Unlike many other neurodegenerative diseases, there is effective symptomatic therapy for Parkinson's disease that can provide most patients with several years of satisfactory quality of life and response to treatment. Key points in PD therapy include:
No therapy has yet been shown to slow or reverse the disease, although clinical trials of several candidates have shown intriguing results.
Levodopa continues to be the most effective treatment for motor symptoms, and all patients eventually require it.
Long-term complications of dopaminergic therapy are a concern that drives decision-making early in the treatment program.
Non-motor symptoms, especially depression and anxiety, are important targets of therapy.
Surgical treatment has become a mainstay of late-stage management, although not all patients can afford it or are appropriate candidates.
Cell transplant therapies are still experimental.
Non-pharmacological treatments remain an important part of a comprehensive treatment program.
