What treatments are available for moderate phase Parkinson's?
The treatment for Parkinson's Disease relies upon many areas. Medications are very important but not the sole treatment of Parkinson's Disease. The comprehensive care of somebody with Parkinson's Disease usually involves medication but also an exercise program. I encourage my patients to be physically active, hopefully on a daily basis. It doesn't have to be anything hugely exertional but just even daily walking can be helpful to maintain mobility. What is not good for somebody with Parkinson's Disease is to stay put in a chair most of the day or have a marked reduction of daily activity and mobility or exercise. So medications, exercise, also being socially engaged I think is critical to optimal care of somebody with Parkinson's Disease. There is sort of a tendency for people with this diagnosis to become socially withdrawn which I always discourage. I don't think that's a good thing. It's good to be connected socially and keep intellectually engaged as well, to keep those wheels in the brain turning as much as possible, So medication, exercise, social and intellectual engagement. For some people, not the majority, but for some people, surgery is also an option for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. When medications are working but not working long enough or causing some complications like involuntary movements, some people may be good candidates for surgical treatment of Parkinson's Disease.
