Parkinson’s disease can be characterized as a neurological disorder that cripples millions of people around the globe. As overwhelming as it may be to live with Parkinson’s for anyone, on a positive note, it can be managed somehow for many patients, which means the symptoms can also be controlled. Moreover, at NeuroAssociate, we know the mere existence of Parkinson’s Disease can be crippling to the patient and to all of his or her family members. As one of the most renowned authorities in California for Parkinson’s disease treatments and solutions for Parkinson’s Disease, finally, NeuroAssociate is committed to making sure each of our patients receives treatment to help enhance overall and mental health and abilities.
Behind the Headlines: Research into Parkinson’s Disease
It is commonly classified as a central nervous system disorder, where the role of the brain in the movement of muscles is highly compromised due to the degeneration of those neurons responsible for the production of neurotransmitter dopamine.The symptoms can be diverse in a patient suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. But the basic symptoms of this disease are listed below:
- Tremor of the body/resting tremor
- Stiffness of the muscles of the body
- Slowing of movement of the body/bradykinesia.
At the intensive stage of this disease, it can cause postural instability. Disorders in speech/swallowing or mental problems can also be experienced in its final stage.
Even at this stage, nothing definitive at present can be done with respect to alleviating symptoms of illness, but a lot can be accomplished to make sure the quality of the patient’s life is good.
1. Drugs: The First Line of Defense
Medications are considered the mainstay of treatment for patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The treatment of Parkinson’s disease according to the regulation of brain dopamin level is designed to improve motor symptoms.
Levodopa and Car
Currently, the most prescribed drug to patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease is actually levodopa. This is due to the fact that it is a precursor to dopamine. This means it can be changed or developed into a form of dopamine that is ready to be used by the brain. Not only can it be used effectively on its own, but it also works more effectively when combined with carbidopa simply because carbidopa ensures that the levodopa is not broken down before it reaches the brain.
Dopamine Agonists
Examples of such dopaminergic agonists are pramipexole and ropinirole. These belong to the category of direct-acting drugs and are drugs that mimic the “dopamine” transmitters. They can be administered alone in early Parkinson’s disease, and a combination formulation with levodopa in advanced disease is possible.
MAO-B Inhibitors
Examples are Selegiline and Rasagiline. MAO-B enzyme in the brain is involved with the decrease of dopamine within the brain. The medications are utilized to delay the use of more potent medications and in combination with Levodopa.
COMT Inhibitors
These drugs are inhibitors of catechol-O-methyl transferase, e.g. entacapone, which is also administered along with levodopa, acts by inhibiting an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of levodopa; thus, higher concentrations of levodopa reach the brain.
2. Surgical Options: When Medication is Not Enough
In such cases when medicine becomes ineffective for people with Parkinson’s disease, Parkinso’s disease treatments such as surgery can be considered as an alternative in those situations.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Deep Brain Stimulation or DBS is apparently one of the most modern approaches in the treatment of people with PD employing surgical methods. DBS is a type of surgery wherein a small neurostimulator is implanted inside the brain with the purpose of stimulating certain areas inside the brain employing electric signals.
Surgery causing lesions
Less used, neurosurgeons can target the area of the motor dysfunction in the brain by lesioning and ablation, and if that area is in the globus pallidus, then a pallidotomy, or a thalamotomy if the area lies in the thalamus, can be performed.
3. Lifestyle Changes: How to Live with Parkinson’s Disease through Alternative Methods
In the management of patients with Parkinson’s diseases, aside from other treatment strategies, pharmacologic and surgical interventions are also warranted; lifestyle changes can help to some extent in improving the physical and mental conditions of the patient.
Excercise and Physical Therapy
Exercise will serve as an aid or solution for the patient with Parkinson’s disease in order to move, unwind, and loosen up. Personalized physical therapy for a patient with Parkinson’s disease can be very effective in helping the patient overcome difficulties with balancing, walking, and posture.
Speaking and Occupational Therapy
This is a disease that affects the speaking capacities of the patient, the action of swallowing food, and any type of activity involving using fine motor skills. Communication can be enhanced through prescribed speech therapy to overcome slurred speech and to swallow food normally in the body of the patient.
Diet and Nutrition
A balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, grains, and protein can greatly work to eliminate this disease. The interaction of drugs such as protein inhibiting the assimilation of drugs such as levodopa can cause changes in meal times to prevent reduced effectiveness of medication.
Emotional Support
In Parkinson’s, living can be very taxing for patients; therefore, some form of aid needs to be integrated to take care of patients. Counseling sessions and mindfulness can work to treat patients and caregivers to overcome mental stress associated with Parkinson’s and ease them of mental stress to live healthy and stress-free lifestyles as they can overcome Parkinson’s and mental stress associated with them.
Moreover, at NeuroAssociate, we know the mere existence of Parkinson’s Disease can be crippling to the patient and to all of his or her family members. As one of the most renowned authorities in California for Parkinson’s disease specialist in California treatment and solutions for Parkinson’s Disease, finally, NeuroAssociate is committed to making sure each of our patients receives treatment to help enhance overall and mental health and abilities.