Understanding Parkinson’s disease

Since Parkinson’s disease is brought on due to the lack of Dopamine in the brain much of the treatment for the disease relies on ways of replacing, stimulating and substitution of this chemical. Although some very effective drugs have been developed in the treatment of Parkinson’s they do however have their disadvantages, therefore the treatment of the disease doesn’t just rely on medication but on several measures combined together as a package. Some of which include:.

• Exercise.
• Changes in diet.
• General activity.
• Attitude towards the disease.
• Medication.

As Parkinson’s is a chronic disease which progresses the overall aim of the treatment is to maintain the sufferer’s quality of life for as long as possible and not to cure the disease itself. The type of treatment available for you depends on certain factors such as:

• The severity of your symptoms.
• How much distress the symptoms cause you.
• Assessment of possible drug treatments.
• Your personal circumstances.

In order to determine the best possible treatment for the individual doctor and patient will need to be open and honest; this means that if you don’t understand anything that your doctor tells you, you must ask them to make themselves clear. Also you should voice any concerns, fears or worries that you may have regarding the disease.

Medication treatments

Some people with Parkinson’s may from time to time have to visit the hospital when on medication for the disease, this allows for your progress to be checked and alteration to the dosage or drugs needed to be changed depending on your progress. Studies show that early use of Rasagiline may slow down Parkinson’s. It is important that if medication is prescribed for your condition then you know exactly how much to take and when to take it. The patient should also be aware of any possible side effects from the drugs and what steps they need to take in the case of an adverse reaction to the drug.

Holistic therapy

Holistic therapies are now being used in the treatment of more and more illnesses along with traditional medication, possible holistic treatments include:

• Changes to the diet.
• Occupational therapy.
• Aromatherapy.
• Speech therapy.
• Alternative medicine.
• Physiotherapy.