How is Parkinson's disease cured?

Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

Updated on September 02, 2024

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The treatment of Parkinson's disease involves various aspects, and the principle of its treatment is not to aim for complete effectiveness but for prolonged and sustainable management. It is important not to be tempted by temporary symptom improvement and miss out on a sequential treatment that could last for many years. The treatment of Parkinson’s disease mainly includes the following aspects:

The first aspect is the care of daily life, which is very important. It is necessary to install some very convenient facilities at home for the patient, such as installing some handles, using some higher chairs, etc., all of which help to improve the quality of life for the patient.

The second aspect is pharmacotherapy. According to the patient's condition, appropriate anti-Parkinson's medication is selected, mainly including dopamine receptor agonists, COMT inhibitors, and some levodopa preparations. Adjusting medication is very complex and must be conducted under the guidance of a professional neurologist.

In addition, attention should also be paid to the treatment of non-motor symptoms, such as treating the patient's constipation, depression, etc.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

1min

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Can Parkinson's disease be cured?

Firstly, it must be noted that Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease which currently cannot be cured. Although Parkinson's disease cannot be cured, there are many methods available to slow the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for patients. Patients must take medication regularly under the guidance of a doctor. The treatment methods for Parkinson's disease mainly include: First, patients should strengthen their functional training and engage in as much physical activity and exercise as possible, which can help in treating the disease. Second, regular medication is necessary, mainly referring to drugs used for treating Parkinson's disease. These include dopamine receptor agonists, anticholinergic drugs, and Levodopa preparations, all of which can have good effects, but these medications also have certain side effects and require regular follow-up visits at outpatient clinics. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

53sec

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What foods should be eaten for Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease does not have any specific dietary restrictions, but the following aspects are recommended for patients: First, patients should consume more laxative vegetables and fruits, such as spinach, bananas, and celery, which help maintain the motility of the large intestine and promote bowel movements. Since many Parkinson's patients suffer from constipation, these foods can greatly improve their bowel movements and are recommended. Second, Parkinson's patients can also eat foods that nourish brain cells, such as pine nuts, walnuts, and pistachios. Third, patients may consume some plant oils, mainly olive oil, which can also play a good regulatory role. Fourth, Parkinson's patients should be cautious about the timing of protein intake in relation to their medication schedule, to avoid affecting the absorption of the medication.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

55sec

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Where to treat Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a very common neurodegenerative disease in neurology. Therefore, if Parkinson's disease is suspected, treatment can be sought in the neurology department, which is available in most hospitals. Many neurologists have extensive experience in treating Parkinson's disease. The treatment primarily includes medication and surgery. Medication therapy mainly refers to the administration of anticholinergic drugs or dopamine receptor agonists, as well as preparations of Levodopa. These medications can help improve symptoms, such as reducing muscle rigidity and tremors. Surgical treatment mainly refers to deep brain stimulation, which is suitable for patients who have been clearly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease for over five years and whose primary symptom is tremor, without significant dementia.

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Written by Zhou Yan

Geriatrics

46sec

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Early symptoms of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease begins inconspicuously and progresses gradually. There are two main categories of symptoms in Parkinson's disease: motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms. In the early stages of the disease, one can appear normal, or may experience motor symptoms like bradykinesia or rigidity, often starting asymmetrically. Symptoms commonly begin on one side of the upper limbs, and less frequently start from the lower limbs, eventually spreading to the limbs on the other side. Non-motor symptoms can occur at various stages of Parkinson's disease, including the pre-motor phase, such as loss of smell, sleep disturbances, constipation, depression, and more.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Neurology

1min 2sec

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What is needed to diagnose Parkinson's disease?

The definitive diagnosis of Parkinson's disease primarily relies on the patient's medical history, clinical manifestations, and a thorough physical examination by a neurologist. If the onset of the disease is very slow, presenting with symptoms such as bradykinesia and tremors, and the neurologist observes heightened muscle tone and slow movements during the examination, a high suspicion of this disease is warranted. Additionally, certain auxiliary tests are necessary, commonly including: First, testing the patient's sense of smell is crucial, as a reduced sense of smell is very important in diagnosing Parkinson's disease. Second, some brain MRI scans are needed mainly to exclude some secondary Parkinson's syndromes. Third, a brain PET-CT scan can be performed to examine the functionality of the striatum. Furthermore, an ultrasound of the substantia nigra in the midbrain can also be conducted, which holds significant value in assisting the diagnosis.