Specific treatment for a Parkinson's disease will be determined by your doctor based on:

• Your age, overall health, and medical history

• Extent of the condition

• Type of condition

• Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies

• Expectations for the course of the condition

• Your opinion or preference

With today's medicine, we have yet to find a cure for Parkinson's disease. However, based on the severity of the symptoms and medical profile, the doctor will establish an appropriate treatment protocol. Treatment for Parkinson's disease may include the following:

• Medications

• Surgery

• Complementary and supportive therapies, such as diet, exercise, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy

[6 Medication-Free Ways to Feel Better with Parkinson’s Disease]

Medication for Parkinson’s disease

Once the doctor diagnoses Parkinson’s disease, the next decision is whether a patient should receive medication, which depends on the following:

• The degree of functional impairment

• The degree of cognitive impairment

• Ability to tolerate antiparkinsonian medication

• The advice of the attending doctor

No two patients react the same way to a given drug, therefore, it takes time and patience to find an appropriate medication and dosage to alleviate symptoms.

[Physical Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease]

Surgery for Parkinson’s disease

Based on the severity of the condition and the medical profile, the doctor may recommend surgery as one treatment option for Parkinson's disease.

There are several types of surgery that may be performed that can help patients with Parkinson's disease. Most of the treatments are aimed at helping the tremor or rigidity that comes with the disease. In some patients, surgery may decrease the amount of medication that is needed to control the symptoms.

There are three types of surgeries that may be performed for Parkinson's disease, including the following:

• Lesion surgery (burning of tissue). In this procedure, deep parts of the brain are targeted and small lesions are made in critical parts of the brain that help control movement. The surgery may be done while the patient is awake to help determine the exact placement of the lesion. The lesion is placed to help control, or stop, the area of the brain that is causing the tremor.

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS). With this type of surgery, a small electrode is placed in the critical parts of the brain that help to control movement. The electrode is attached to a small battery in the chest wall and is connected by wires that are placed under the skin. The stimulator is then turned on and interrupts the normal flow of information in the brain and can help to decrease symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

• Neural grafting or tissue transplants. Experimental research is being done to find a replacement for the part of the brain that functions improperly in Parkinson's disease.

It is important to remember that surgery may help with symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but does not cure the disease or stop the progression of the disease.