Top 7 Treatments for Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is a denigrative disorder affecting the central nervous system. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Parkinson’s. However, the condition is manageable by treatment and mediations. Here are the top 7 treatments for Parkinson’s.

7. Carbidopa-Levodopa

Levodopa is a chemical compound that can cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain. Inside the brain, it combines with carbidopa and becomes dopamine. It is widely used as a treatment for Parkinson’s. Some people experience side effects such as nausea and dizziness but in general, it is one of the best treatment options. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

6. Carbidopa-Levodopa Infusion

Advanced Parkinson’s conditions may not respond to carbidopa-levodopa. That is why this combination exists. It is a gel form called Duopa administered directly into the small intestine continuously to maintain a constant level of it. (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)

5. Dopamine Agonists

Dopamine agonists are recommended for mild to moderate cases of Parkinson’s since they are not as potent and effective as levodopa, but they have longer effects. Some cases are treated by combining levodopa with dopamine agonists for the best results. (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)

4. MAO-B Inhibitors

Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) enzymes break down dopamine in the brain. MAO-B inhibitors help in preventing this breakdown. Selegiline and rasagiline are the most famous MAO-B inhibitors.
They are usually taken with caution because of their side effects, especially if combined with other medications such as carbidopa-levodopa and narcotics. (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)

3. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Inhibitors

COMT inhibitors are usually combined with levodopa to prolong its effects. It inhibits the enzymes from breaking down dopamine, which may help in preventing the rapid progress of the condition. They have the same side effects as levodopa, but the main side effect is diarrhea and involuntary movements. (27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)

2. Anticholinergics

Anticholinergics are widely used in Parkinson’s disease to overcome tremors. They are better used in the early stages of the disease. However, the side effects are common and can make patients stop them. Side effects include memory loss, hallucinations, constipation, and urination problems. (36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42)

1. Amantadine

Amantadine is highly recommended for patients in the early stages. It can relieve the symptoms significantly during this period and delay the onset of the disease. It is usually combined with carbidopa-levodopa while the disease progresses to have full control over the side effects. (43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48)