## Breadcrumb

- [Home](/)
- [Resources & Support](/resources-support)
- [PD Library](/resources-support/pd-library)
 
  ## Breadcrumb

- [Home](/)
- [Resources & Support](/resources-support)
- [PD Library](/resources-support/pd-library)
 
  

 

   Videos & Webinars 

#  Is there a cure for Parkinson’s disease? How is it treated? 

 

     

   - ###   Transcription   
    
    **Dr. Joseph Jankovic** 00:00:07  
    Parkinson's disease is certainly one of the diseases where a cure has not yet been found. That does not necessarily mean that Parkinson's disease is not a treatable disease. It clearly is a treatable disorder, and we can treat it in different ways. We can treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. There are many medications that have been proven to be very effective and safe in the treatment of symptoms of Parkinson's disease, particularly the dopaminergic drugs, drugs that stimulate the dopaminergic system. Levodopa is the best example. It replaces dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter that is missing in the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease. Then there are drugs, so-called dopamine agonists, that stimulate the dopamine receptors.
    
    **Dr. Joseph Jankovic** 00:00:55  
    They can also improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. There are certain medications that we have found delay the progression of the disease and may in fact be disease-modifying drugs. These medications include, for example, monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as selegiline or rasagiline. It has been shown that early introduction of these medications in the initial phase of the disease may delay the need for levodopa, which is the main medication that we use for Parkinson's disease.
    
    **Dr. Joseph Jankovic** 00:01:34  
    Our goal in the therapeutics of Parkinson's disease, of course, is to develop truly neuroprotective drugs, drugs that actually protect the dying neurons and protect the brains from developing the dopamine deficiency.
    
    **Dr. Joseph Jankovic** 00:02:15  
    Another form of therapy that is very important in more advanced stages of Parkinson's disease involves surgery, particularly deep brain stimulation. This is usually reserved for patients who respond to levodopa but, as a result of chronic levodopa therapy, have developed side effects such as motor fluctuations and involuntary jerking movements, called dyskinesia.
 
 Treatment may include things that you do yourself, such as exercise, or things that you do with oversight, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy or talk therapy. It may also include medications specific to your needs, such as medications aimed at improving your movement, and others aimed at improving non-movement symptoms such as constipation, urinary dysfunction, or sleep. The treatment of Parkinson’s is often best served via a team approach, with you – the person with PD – at the center and incorporation of your care partner, healthcare provider, therapists and other healthcare providers who treat specific symptoms of Parkinson’s.

For more information on treatments for Parkinson’s disease, visit [Parkinson.org/Treatment](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment "Treatment").

 

  ###  Find Local Support 

  Find your nearest Parkinson's Foundation chapter for local events, support groups, care facilities and more.

     10 Miles   25 Miles   50 Miles   100 Miles   250 Miles    

  

 - Share on Facebook
- Share on X
- Share on LinkedIn