New Hope for Parkinson’s

Not because there is no cure for Parkinson’s; it cannot be treated. There are a number of medical treatments to help reduce Parkinson’s-related complications including depression, sleep disorders, urinary problems, constipation and sexual dysfunction.

However many of Parkinson’s symptoms stop responding well to drug treatment over time. 

Wearing off complication can occur after a few years of using a medical treatment, known as levodopa. During wearing off, symptoms start to surface or worsen before the next dose of drug is due.

"Progress is being made to expand our use of medications, develop new medications and to treat symptoms that either we haven't been able to treat effectively or we didn't realize were problems for patients," said Dr. Robert Hauser, professor of neurology and director of the University of South Florida Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center in Tampa.

Tozadenant, which works on brain receptors, helps in improving motor signs without significantly increasing on-time movement problems in Parkinson’s patients. However it still merits further study in future trials, Hauser said.

Developing an effective medication is a revolutionary revelation to Parkinson’s patients; however there are several healthy avenues that can be explored besides medications.

Regular exercise can help improve mobility, lower caretaker burden, higher quality of life and lower levels of depression.  

Read full article here: New Parkinson’s Drug Could Slow Disease Progression