Haims: Educate yourself about Parkinson’s treatments
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. In the United States, it is estimated that almost one million people have Parkinson’s. Further, it is estimated that the annual incidence of Parkinson’s may be about 90,000 people a year — a number that has exceeded previous estimates.
Parkinson’s is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the brain that produce the chemical dopamine. Without proper dopamine levels, the brain cannot effectively transmit signals that facilitate movement. The billion-dollar question researchers are trying to understand is, why are dopamine cells dying?
Traditional treatment options for Parkinson’s often involve medications along with exercise routines that manage symptoms. Usually, a combination of both proves to be quite successful for most people.
Two of the most common medications used to treat Parkinson’s are levodopa and carbidopa. Levodopa is universally regarded as the most effective medication. When taken orally, this medication is absorbed in the blood and then travels to the brain where it is converted into dopamine. Unfortunately, levodopa can present side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and in some cases, can cause a sense of dizziness or lightheadedness after standing up (orthostatic hypotension).
Because levodopa alone is often broken down within the body before it reaches the brain, it is prescribed in conjunction with a medication called carbidopa. Carbidopa assists levodopa by impeding it from being converted into dopamine before it enters the brain. Another way carbidopa assists levodopa is when levodopa is used alone, it tends to cause excess dopamine to be produced within the central nervous system and bloodstream. Research indicates that in such instances, excess dopamine may negatively affect organs and even affect cells that protect the body from infections called, T cells.
Support Local Journalism
While effective in providing relief from Parkinsonian syndromes, levodopa and carbidopa may cause side effects. Some of the side effects include dizziness, loss of appetite, diarrhea and dry mouth. You should always communicate with your medical provider about any changes you feel when taking levodopa and carbidopa.
Although it is common knowledge that exercise has many health benefits, for Parkinson’s patients, exercise has proven to be a vital component. Research indicates that exercise can not only help maintain one’s mobility, but in many instances, may improve mobility and flexibility. It has also been shown to help mitigate the affect of depression and even constipation, a common occurrence for Parkinson’s patients.
In an article published last year by the Yale School of Medicine, exercise “induces brain-protective effects that have the potential to not just slow down, but possibly reverse, the neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson’s disease.” According to Evan D. Morris, PhD, professor of radiology and biomedical imaging at Yale School of Medicine, “imaging has been used to confirm that the biology of the brain in those suffering with Parkinson’s disease is changed by intense exercise.”
Another newer treatment is focused ultrasound. Clinical studies and research have shown promising outcomes for focused ultrasound. Now therapies are being developed that demonstrate substantial improvements in tremor control, reducing motor symptoms, rigidity and bradykinesia (slowness of movement) with Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, this therapy has the potential to provide long-lasting benefits, allowing patients to reduce their reliance on medications.
Focused ultrasound is also showing some promise in temporarily opening the blood-brain barrier — a formidable obstacle in allowing molecules to pass through from blood to the brain. Normally, the blood-brain barrier keeps potentially toxic substances and pathogens from entering the brain while allowing water, oxygen and vital nutrients to reach the brain. Research published in the National Library of Medicine indicates that focused ultrasound may not only increase the efficacy of pharmaceutical drug delivery to specific brain regions but also aid in the removal of harmful neurodegenerative proteins.
Ultrasound therapy, medications and exercise have proven to improve the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s. If you or someone you know is afflicted with this disease, make an effort to go online and learn about new research. The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson Research Foundation, The American Parkinson Disease Association, and The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke are great resources.
Judson Haims is the owner of Visiting Angels Home Care in Eagle County. He is an advocate for our elderly and is available to answer questions. Connect with him at jhaims@visitingangels.com.
