The current goal in treating Parkinson’s disease is to maximize a person’s quality of life. Treatments can improve symptoms, but they do not alter the underlying disease. One exception to this is exercise. Patients who incorporate regular exercise into their routines fare better in the long-term. Symptomatic treatments often include a combination of medications, rehabilitation therapy, and possibly surgery.
There are several medications used in Parkinson’s disease, but they are directed at supplying dopamine back to the brain or stabilizing dopamine within the brain. Many people end up on multiple types of medications because they affect dopamine in different ways.
Rehabilitation therapy often includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Physical therapy can help with developing an exercise plan, working on balance and walking ability, and maintaining flexibility and range of motion. Occupational therapy can assess for potential adaptive equipment to help maintain independence. Speech therapy helps with eating/drinking safely and speaking more effectively.
Some patients benefit from surgery to help manage their Parkinson’s disease. This is typically reserved for patients whose symptoms are not responding adequately to traditional treatments or they are having medication side effects that limit their effectiveness. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) involves the placement of wire electrodes deep in the brain to stimulate movement centers and improve mobility. Medication infusions are implanted medication devices that can deliver a consistent amount of medication throughout the day to improve symptom fluctuations.