- Most used remedies in treatment
- Physiotherapy and other therapies
- When surgery is recommended
- Natural treatment option for Parkinson's
Treatment for Parkinson's disease, or Parkinson's disease, includes the use of medications, prescribed by the neurologist or geriatrician, such as Levodopa, Pramipexole and Seleginine, for example, which help to decrease symptoms as they increase dopamine and other neurotransmitters in the brain, which are reduced in people with this disease.
In cases where there is no improvement with the use of these drugs, it is also possible to perform a surgical procedure, called deep brain stimulation, which can regress some symptoms, and decrease the necessary dose of the drugs. In addition, the practice of physical therapy, occupational therapy and physical activity is also important to help improve strength and balance, reinforcing autonomy.
Most used remedies in treatment
After the diagnosis of the disease, the doctor will prescribe the daily use of medications, accessible by SUS or private pharmacies, such as:
| Action | Examples of the medicine |
| Levodopa | Prolopa, Sinemet, Madopar |
| Anticholinergics |
Akineton (Biperiden) Gentin (Benzatropine) Artane (Triexifenidil) Kemadrin (Procyclidine) |
| Amantadina | Mantidan |
| Monoamino Oxidase B inhibitors | Niar, Deprilan (Seleginina) |
| Catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitors |
Tasmar (Tolcapona) Comtan (Entacapone) |
| Dopaminergic agonists |
Permax (Pergolide) Parlodel (Bromocriptine) Mirapex (Pramipexole) Requip (Ropinirole) |
Generally, the most used type of medication is Levodopa, however, the doctor will decide which combinations to indicate, depending on the general health status, the stage of the disease, time of day that the symptoms intensify and the side effects of the medications.
In addition, to treat other conditions such as depression, agitation and insomnia, common in this disease, the doctor may prescribe other types of medication, such as antidepressants, antipsychotics and anxiolytics.
Physiotherapy and other therapies
Physiotherapeutic treatment can be started as soon as the diagnosis is confirmed, being a good way to help stimulate the person's movement and quality of life, because it improves strength, coordination and range of motion, reducing the natural imbalance of the disease and preventing contractures and falls. Sessions can be daily or at least twice a week. Know some goals and treatments of physiotherapy against Parkinson's disease.
Other important ways to stimulate people with Parkinson's are speech therapy, to improve vocal capacity, hoarseness and swallowing capacity, in addition to occupational therapy and physical activity, as they help to stimulate independence, the ability to perform daily activities and the self-care.
A nutritionist will be able to indicate how to adapt the diet in order to facilitate eating and combat common symptoms such as heartburn, constipation and poor appetite. Thus, in the most advanced cases, it is recommended to choose foods that are easy to swallow and that reduce the risk of choking, such as thick soups, blends in a blender, fruit smoothies, puree and broths, for example, and the meat must already be cut or shredded on the plate to facilitate chewing.
When surgery is recommended
The surgical procedure to treat Parkinson's is deep brain stimulation, performed in cases where there is no improvement with the use of drugs or when they no longer have an effect.
This technique consists of placing a small electrode in the region of the brain affected by the disease, and helps to decrease or regress some symptoms, improving the person's quality of life. Learn more about the indications and how deep brain stimulation is done.
Natural treatment option for Parkinson's
Natural treatment is not a substitute for drug therapy, and can be used as a supplement to help relieve some symptoms of Parkinson's patients.
Thus, it is possible to invest in foods rich in vitamin E, consuming vegetable oils and fruits such as avocado, in addition to vegetables and fruits, as they contain neuroprotective antioxidant properties. Passion fruit leaf tea is a good way to calm and relax the person with Parkinson's, in times of anxiety and agitation.
Acupuncture is an alternative form of treatment that can help relieve symptoms of body pain, stiffness and some symptoms related to sadness and depression.
Also, check out some homemade recipes with passion fruit to help you sleep better and calm down.
