Treatment

Let’s talk about some common treatments that doctors may prescribe or recommend

While there's currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, there are therapies that can treat the symptoms. Treatment approaches include medication and surgical therapy, as well as general lifestyle modification (rest and exercise), physical therapy, support groups, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

How Parkinson's may be treated with medication

The goal of some Parkinson's medicines is to replace, mimic, or extend the action of dopamine in your brain and improve symptoms.

Some commonly prescribed treatments

Levodopa/carbidopa

Levodopa is thought to be converted to dopamine once it gets into the brain. Carbidopa helps inhibit the breakdown of levodopa before it gets to the brain.

COMT inhibitors†

COMT inhibitors are thought to inhibit the breakdown of levodopa before it reaches the brain.

Other treatments

Other treatments for Parkinson's disease include non-oral and surgical options.

MAO-B inhibitors*

MAO-B inhibitors are thought to block the breakdown of dopamine produced by the brain.

Dopamine agonists

Dopamine agonists are thought to mimic the effects of dopamine in the brain.





Levodopa/carbidopa

Levodopa is thought to be converted to dopamine once it gets into the brain. Carbidopa helps inhibit the breakdown of levodopa before it gets to the brain.

MAO-B inhibitors*

MAO-B inhibitors are thought to block the breakdown of dopamine produced by the brain.

COMT inhibitors†

COMT inhibitors are thought to inhibit the breakdown of levodopa before it reaches the brain.

Dopamine agonists

Dopamine agonists are thought to mimic the effects of dopamine in the brain.

Other treatments

Other treatments for Parkinson's disease include non-oral and surgical options.


*Monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors.
†Catechol-O-methyl transferase inhibitors.
Learn about a treatment for advanced Parkinson's Disease

It's important to talk to your doctor about any symptoms you may experience. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat Parkinson's disease.

It's important to talk to your doctor about any symptoms you may experience. Only your doctor can diagnose and treat Parkinson's disease.

Explore an inspiring slide show to get the rest of the story.

You'll get insight into how your body responds to treatment and learn about refocusing your energy for greater personal empowerment.