What are the Available Treatment Options for Parkinson's Disease?

Groundbreaking exercise programs and innovative medical therapies are revolutionizing the management of Parkinson's disease, offering new hope to the millions affected by this progressive neurological condition. 

The available treatment options for Parkinson's disease now span from conventional medications to cutting-edge surgical interventions, with recent research highlighting the critical importance of early intervention and comprehensive care approaches.

Medications Used to Treat Parkinson's Disease Motor Symptoms

When discussing available treatment options for Parkinson's disease, medications remain the cornerstone of managing Parkinson’s symptoms. The main medication options include:

• Levodopa/Carbidopa: The gold standard for addressing motor symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia

• Dopamine Agonists: Often prescribed for early-stage patients before introducing levodopa to delay potential side effects

• MAO-B Inhibitors: Can help maintain dopamine levels in the brain by preventing its breakdown

• Anticholinergics: Particularly helpful for tremor management in some patients

• COMT Inhibitors: Used as the disease progresses to prolong levodopa's effectiveness

  
  

Physicians typically customize medication regimens based on the patient's age, symptom severity, and disease progression.

For non-motor symptoms—depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and cognitive changes—additional medications are tailored to each specific challenge. The medication landscape continues to evolve, with researchers actively developing new formulations to improve efficacy and reduce side effects.

Deep Brain Stimulation Is Transforming Parkinson's Treatment

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) represents one of the most significant advanced treatment options for Parkinson's disease patients who no longer respond optimally to medication. This surgical procedure involves implanting electrodes into specific brain regions that control movement, connected to a stimulator device placed under the skin near the collarbone.

"The newer DBS systems can be adjusted remotely, allowing physicians to fine-tune stimulation parameters without requiring in-person visits," explains a leading neurologist specializing in movement disorders. "This technology has been life-changing for many patients with advanced Parkinson's."

DBS has proven particularly effective for controlling tremors, reducing dyskinesia, and decreasing medication requirements. Recent innovations include directional leads that allow more precise stimulation and rechargeable batteries that extend device longevity. While not a cure, DBS can significantly improve quality of life for appropriate candidates who have had Parkinson's disease for at least four years and still respond to levodopa despite fluctuating benefits.

The Role of Focused Ultrasound in Modern Parkinson's Treatment

MR-guided focused ultrasound represents one of the newest available treatment options for Parkinson's disease. This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to target and destroy specific brain tissue responsible for tremors. Unlike DBS, focused ultrasound requires no implanted hardware and can be performed as an outpatient procedure.

Currently approved primarily for treating medication-resistant tremor, this technology continues to evolve as researchers explore its applications for other Parkinson's symptoms. While not suitable for all patients, focused ultrasound provides an important alternative for those who cannot undergo traditional surgery or prefer non-invasive approaches.

Regular Exercise Is Helpful in Combatting Parkinson's Disease

Recent research has elevated exercise from a complementary approach to a primary intervention for Parkinson's disease. Regular physical activity tailored to Parkinson's patients can significantly alleviate symptoms and potentially slow disease progression.

"The earlier people begin exercising after a Parkinson's diagnosis, and the higher the intensity of exercise they achieve, the better they are," emphasizes Marilyn Moffat, a physical therapist on the faculty of New York University.

Specialized programs like Rock Steady Boxing, which uses boxing movements in high-energy workouts, have shown remarkable results. Scott C. Newman, the program's founder and a former prosecutor with Parkinson's, explains: "Parkinson's is not a muscle wasting disease. Rather, the brain forgets how to tell the muscles what to do."

Other innovative exercise approaches include:

• Agility programs incorporating tai chi, kayaking, boxing, lunges, and Pilates

• Tandem cycling, which forces patients to pedal faster than they would independently

• L.S.V.T. BIG program, which trains patients to make exaggerated movements

  
  

"Intense exercise can improve 'plasticity' of the brain, protect against nervous system degeneration, and even reverse motor deficits," note Dr. Laurie A. King and Dr. Fay B. Horak from Oregon Health and Sciences University. READ: Do Contact Sports Like Football Increase the Risk of Parkinson’s Disease?

Medications that Address Parkinson's Disease Psychosis

Psychosis affects many Parkinson's patients, particularly in advanced stages, and requires specialized treatment approaches. Nuplazid (pimavanserin) represents a significant advance as the only FDA-approved medication specifically for Parkinson's disease psychosis.

"Overall, the postmarketing data were consistent with the safety data obtained from the premarketing controlled clinical trials of Nuplazid for Parkinson's disease psychosis," states the FDA following a comprehensive safety review.

While effective for managing hallucinations and delusions, Nuplazid carries the FDA's most severe "black box" warning about increased risk of death when used in elderly dementia patients. This highlights the complexity of managing psychosis in Parkinson's and the need for careful risk assessment.

"Nothing is more important to Acadia than the wellbeing of the patients who use Nuplazid," emphasizes Steve Davis, President and CEO of Acadia Pharmaceuticals, the drug's manufacturer.

Seek Neurology Associates’ Expert Support for Parkinson's Patients

Neurology Associates Neuroscience Center at Chandler and Mesa locations offers comprehensive evaluation and management of Parkinson's disease, including assessment for deep brain stimulation therapy. Our team provides personalized care plans with flexible appointment options, including telemedicine consultations for qualifying patients. We collaborate with specialists to ensure patients have access to advanced treatment options like the innovative DBS systems described above.

Making informed decisions about available treatment options for Parkinson's disease requires expert guidance and ongoing evaluation. The progressive nature of Parkinson's means that treatment plans must evolve over time, with different approaches becoming appropriate as the condition advances. Working with a specialized neurological team ensures patients receive the most effective interventions at each stage of their journey.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This blog post is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment. Do not rely on this content as a substitute for professional medical guidance.