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Treatment options for Parkinson's disease
1Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, 6550 Fannin #1801, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Current Opinion in Neurology
|August 2, 2002
Summary
Recent Parkinson's disease treatments show promise. Dopamine agonists reduce levodopa complications, while subthalamic nucleus stimulation offers surgical benefits for motor fluctuations. Neuroprotection and fetal tissue grafts remain experimental.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurodegenerative Disorders
- Clinical Therapeutics
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder.
- Current research focuses on novel neuroprotective and symptomatic strategies.
- Clinical trials aim to improve treatment options for PD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent therapeutic options for Parkinson's disease.
- Emphasis on findings from the past year.
- Summarize advancements in medical and surgical interventions.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental therapeutics in Parkinson's disease.
- Focus on prevention of levodopa complications.
- Analysis of surgical interventions and neuroprotection strategies.
Main Results:
- Dopamine agonists decrease levodopa-related dyskinesias.
- Subthalamic nucleus stimulation is effective for motor fluctuations.
- Neuroprotection has not yet been clinically demonstrated.
- Fetal tissue grafts show potential but remain experimental with complications.
Conclusions:
- Initial use of dopamine agonists can mitigate levodopa complications.
- Deep brain stimulation, specifically of the subthalamic nucleus, benefits select PD patients.
- Future neuroprotective drugs are anticipated with better understanding of cell death mechanisms.
- Cellular transplantation therapies for Parkinson's disease are experimental and carry risks.