Understanding Parkinson’s disease treatment options
Our Parkinson's treatment specialists develop a comprehensive care plan for managing Parkinson's disease. Your treatment options may begin with medication, therapies, and emotional support.
Most people with Parkinson’s take medication to manage symptoms. These medications work to increase the activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical messenger in the brain that controls the coordination of movement. Decreased levels of dopamine cause the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications that increase the level of dopamine available in your brain. Medicines can also target brain receptors that control the release of dopamine, block a protein or the action of an enzyme that breaks down dopamine, or mimic the effects of dopamine. Other drugs can help manage your symptoms, like resting tremors, involuntary movements (dyskinesia), hallucinations, or delusions.
Rehabilitative therapies help people with Parkinson’s stay strong and flexible, reduce pain, and participate in daily activities. Research shows that routine exercise and movement can help to form new connections in your brain that may reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s and slow down disease progression. Depending on your symptoms, your care team may recommend:
- Physical therapy: Targeted, customized exercises help keep you flexible, strong, and coordinated and improve balance to reduce your fall risk.
- Occupational therapy: Involves exercises and activities that help you continue to be able to perform daily tasks (such as self-care and cooking) and do things you enjoy.
- Speech therapy: Speech therapists teach you exercises to help communicate clearly and swallow more effectively.
At Penn Medicine, movement disorder specialists collaborate closely with rehabilitation experts at the Dan Aaron Parkinson’s Rehabilitation Center (DAPRC) to bring you specialized therapies that help you manage life with Parkinson’s disease.
Living with Parkinson’s disease brings many changes to your life. Some people with Parkinson’s find that working with a psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, or spiritual counselor is helpful for managing emotions. These specialists provide emotional support, help you develop coping strategies, and prescribe treatments to manage psychological symptoms such as depression or anxiety.