Parkinson's Disease: What Treatment Options Are Available?

Parkinson's disease is a progressive illness that, over time, causes neurodegeneration in the brain. Although the progression of the disease is often slow, allowing individuals to live for decades after receiving their diagnosis, it creates a long list of symptoms that can interfere with the daily lives of individuals who have this condition. Unfortunately, modern medicine is still searching for a cure for this disease; however, individuals who suffer from Parkinson's disease are encouraged to take advantage of the treatment options that can alleviate their symptoms and, ultimately, improve quality of life.

According to the National Parkinson Foundation, both pharmaceutical and surgical treatment options are available to individuals with this disease.[1] The symptoms that healthcare professionals advise be treated are those that most impair the ability of their patients to enjoy their lives. For this reason, the treatment plans created for individuals who are battling Parkinson's disease are different from one case to another.

Pharmaceutical Treatment

When Parkinson's disease takes hold, the brain often struggles to create the dopamine it needs. For this reason, many of the drugs prescribed to treat this condition focus on replacing or mimicking dopamine. These pharmaceuticals are often also able to alleviate rigid muscles, which frequently develop with this condition. Furthermore, they can improve coordination and speed while reducing the severity of tremor.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is always a major undertaking, and it is important to remember that it should only be performed if medications have not satisfactorily addressed certain symptoms of Parkinson's disease. If the characteristic tremor of this condition is not alleviated by pharmaceuticals, surgery is often an option. Additionally, individuals who suffer from motor fluctuations may also consider this method of treatment to improve their symptoms and enhance their quality of life.

Complementary Treatment

Herbs, vitamins, and supplements may prove helpful in lessening the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It is important, though, that individuals exploring this avenue are certain of the credentials of the individual providing them with treatment advice.

Clinical Trials

Researchers are actively looking for cures to this devastating disease. As such, multiple clinical trials are taking place at any given moment.
Parkinson's disease is a difficult condition for both individuals and their loved ones to handle; however, with the support of a knowledgeable medical team, families in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, can help alleviate the symptoms of their loved ones. 

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[1] http://www.parkinson.org/Parkinson-s-Disease/Treatment