Dr. Kelly Condefer, neurologist and movement disorder specialist, discussed various medications, as well as deep brain stimulation, as ways to medically treat Parkinson’s disease at the “Managing Parkinson’s” presentation at Allied Services in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Dr. Condefer noted Parkinson’s disease affects other aspects of health and other systems in the body, in addition to affecting movement. Additional symptoms of the disease may include loss of sense of smell and taste, constipation, overactive bladder, sleep disorders, dry skin or psoriasis, depression, anxiety, low blood pressure, and weight loss. Dr. Condefer said most of the treatments available for Parkinson’s are symptomatic treatments. That is, they help with the symptoms of Parkinson’s, but they do not prevent the condition from getting worse over time.
Some Medications for Parkinson’s Disease
Carbidopa-levodopa helps replace dopamine in the brain. As noted by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Parkinson’s results from losing dopamine-producing cells in the brain, which are needed to control movement. However, Dr. Condefer explained sometimes after people take this medication for a few years, they may experience some issues where the medicine wears off too quickly or they may develop involuntary movements in their body, as a result of the medicine. Ropinirole and pramipexole are dopamine agonists which stimulate dopamine receptors in the brain. They also may have strong side effects, such as causing a person to gamble compulsively or fall asleep suddenly.
Conenzyme Q10
Dr. Condefer mentioned Coenzyme Q10 at 1200 milligrams as possibly being beneficial for those with Parkinson’s disease. In a study entitled “Effects of Coenzyme Q10 in Early Parkinson Disease”, eighty people with early PD were given either a placebo or 300, 600, or 1200 mg of Coenzyme Q10 a day. The study found that Coenzyme Q10 seemed to decelerate “progressive deterioration of function in PD”, as compared to those who were given a placebo. The greatest benefits were seen in those who took the 1200 milligrams a day dosage. However, the researchers concluded these results need to be substantiated with a larger study.
Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep brain stimulation is another way to treat Parkinson’s disease patients. It involves implanting electrodes in the brain. The electrodes, also called leads, are connected via an extension to a neurostimulator, which is implanted under the skin near the collarbone. The neurostimulator is similar to a pacemaker and provides electrical stimulation to the parts of the brain that control movement, thus improving motor functioning in some Parkinson’s patients. Dr. Condefer noted deep brain stimulation helps relieve some of the same symptoms as the medications used to treat those with Parkinson’s. Deep brain stimulation has an effect similar to levodopa; however, its effects are constant while the effects of levodopa may unpredictably wear off and on the longer a person is taking this medication. However, even if people receive deep brain stimulation, this doesn’t usually allow them to stop taking medication altogether, Dr. Condefer continued.
Deep brain stimulation often works well for controlling tremor. However, it can sometimes worsen depression or anxiety, as well as speech. It is not appropriate for people with cognitive difficulties.
While medication or surgery cannot cure Parkinson’s, they can be used to help patients manage the disease.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Sources:
Condefer, Kelly. “Managing Parkinson’s.” Allied Services. Scranton. 24 August 2010.
“NINDS Parkinson’s Disease Information Page.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 2010.
Shults, C.W., Oakes, D. Kieburtz, K., Beal, M.F., Haas, R., Plumb, S., Juncos, J.L., Nutt, J., Shoulson, I., Carter, J., Kompoliti, K., Perlmutter, J.S., Reich, S., Stern, M., Watts, R.L., Kurlan, R., Molho, E., Harrison, M., & Lew, M. “Effects of Coenzyme Q10 in Early Parkinson Disease,” Arch Neurol, 59(10) (2002): 1541-50.
Anne Marie Coar - Anne Marie graduated with a degree in communication arts and minors in psychology, journalism, and business. Some of her articles have ...
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