Two types of procedures are used to treat Parkinson's: ablative procedures and deep brain stimulation
(DBS). Ablative procedures like thalamotomy and pallidotomy use cold or
heat to destroy a small area of brain tissue that is abnormally
overactive in people with Parkinson's disease. Surgery on one side of
the brain will affect the other side of the body.
In people with Parkinson's, the loss of dopamine-producing cells leads to abnormal activity in certain parts of the brain. Deep brain stimulation implants a thin electrode in the brain and attaches it to a battery-operated device called a neurostimulator (or pulse generator), which acts much like a heart pacemaker, sending impulses to correct the abnormal brain activity. DBS on one side of the brain affects symptoms on the opposite side of the body. The procedure doesn't affect dopamine production, so patients who have it will still need to take their medication, although they may not need to take as much.
People with Parkinson's don't make enough coenzyme Q10, a substance that is essential for energy production in the cells. One study found that 1,200 milligrams a day of coenzyme Q10 reduced disability and slowed disease progression in Parkinson's patients [source: National Parkinson Foundation].
Many Parkinson's patients take vitamin E. Although research so far has not shown that vitamin E slows disease progression, this antioxidant fights cell damage caused by highly reactive molecules called free radicals.
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have been investigating whether creatine, an amino acid found in muscles, might improve patients' energy and muscle strength, and slow the progression of Parkinson's disease.
In early studies, the investigational drug SLV308 significantly improved tremors and slow movement in Parkinson's patients. Research, though preliminary, indicates that it might be useful in the early stages of the disease.
Stem cells, which can develop into any type of tissue in the body, are showing promise for many diseases, including Parkinson's. Researchers have already used stem cells to treat rats with symptoms of Parkinson's [sources: BBC News, MIT News]. The challenge is to coax the stem cells into becoming the damaged nerve cells, which will take more time and research.
(click here to get the related article)
In people with Parkinson's, the loss of dopamine-producing cells leads to abnormal activity in certain parts of the brain. Deep brain stimulation implants a thin electrode in the brain and attaches it to a battery-operated device called a neurostimulator (or pulse generator), which acts much like a heart pacemaker, sending impulses to correct the abnormal brain activity. DBS on one side of the brain affects symptoms on the opposite side of the body. The procedure doesn't affect dopamine production, so patients who have it will still need to take their medication, although they may not need to take as much.
There is no known cure for Parkinson's disease. The goal of treatment is to control symptoms.
Medications
control symptoms, mostly by increasing the levels of dopamine in the
brain. At certain points during the day, the helpful effects of the
medication often wears off, and symptoms can return. If this happens to
you, your health care provider may need to change the:
- Type of medication
- Dose
- Amount of time between doses
- How the medicine is taken
Work
closely with your doctors and therapists to find a treatment program
that works best for you. Never change or stop taking any medications
without talking with your doctor.
Many medications can cause severe side effects, including hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, anddelirium. Monitoring and follow-up by the health care provider is important.
Eventually,
symptoms such as stooped posture, frozen movements, and speech
difficulties may not respond very well to drug treatment.
In addition to medication and surgery, patients can
get physical therapy to improve balance and movement, and speech therapy
to help with speaking and swallowing. Parkinson's patients may also
benefit from these alternative therapies and lifestyle changes:- Massage, which reduces muscle tension and promotes relaxation
- Tai chi, which improves flexibility, strength and balance
- Yoga, which improves flexibility and balance
- Eating healthy (especially fruits, vegetables and fiber), which relieves the constipation that can be a symptom of Parkinson's
People with Parkinson's don't make enough coenzyme Q10, a substance that is essential for energy production in the cells. One study found that 1,200 milligrams a day of coenzyme Q10 reduced disability and slowed disease progression in Parkinson's patients [source: National Parkinson Foundation].
Many Parkinson's patients take vitamin E. Although research so far has not shown that vitamin E slows disease progression, this antioxidant fights cell damage caused by highly reactive molecules called free radicals.
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have been investigating whether creatine, an amino acid found in muscles, might improve patients' energy and muscle strength, and slow the progression of Parkinson's disease.
In early studies, the investigational drug SLV308 significantly improved tremors and slow movement in Parkinson's patients. Research, though preliminary, indicates that it might be useful in the early stages of the disease.
Stem cells, which can develop into any type of tissue in the body, are showing promise for many diseases, including Parkinson's. Researchers have already used stem cells to treat rats with symptoms of Parkinson's [sources: BBC News, MIT News]. The challenge is to coax the stem cells into becoming the damaged nerve cells, which will take more time and research.
(click here to get the related article)
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