Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, however multiple treatment strategies exist to assist in the management of symptoms. The treatment approach is tailored to each individual and will vary depending on their specific needs and disease progression. A combination of non-pharmacologic therapy (speech therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy) and pharmacologic therapy (medication / advanced treatments) is required in most cases.

Non-pharmacologic treatment:

• Lifestyle Modifications: A healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
• Physiotherapy: Exercises and physical therapy programs can help improve mobility, balance, and muscle strength, enabling individuals with Parkinson’s disease to maintain their independence and manage symptoms effectively.
• Speech Therapy: Speech and swallowing difficulties are common in Parkinson’s disease. Speech therapy can help improve communication skills, articulation, and swallowing function.
• Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy focuses on enhancing daily living skills, adapting to the environment, and using assistive devices to promote independence and improve quality of life.

Pharmacologic / advanced therapy:

• Medications: Certain medications can help increase dopamine levels or mimic its effects on the brain, providing relief from motor symptoms. These include levodopa, dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, and COMT inhibitors. In select patients, additional medications may be required to manage non-motor symptoms such as postural hypotension (fludrocortisone, midodrine), anxiety and depression (antidepressants) or psychosis (antipsychotics)
• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): This surgical procedure involves implanting a device that delivers electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain. DBS can effectively reduce symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia in carefully selected patients.