopa become less consistent and decrease. When this happens, other drugs are initiated. Other common dopamine drugs for Parkinson’s disease include Pramipexole, ropinirole and rotigotine. Other alternative drugs include Selegiline, Tolcapone and amantadine. The choice of medication is based on your response and tolerance to side effects. Unfortunately, all drugs for treatment of parkinsons disease have side effects which vary from dry mouth, nausea, constipation, urine retention and involuntary muscle movements.
Physical therapy is also a highly recommended treatment for Parkinsons disease. Not only do these exercises maintain good health but they also help improve joint function, relieve rigidity and improve balance. There is no specific physical therapy exercise that can cure Parkinson disease. Moreover speech therapy can help improve speech and swallowing.
Surgical treatment for Parkinsons is not the first option. Many surgical procedures have been developed but only deep brain stimulation is of any help. The procedure requires implantation of electrodes deep within the brain. The electrodes are controlled with a pacemaker placed underneath the skin. Once the pacemaker is turned on, it helps decrease tremors. Deep brain stimulation is only of benefit for people who have responded to l dopa in the past. The technique can help decrease involuntary movements and stabilize the response of medications. However, surgery also has risks which includes bleeding, infection and a stroke. Plus, the pacemaker battery has to be replaced every few years.
Treatment for Parkinsons also requires making changes in life style. This means eating healthy with a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Since constipation is a problem with PD, it is important to eat fiber and drink lots of liquids.
Walking should be done with care. This may mean using a cane to help balance and improve gait.
To avoid falls one should never make sudden movements or lean too far forwards or backwards. Never carry things while walking as it may tilt the balance.
Dressing is difficult for most patients with moderate to severe PD. The loss of fine control movements can make it difficult to do buttons or close a zipper. Even stepping into a pair of pants can be an enormous task. To avoid stress over dressing, take your time, choose clothes that fit easily and do not have too many buttons. Use Velcro fasteners instead of buttons.
To know more about the latest in Parkinsons treatment, speak to your health care provider or contact the American Parkinson National association.