MedifocusHealth

Treatment for Parkinson's disease is very individualized. The goal of therapy is to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life while minimizing side effects of medications. The decision to treat early Parkinson's disease with pharmacological agents often depends on the particular needs of the person and careful weighing of possible benefits, cost, and adverse outcomes. Doctors try to use the lowest dose of any medications to achieve satisfactory improvement of function.

At the present time, there is no universally accepted standard of care - either in terms of how to treat early symptoms, the optimum time to start treatment, or which medications should be given for initial treatment of Parkinson's disease. It is also difficult to set a standard of care because the response of each individual to medication can be so varied. There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease. However, there are therapies available to minimize symptoms and maximize function and quality of life. There are three categories of treatments for Parkinson's disease.

• Lifestyle modifications

• Pharmacological (drug) therapy

• Surgical therapy - to relieve symptoms in patients non-responsive to medication