History and Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

Some people think that Parkinson's disease is a new condition. This is not true, but is a common misconception because the disease became well known in the 1950s. The history of Parkinson's disease actually dates back to ancient times, when people described symptoms of a condition that caused the patient to shake uncontrollably, gradually progressing until the patient lost all ability to move on his own.

In 1817 a doctor named James Parkinson published an essay called An Essay on the Shaking Palsy. This essay was on a condition known at the time as paralysis agitans. The essay was so effective in describing the condition that the disease was later named "Parkinson's Disease" in honor of this doctor.

The reason that the disease is considered by many to be a modern one is because it was in the 1950s that the cause was determined. Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the nervous system that is caused by changes in the biochemistry of the brain. It is most commonly recognized by the symptoms of shaking and loss of motor control. It does appear to be related to genetics, for families with a history of Parkinson's disease often see it over and over again, but this has not been proven scientifically. Scientists have recently discovered a series of genetic mutations that sometimes cause the condition, but again this is not always the cause.

At present research is being done to find a cure for Parkinson's disease, but this research has yet to be successful. The disease is usually managed by administering L-dopa, a prodrug that is designed to increase dopamine levels. This helps to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as the shaking and uncontrolled movements. This treatment has been used since its discovery in the 1960s by Arvid Carlsson, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in treating Parkinson's.

Is There an Effective Parkinson's Disease Drug?

If you suffer from Parkinson's disease, then you already know that there is not currently a Parkinson's disease drug that will completely cure your condition. That being said, many drugs can help you live with the symptoms of your condition so that you can have a fulfilling life. The majority of drugs used to treat Parkinson's are designed to keep the symptoms at bay and increase the quality of life for the patient.

Some Parkinson's patients do not need drugs to deal with their condition. If the symptoms are mild and daily life is not affected, doctors will usually avoid prescribing drugs due to the possibility of side effects. However, when the symptoms of Parkinson's begin to interfere with daily life, drug therapy is usually the first course of action. Severe Parkinson's requires surgery, but this is a last resort.

The most common drug to be prescribed for this condition is Levodopa. This drug helps improve cognition and mobility for the Parkinson's patient. Since the disease progresses with time, the dosage of Levodopa will be consistently increased. The newest Parkinson's disease drug option is a line of drugs called COMT inhibitors. These are medications that help optimize the effects of other drugs used in treating Parkinson's. They are prescribed when other drugs stop working.

If the only symptoms of the condition are tremors, the doctor will usually prescribe anticholinergic medicines. These medicines do not help cognition, but they do lessen the tremors. This line of medication can also be used alongside other treatments.

All Parkinson's treatments do have potential side effects, so it is important to only take them with the support and oversight of a licensed physician. However, most Parkinson's sufferers feel that the mild side effects they experience are worth it for the overall quality of life they receive as a result of taking medicine for their condition.