What cures Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, which mainly affects neurons in deep areas of the brain known as the substantia nigra and basal ganglia. These areas are responsible for controlling boy movements, motor control, learning, behavior, eye movements, and much more. The grey structure, substantia nigra contains dopamine-producing neurons that influence how we feel while mediating other brain functions. Since the discovery of Parkinson’s disease in 1817, a great deal of information has been uncovered that has helped the healthcare community to analyze statistics, improvise diagnostic techniques and deliver the best possible treatments for Parkinson’s disease.

Even with these massive advancements in disease diagnosis and management, what cures Parkinson’s disease remains unanswered. The latest research approach has no doubt opened up new paths with promising outcomes, but an ample amount of time is required till we know every important detail on this neurological condition.

What is the best treatment for Parkinson’s disease?

Genetic analysis, extensive clinical evaluation, and extensive research have revealed that Parkinson’s disease is a complex disease having a wide range of symptoms. This research has paved the way for the development of better medications; however, these treatments address the symptoms of the affected, not resolve the causes. Today’s treatments resolve symptoms for most patients and can influence how the disease will progress over time.

What cures Parkinson’s disease is not known, but we do know how to treat the symptoms that develop with the disease. Let’s look at the common medications used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It is of utmost importance to understand that the medications mentioned below should be taken after a prescription from your neurologist only.

Common medications used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease

• Levodopa and Carbidopa: It is the most commonly prescribed drug that reduces body stiffness and slow movements. Levodopa is converted into dopamine by the brain cells and used later on. A combination of levodopa and carbidopa is also prescribed for the OFF periods the patients experience between scheduled doses.
• Safinamide: This medication is prescribed as an add-on with levodopa if the symptoms become uncontrollable. Safinamide as add-on therapy in the early stages of Parkinson’s improves the symptoms related to movement. Furthermore, its use in mid-to-late stages resolves the major symptoms in the long run.
• Dopamine agonists: This class of drugs is a preferred first-choice medication for the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Dopamine agonists are also prescribed to overcome the side effects of levodopa. Until we know the answer to what cures Parkinson’s disease, or find better therapeutics, we have to rely on these treatments for relieving Parkinson’s progressing symptoms.

There are various other treatments such as deep brain stimulation where the patient’s inactive brain parts are stimulated. Gamma knife therapy uses radiation to improve treatment outcomes.

There are also surgical procedures but are only considered as a last resort when the affected show no improvement in symptoms from adequate medication.

What kills Parkinson’s disease?

In most cases of Parkinson’s disease, the death of the patient can occur from two instances which are falls and pneumonia. Let’s briefly read on to know how Parkinson’s disease could prove to be fatal.

Falls: Parkinson’s patients have a very high risk of falling, leading to unfavorable consequences. Mostly, the falls result in a hip fracture which can trigger the development of clots, increases the chances of infection, or even heart failure.

Pneumonia: Parkinson’s patients can develop aspiration pneumonia. This type of pneumonia occurs when any food or liquid goes down your trachea (windpipe) instead of going into the esophagus. The aspired substance is challenging for the patient to clear out on their own through coughing, this persistent blockage can lead to death if not addressed appropriately.

What triggers Parkinson’s disease?

The exact causes of Parkinson’s disease are still not clear, but we do know that certain changes in the brain could be triggered by the factors listed below.

• Genes: Several gene mutations are linked with the development of Parkinson’s disease. These genetic mutations occur in various forms of the PARK gene. Nevertheless, Developing Parkinson’s from a genetic mutation is not reported quite often.
• Autoimmune disorders: One research reported that there are high chances of developing Parkinson’s disease when someone has an autoimmune disease already. Another study conducted in Taiwan concludes that people having autoimmune diseases have a higher chance to develop Parkinson’s when compared to healthy adults.
• Environmental triggers: Chemicals, toxins, and pollutants are some notable environmental triggers of Parkinson’s disease. However, these harmful environmental substances can be avoided to decrease the risk of developing Parkinson’s.
• Lewy bodies: With the development of Parkinson’s disease, clumps of a protein named Lewy bodies start to accumulate in the brain and alter its function. Moreover, these proteins affect the surrounding tissue.
• Dopamine levels: In Parkinson’s disease, the cells which produce dopamine become non-functional, resulting in a low dopamine level. The severity of several symptoms is related to low dopamine level which is corrected through adequate medication.
• Norepinephrine levels: This neurotransmitter controls a plethora of vital functions like blood circulation, gut movements, regulates blood pressure and blood sugar. Symptoms like constipation, fatigue, and low blood pressure are due to low levels of norepinephrine.

Has anyone recovered from Parkinson’s disease?

We don’t have an answer to what cures Parkinson’s disease because of the disease complexity. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, which means that the disease will eventually take its toll over time. The symptoms of the disease keep on increasing as some brain areas slowly lose their function. To fully recover from Parkinson’s disease is a very challenging feat to achieve until we find the exact causes while avoiding the modifiable risk factors for the best outcomes.

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