In addition to drug treatment aimed at increasing dopamine levels in the brain, various other therapies can be used in Parkinson’s disease. These can either be an alternative to the classic therapy options or an adjunctive therapy. The importance of complementary treatments such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy, as well as speech therapy and psychotherapy, should not be underestimated.
Therapy with anticholinergics
In Parkinson’s disease, the lack of dopamine in the brain results in an excess of other neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine. This excess causes typical Parkinson’s symptoms such as resting tremor. The imbalance can be corrected with the help of anticholinergics, which act as antagonists of acetylcholine.
However, taking anticholinergics is associated with a wide variety of side effects, which is why the drugs are now rarely used. They are mainly used when the rest tremor is particularly severe and cannot be improved by standard medications. Anticholinergics are primarily prescribed to younger Parkinson’s patients, as older patients usually tolerate the drugs poorly. The drugs should not be used if memory impairment is already present.
Surgical therapy rather rare
Before there were effective medications for Parkinson’s, surgical procedures were often performed to treat the disease. However, this sometimes resulted in severe side effects, which is why surgical interventions for Parkinson’s are nowadays performed only in isolated cases. In general, surgery is only performed when drug therapy is no longer effective.
If Parkinson’s is treated surgically, high-frequency deep brain stimulation is used nowadays. This involves inserting a type of brain pacemaker into the patient. The pacemaker generates and controls electrical impulses that stimulate and influence the activity of certain brain regions via electrodes. This procedure is intended to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Particularly good results can be achieved in cases of great immobility and massive tremors.
High-frequency deep brain stimulation can only be performed if idiopathic Parkinson’s syndrome is present and the patient is under 75 years of age. In addition, it is important that no dementia or depression is present. Because radiofrequency deep brain stimulation is a very specialized procedure, it is only offered in a few clinics in Germany.
Complementary treatment for Parkinson’s disease
In addition to drug treatment, physiotherapy is of particular importance in Parkinson’s disease. It is incredibly important for affected patients to regularly practice everyday activities such as walking and standing in order to remain independent for as long as possible. Parkinson’s patients should also exercise regularly to strengthen their muscles and train movement patterns. Suitable sports include walking, swimming and gymnastics.
If speech and swallowing deteriorate as the disease progresses, speech therapy training is useful. This includes training in pronunciation, voice and speech rate, as well as facial expressions. Support for everyday activities such as personal hygiene, eating and dressing is provided by occupational therapy. If psychological problems arise as a result of Parkinson’s disease, it may be useful to consult a psychotherapist.
Parkinson’s patients also frequently seek alternative medical therapies, including acupuncture, massage, relaxation, breathing and meditation exercises. So far, however, a positive effect on the quality of life of those affected and an improvement in symptoms has not been scientifically proven.
Finally, it is also important for Parkinson’s patients to eat a healthy diet. Ideally, those affected should eat a diet as low in fat as possible and make absolutely sure to drink enough.
