How Is Parkinson's Disease Treated?

Often striking in midlife or later, Parkinsons disease is a degenerative disorder that targets the body's nervous system. The first sign that something is amiss may appear as a slight tremor in a hand or an arm. With time, the tremors increase in scope and the patient gradually loses muscle control, affecting his speech, walking, eating and posture. Conventional medicine offers medication, surgery and physical therapy to slow the progression of the disease and to alleviate some symptoms.

Dopamine replacement therapy

• According to MayoClinic.com, boosting the amount of dopamine levels in a patient with Parkinson's may produce good results in the early stages of the disease. The physician may prescribe Levodopa, but as the disease worsens, the medication may offer fewer benefits. Side effects from taking Levodopa include nausea, confusion and hallucinations.

Other medications

• The use of additional medications may offer relief for some Parkinson's patients. MAO B inhibitors prevent natural dopamine in the brain from breaking down, while Tolcapone, a COMT inhibitor, prolongs the effects of Levodopa. Both have potentially damaging side effects, including hallucinations and liver damage. For very early stages of Parkinson's, the doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to reduce involuntary movements.

Home care

• WebMD suggests that Parkinson's patients get sufficient physical exercise to maintain muscle strength and retain coordination. Taking a low-impact exercise class, such as yoga or Tai Chi, may help the patient maintain balance and muscle control longer. Massages may relax tense muscle and offer temporary relief.

Surgery

• Surgical treatment for Parkinson's involves deep brain stimulation and the implantation of an electrode that is controlled by a small unit inserted under the skin of the patient's chest. Usually reserved for patients with severe symptoms that do not respond to medication, the electrode sends out impulses to the brain that may reduce involuntary movements.

Additional

• MayoClinic.com reports that some Parkinson's patients have low levels of Coenzyme Q10 and they may benefit from supplementation of the nutrient. In addition, eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight helps the patient stay active and healthy.