Treatments of Parkinson's Disease

Introduction

Although Parkinson’s disease does not have a known cure, there are ways to treat and manage it. There are many components of treatments of Parkinson’s disease such as patient’s age, cognitive, life style, and symptom severity (Lyons & Pahwa, 2011, p. 29). With those components known, treatment can be modified based on the patient’s case. Treatment of Parkinson’s disease includes prescription drugs and non-pharmacologic treatment. One of the ways to manage Parkinson’s disease is prescription drugs. There are three common drugs that are used for management and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The three frequent drugs that are used are Levodopa, Dopamine agonists and MAO-B inhibitor.

Levodopa

The first prescription drug is called Levodopa, according to the journal Clinical Medicine (2013) written by Worth mentions that “Levodopa in combination with the dopadeboxylase inhibitor benserazide (co-benelodopa) or carbidopa (co-caredopa) remains the most efficacious treatment for the motor symptoms of PD” (p. 93). Since Parkinson’s disease causes the loss of brain cells to produce dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that is used for controlling movement. Without the production of dopamine in the brain, the patient has trouble with controlling their movement; their body may feel stiffness and tremors. Levodopa is used in early and advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease and it is used to help manage motor symptoms. Levodopa is a natural chemical that goes into the brain and is transformed into dopamine. This type of medication is used to treat tremors, spasms and poor muscle control of those who have Parkinson’s disease. Although Levodopa is used as a way to manage Parkinson’s disease, there are side effects to it as well. Some o...

... middle of paper ...

...or not if it’s possible to swallow and if not, there are alternative methods to feeding. The alternative methods can vary from a gastrointestinal tube and liquid diet. It’s different for every patient; their diet is modified based on the individual’s needs.

Conclusion

Prescription drugs and non-pharmacologic treatments have been proven to be effective up until 2013 when it comes to patients managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Depending on the patient and their symptom severity, prescription drugs and non-pharmacologic treatment can be adjusted accordingly. Although there is no known cure that will treat Parkinson’s disease, there are ways to manage it by using prescription drugs such as Levodopa, Dopamine Agonists and Mao-B inhibitor. Additional treatment can be sought by physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and swallowing therapy.