Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s at present, there does exist a range of Parkinson’s disease treatments that help address the various symptoms exhibited by the disease. As was noted in Parkinson’s disease early symptoms, the way a patient responds to a given treatment and the side effects they experience e.g. increased sweating or tremors, varies on an individual basis. This is why it is absolutely essential for a patient to be evaluated and monitored on an on-going basis and have their treatment tailored to their specific needs. Not only will it improve the quality of life of a patient but in certain cases, it may possibly help to minimize the rate of progression of the disease.
Parkinson’s disease treatments can be classified into the following 2 main groups:
- Pharmaceutical Parkinson’s Treatments. The use of drugs approved by medical authorities to help control the condition e.g. Levodopa, Carbidopa. This will be covered in the article below.
- Non-Pharmaceutical Parkinson’s Treatments. This includes holistic treatment e.g. relaxation techniques, surgical procedures e.g. electrode brain implants, as well as treatments considered to have insufficient evidence of their efficacy e.g. fatty acid supplements.
Pharmaceutical Parkinson’s Treatments
Classifying pharmaceutical treatments varies depending on one’s source of data. One must always remember that although pharmaceutical medication’s can improve an individuals symptoms significantly, as with any medication, there is always a balance to be achieved concerning possible side effects e.g. dizziness, constipation, altered mental state, raised heart beat etc. The following is one possible way of grouping the various drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Anticholinergics (referred to as Antimuscarinics)
Basic function:
A neurotransmitter functions as a chemical messenger between nerve cells and in Parkinson’s disease, a lack of the neurotransmitter dopamine causes an imbalanced over activity of acetylcholine. Anticholinergics function by blocking the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the central and the peripheral nervous system and therefore help minimize Parkinson’s symptoms associated with treating tremors, rigidity and postural abnormalities (Dystonia). Deadly Nightshade and Mandrake are examples of plants that contain anticholinergic alkaloids.
Examples of Anticholinergics medication:
Biorphen® contains the active ingredient orphenadrine hydrochloride
Cogentin® is the trade name for the compound benztropine mesylate
COMT Inhibitors (Catechol O-methyltransferase)
Basic function:
This category of drugs inhibits the enzyme involved in degrading neurotransmitters and works to help prevent the breakdown of Levodopa. The aim is to ensure that a more consistent supply of Levodopa and associated dopamine reaches the brain. It is for this reason that this category of drugs is always used in combination with Levodopa. The result is that the patient experiences greater continuity of symptom relief (less ‘off’ or ‘wearing off’ periods) for a given dose of Levodopa. In effect, less Levodopa can be given and this reduces the risk of dyskinesias.
Dyskinesias refers to movement disorders that are characterized by involuntary, erratic, writhing, muscle movements. Dyskinesias are not a symptom of Parkinson’s but a side effect caused by certain medications, such as levodopa, used to treat Parkinson’s.
Examples of COMT Inhibitors medication:
Entacapone (Comtan®)
Talcapone (Tasmar®)
Dopamine Agonists
Basic function:
These drugs mimic or behave like dopamine and work by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain thus bypassing degenerative brain cells. Such drugs function in their own right and are not converted, like Levodopa, into dopamine. They are typically used in the early stages of Parkinson’s (prior to using Levodapa) or at the later stages (in combination with Levodopa) to improve symptom control.
Examples of Dopamine Agonists medication:
Celance® contains pergolide mesilate
Mirapex® (pramipexole dihydrochloride)
Parlodel® (bromocriptine mesylate)
Requip® (ropinirole)
Levodopa or L-Dopa
Basic function:
Levodopa functions by being converted to dopamine in the brain and helps correct the characteristic lack of dopamine and resulting symptoms found in Parkinson’s patients.
Levodopa is currently considered the ‘gold star’ treatment for Parkinson’s and is normally reserved as the most powerful treatment.
Although the usage of Levodopa was a major advancement for Parkinson’s disease treatment, the long-term side effects from its usage are now being increasingly acknowledged e.g. dyskinesias (involuntary movements).
Examples of Levodopa medication:
Levodopa is available under various brand names such as Dopar® or Larodopar®
In addition, Levodopa is commonly used in combination with other drugs to increase its effectiveness. For example:
Sinemet® = Levodopa + Carbidopa (prevents Levodopa breakdown thus allowing lower doses of Levodopa to be used)
Prolopa® = Levodopa + Benserazide (allows lower doses of Levodopa to be used)
MAO B Inhibitors (Monoamine Oxidase B Inhibitors)
Basic function:
These drugs prevent the breakdown of both natural and Levodopa derived dopamine. The result is that a patient will require less Levodopa as its effect will last longer.
Examples of MAO B Inhibitors medication:
Rasagiline (Azilect®) can be used on its own or in conjunction with Levodopa
Selegiline (Eldepryl®) is used in addition to Levodopa/Carbidopa where its effectiveness has deteriorated. It is available in a orally dissolving form called Zelapar®
NMDA Blocking Drugs
Of the various types of NMDA Blocking Drugs, the uncompetitive channel blocker called Amantadine (Symmetrel®) is used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It is considered a relatively weak therapy and can be used as a monotherapy (early stage Parkinson’s) or in combination with Levodopa (later stage Parkinson’s). It helps to tackle involuntary movement problems (dyskinesia).
Newer Drugs (Developmental/Experimental)
These include drugs such as Cannabinoids, Neuroimmunophilins and Riluzole (Rilutek®). Studies involving these drugs are on-going and determining their role and effectiveness in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease is still to be determined.
In the second part of Parkinson’s disease treatment, we will look at non-pharmaceutical treatments, and this includes holistic (various therapies and dietary considerations), surgery and treatments whose benefits are still to be determined.