Stem Cell Therapy for Parkinson's Disease

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Medications that Help Parkinsons

Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects the brain and part of the nervous system, leading to tremors as well as difficulty in coordination, walking and movement. In cases where the condition occurs to young individuals, it is mostly due to predisposing genetic factors. The condition is a result of reduction in the production of a brain chemical known as dopamine which is responsible for reduction in the contraction of muscles. This is mainly due to the damage of cells that produce the chemical.

No medication is known for the cure of the condition. However, there are various forms of Parkinson’s therapy used in treatment of the condition and to control the symptoms. These medications used in Parkinson’s disease therapy increase dopamine levels in the nervous system and specifically in the brain. However, over time there may be a reduction in the medication’s helpful effects and symptoms can re-occur. In such instances, the medical practitioner alters the dosage, type of the medication, time taken between doses or even how the patient takes the medications. This therefore underlines the importance of working with the medical practitioners to ensure that the treatment program is adjusted in the right manner.

One class of medications used in the Parkinson’s disease therapy is called dopamine agonists. These drugs stimulate more dopamine activity by duplicating the brain chemicals characteristics in the cell that makes use of the chemical. Though they are very helpful in assuaging the condition, they can result in side effects like low blood pressure, behavioral problems and daytime sleepiness.

Other medications used in Parkinson’s therapy replace dopamine. These drugs are known to contain levodopa, a chemical used in the manufacture of dopamine by the brain. However, levodopa is known to have side effects like vomiting, nausea, low blood pressure and even loss of appetite when administered alone. In this case, it is administered together with another chemical known as carbidopa that eliminates or lowers the side effects by inhibiting the production of dopamine on the outer side of the brain.

Medications can be effective in controlling the symptoms, helping to restore some of what Parkinson’s takes away. When combined with physical therapy and lifestyle changes, Parkinson’s sufferers can slow the progression of the disease if early on or make. The main aim of the physical therapy is to enhance the individual’s independence as well as quality of their life through improving their movement as well as functioning. In addition, the therapy is important in relieving pain.