A neurological disorder caused by a lack of dopamine in the brain, Parkinson's disease affects about 1 million people in the United States, according to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. Without enough dopamine, the brain cannot communicate properly with the muscles, causing symptoms like tremors, slowed movements and balance problems. The Mayo Clinic notes that no cure exists for Parkinson's disease, though treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms, helping patients to function and improving their quality of life.
Medication
Medications for Parkinson's disease aim to increase the dopamine levels in patients' brains. The National Institutes of Health notes that these medications have a limited therapeutic window, meaning that these medications only work for a short amount of time before the symptoms appear again. Levadopa, the precursor to dopamine, is the most effective medication for Parkinson's disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Levadopa is considered a precursor since the body converts it into dopamine. The drug carbidopa prevents levadopa from converting to dopamine outside the brain, so patients take the two medications together. Dopamine is too large to cross the blood brain barrier, a semipermeable barrier that protects the brain, and cannot reach the brain to improve symptoms. Therefore, to improve Parkinson's disease symptoms, levadopa must cross the blood brain barrier, enter the brain and convert into dopamine there.
Patients may take a drug that mimics dopamine, like pramipexole or ropinirole, which increases the levels of dopamine in the brain. Other options include MAO B inhibitors, like selegiline, which prevent dopamine breakdown; anticholinergics, like benztropine, which control tremors; and glutamate-blocking drugs, like amantadine, which help with involuntary movements. Parkinson's disease patients may take one or more of these drugs, depending on their symptoms and which drugs work for them.
Surgery
For patients who do not respond to medications, doctors may recommend surgery, such as deep brain stimulation. The Mayo Clinic notes that patients who undergo deep brain stimulation have unstable reactions to levodopa, meaning that the drug may reduce their symptoms one day, but not the next day. With deep brain stimulation, the doctor implants an electrode into the motor regions of the brain, thus improving the patient's mobility. Deep brain stimulation helps with tremors and involuntary movements. However, if patients do not respond to levodopa and carbidopa, the Mayo Clinic does not recommend deep brain stimulation.
Lifestyle Changes
Patients with Parkinson's disease can take certain measures to improve their quality of life. For example, the Mayo Clinic recommends physical therapy to maintain muscle strength. Physical therapists can also guide patients through exercises that will not strain their muscles or cause injuries. To prevent injuries from falling, patients can have railings installed. Patients also need to rest and avoid stress.
Good nutrition can also help patients' general health. The Mayo Clinic reports that Parkinson's disease patients can benefit from a diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids. Examples of foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, walnuts, soybeans and collard greens.
