Dementia Parkinson's Treatment
The goal of treatment for Parkinson's disease is to control symptoms for as long as possible while minimizing adverse effects. Treatment for Parkinson's disease includes a variety of medications that control symptoms. Additional treatment for Parkinson's disease includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and a special diet. Those who fail to respond to medications may benefit from surgery to implant a deep brain stimulator.
General treatment for Parkinson's disease includes:
- Physical therapy for Parkinson's disease
- Occupational therapy for Parkinson's disease
- Speech therapy for Parkinson's disease
- Preparing the home for difficulty with ambulation
- Parkinson's disease diet:
- Eat small meals more frequently
- Drink plenty of liquids
Additional treatment for Parkinson's disease includes:
- Parkinson's disease medications
- Control Parkinson's symptoms for 4-6 years
- Slow the progression of Parkinson's disease (rasagiline and selegiline)
- Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease:
- Electrical stimulation applied to the area of the brain, called the subthalamic nucleus.
- Other areas of the brain that may be stimulated include pallidal and thalamic stimulation.
- Brain surgery:
- Has largely been replaced by deep brain stimulation.
Dementia Parkinson's Drugs
There are no medications that cure Parkinson's disease, but medications can reduce the symptoms of the disease. A person with Parkinson's disease must learn about the side effects that may occur with their Parkinson's disease medications.
Dopaminergic Drugs for Parkinson's Disease
These drugs increase the levels of dopamine in the brain.
Dopaminergic drugs for Parkinson's disease include:
Dopamine Agonist Drugs for Parkinson's Disease
Several drugs mimic the effects of dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine agonists drugs for Parkinson's disease include:
- Apomorphine (Apokyn)
- Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
- Pramipexole (Mirapex)
- Ropinirole (Requip and Requip XL)
- Rotigotine (Neupro)
Anticholinergic Drugs for Parkinson's Disease
These medications are often used in combination with other drugs. They decrease activity in areas of the brain that have low dopamine levels.
Anticholinergic drugs for Parkinson's disease include:
COMT Inhibitor Drugs for Parkinson's Disease
Drugs in this class work by inhibiting an enzyme called COMT. This enzyme breaks down dopamine and similar chemicals in the brain. This increases dopamine levels and decreases symptoms of Parkinson's.
COMT inhibitor drugs for Parkinson's disease include:
Additional Medications for Parkinson's Disease
Other drugs that may be used to treat Parkinson's disease include:
Dementia Parkinson's Questions For Doctor
The following are some important questions to ask before and after the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Questions to ask before treatment:
- What are my treatment options?
- Is surgery an option for me?
- What are the risks associated with treatment?
- Do I need to stay in the hospital?
- How long will I be in the hospital?
- What are the complications I should watch for?
- How long will I be on medication?
- What are the potential side effects of my medication?
- Does my medication interact with nonprescription medicines or supplements?
- Should I take my medication with food?
Questions to ask after treatment:
- Do I need to change my diet?
- When can I resume my normal activities?
- When can I return to work?
- Do I need a special exercise program?
- Will I need physical therapy?
- Will I need occupational therapy?
- What else can I do to reduce my risk for complications of Parkinson's disease?
- How often will I need to see my doctor for checkups?
- What local support and other resources are available?
Dementia Parkinson's Specialist
Continue to Dementia Parkinson's Home Care
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