Parkinson's Disease: Treatment

Parkinson's Disease or PD is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by an imbalance between cholinergic and reduced dopaminergic neurons.

The cornerstone of PD treatment is levodopa, a dopamine precursor converted into dopamine in the brain, alleviating symptoms.

It is co-administered with carbidopa, a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor, to enhance efficacy and minimize side effects.

Additionally, COMT inhibitors block the enzyme that degrades levodopa, allowing higher concentrations to reach the brain and enhancing its therapeutic effect.

Dopamine receptor agonists stimulate dopamine receptors, reducing symptoms like tremors and stiffness. MAO-B inhibitors inhibit dopamine breakdown in the brain, increasing its bioavailability.

Anticholinergics, such as benztropine and trihexyphenidyl, prevent binding of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in movement control, helping manage tremors and rigidity.

Amantadine ameliorates symptoms and dyskinesias by boosting dopamine release and blocking glutamate receptors.

Besides pharmacological interventions, surgical procedures like deep brain stimulation can mitigate severe symptoms or levodopa therapy complications.