Treatments
There is no known cure for Parkinson's Disease. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms. There is a vast number of medications available for patients. There are also some therapies that can help alleviate symptoms. Later in life a person may need surgery. There are also some life style changes that a person should make to help improve their quality of life.
MEDICATIONS
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There are many medications that are available for patients living with Parkinson's Disease. The following medications are some of the most common medications.
Levodopa
Levodopa has been known to be the most effective medication to treat Parkinson's Disease. Levodopa is a natural substance that is already in the body. This medication is always taken with another medication to help convert it to dopamine in the brain which is what a person with PD lacks. One of the most common medications that is taken with levodopa is carbidopa. After taking this medication for a while it may loose its effects and dosage may have to be adjusted. With time, a person's symptoms might worsen which would be another reason why the dosage would need to be increased. Other medications may also need to be added when this medication starts loosing its potency.
There are several side effects that patients may experience when taking levodopa:
SIDE EFFECTS
SIDE EFFECTS
- Dyskinesia - involuntary muscle movements
- Dystonia - Painful leg/foot cramps
- Low blood pressure upon standing which increases chances of loosing balance and falling
- Psychiatric side effects include the following - confusion, rapid change in emotions, anxiety, vivid dreams, hallucinations, and dementia (Jovinelly, 2012)
Dopamine Agonists
Dopamine Agonists are drugs that mimic dopamine. Some examples of these drugs are ropinirole (Requip), pramipexole (Mirapex), or bromocriptine (Parlodel). These drugs are added to a patients dosage when their symptoms have worsened because the disease is in advanced stages and/or because levodopa is not as effective as it once was
(Jovinelly, 2012).
There is a new dopamine agonist treatment called rotigotine transdermal system referred to as Neupro. Neupro is a flesh-colored patch that a patient wears on their skin. This patch delivers the dopamine agonist directly to the bloodstream. There is a stable, continuous delivery of medication released 24 hours a day when wearing the patch (Nuepro, 2012).
Other Medications
Some doctors might prescribe an anticholinergic drug. These medications decrease the levels of acetylcholine to achieve a closer balance of dopamine levels. Some examples of anticholinergic drugs are benztropine, biperiden, procyclidine, trihexyphenidyl, and akineton. These medications block the action of acetylcholine which is a chemical messenger that helps send messages from your nerves to your muscles. They also block nerve impulses that help control muscles of the arms, legs and body (Web MD, 2013).
Some doctors might prescribe an anticholinergic drug. These medications decrease the levels of acetylcholine to achieve a closer balance of dopamine levels. Some examples of anticholinergic drugs are benztropine, biperiden, procyclidine, trihexyphenidyl, and akineton. These medications block the action of acetylcholine which is a chemical messenger that helps send messages from your nerves to your muscles. They also block nerve impulses that help control muscles of the arms, legs and body (Web MD, 2013).
SURGICAL PROCEDURES
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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's Disease such s tremors, rigidity, stiffness, slowed movement, and walking problems. A battery-operated medical device called a neurostimulator is placed in the brain (its similar to a heart pacemaker) to reduce the abnormal signals in the affected areas of the brain that control movement. A study was conducted where both dopamine was given to a patient as well as DBS was performed to see how both therapies combined effected balance and complex gait. The study concluded that both therapies combined did not show more improvement than when one or the other therapies were given individually (McNeely & Earhart, 2013).
ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
These methods minimize both motor and non-motor symptoms.
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Physical Therapy
Incorporating daily exercise and visiting a physical therapist on a regular basis will help a patient increase strength and endurance. Physical therapy will also increase a patients flexibility, gait and balance.
Incorporating daily exercise and visiting a physical therapist on a regular basis will help a patient increase strength and endurance. Physical therapy will also increase a patients flexibility, gait and balance.
Occupational Therapy
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Occupational Therapy can help a patient with Parkinson's disease remain independent. Occupational therapist can teach these patients alternative ways to do certain daily task that have become difficult. These tasks include things such as dressing and bathing.
Speech Therapy
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Speech therapy can teach patients methods and techniques to improve their speech. This could include things such as voice clarity, and increasing sound and expression. A study was conducted where patients with PD used a newly developed assistive technology system, Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Companion for the treatment of hypokinetic dysartrhia. The use of this Companion as an aid in treatment proved to be effective, it helped patients gain sound pressure levels (Halpern, et. al., 2012). A speech therapist can also help those patients who have dysphagia by providing them with alternative swallowing techniques.