Current approaches to the treatment of Parkinson’s disease

Review

(2538) Views  (642) Full article downloads

Authors: Joseph Jankovic, L Giselle Aguilar

Published Date September 2008 Volume 2008:4(4) Pages 743 - 757

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S2006

Joseph Jankovic, L Giselle Aguilar

Parkinson’s Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine

Abstract: Enormous progress has been made in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). As a result of advances in experimental therapeutics, many promising therapies for PD are emerging. Levodopa remains the most potent drug for controlling PD symptoms, yet is associated with significant complications such as the “wearing off” effect, levodopa-induced dyskinesias and other motor complications. Catechol-o-methyl-transferase inhibitors, dopamine agonists and nondopaminergic therapy are alternative modalities in the management of PD and may be used concomitantly with levodopa or one another. The neurosurgical treatment, focusing on deep brain stimulation, is reviewed briefly. Although this review has attempted to highlight the most recent advances in the treatment of PD, it is important to note that new treatments are not necessarily better than the established conventional therapy and that the treatment options must be individualized and tailored to the needs of each individual patient.

Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, levodopa, medical treatment, pallidotomy, deep brain stimulation