Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Although there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, there are medications that can provide relief from many of the symptoms.

Most medications used to treat the disease either mimic the effect of dopamine, increase dopamine levels, or extend the action of dopamine in the brain. The challenge is to find a medication that relieves symptoms with limited side effects.

Medications used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease cannot stop the disease from progressing over time. But they may help relieve the symptoms and help a person with Parkinson's disease to carry on daily activities.

As the disease progresses, drug dosages may have to be modified and medication regimens changed. Sometimes a combination of drugs may be given.

Patients may also benefit from physical therapy, nutritional supplements and massage therapy. Some patients may also be candidates for deep brain stimulation, a tremor control therapy for patients who no longer respond effectively to medications.