Unfortunately, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. It can, however, be managed, and the symptoms of the disease can be relieved or reduced.
Treating Parkinson’s disease is often a "team effort" involving not only your neurologist, but also many other health care professionals. Your health care team should include:
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Neurologists
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Occupational therapists
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Physical therapists
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Counselors
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Social workers
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Speech therapists
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Registered dietitians
The goals of treatment vary from person to person, but in most cases, treatment for Parkinson's disease is designed to:
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Maintain overall quality of life
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Improve mobility and function
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Reduce rigidity
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Reduce tremor
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Reverse slowed movements
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Improve posture, gait, balance, speech, and writing skills
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Maintain mental sharpness
Most people with Parkinson’s disease can be treated using prescribed medicines. The most commonly prescribed drugs include:
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Deprenyl
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Dopar
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Larodopa
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Sinemet
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Requip
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Parlodel
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Permax
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Mirapex
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Tasmar
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Comtan
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Cogentin
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Artane
If you react adversely to medicines or if the medicines become ineffective, surgery might be advised. Depending upon your needs, medical history, health, and symptoms, one of the following procedures might be considered:
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Deep brain stimulation
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Pallidotomy
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Thalamotomy
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Gamma knife (Radiosurgery)
There are many other procedures being researched. One of the most promising involves the transplantation of fetal dopamine neurons (tissue transplant) into the brains of people with Parkinson's disease. The hope is that these cells will be able to re-grow the damaged dopamine-producing nerve cells.
Alternative therapy is also used. The most touted in recent years has been the effect of Vitamin E on reversing the progression of Parkinson’s disease; although, this effect is still being debated in the scientific community.
Relaxation and guided imagery have also been suggested to help with stress, depression, and anxiety. Medical studies have shown that relaxation and guided imagery might help slow the progression of symptoms, as well as quicken healing time after surgeries or injuries.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 3/1/2004
