Although both dyskinesia and OFF episodes are common aspects of living with Parkinson's disease and become more prevalent later in the disease course. Levodopa-induced dyskinesia often involves involuntary muscle movements such as twitches, jerks, twisting and writhing. While "OFF" time occurs when Levodopa is wearing off and the patient has less control of their [...]
Options Overview for Inadequately Controlled Motor Fluctuations As Parkinson’s disease progresses, the response to levodopa becomes more complex and medication beneficial effects begin to wear off between doses. The variations in mobility such that patients can tell when their medications kick in and wear off are referred to as motor fluctuations. Although motor fluctuations can [...]
The major classes of anti-Parkinson medication include carbidopa-levodopa (often referred to as Sinemet), catechol-o-methyltransferase inhibitors or COMT inhibitors, monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors, dopamine agonists, amantadine, and anticholinergics. Many of these medications are used in combinations although some of these may be used by themselves (in monotherapy) for treatment of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Levodopa [...]
Exercise has shown to be helpful for maintenance of good health for normal individuals in the population. It has especially been demonstrated to improve a variety of different features of Parkinson’s disease including gait, strength, balance, and speed of movement. In the general population including patients with Parkinson’s disease, cardiovascular exercise improves cognitive function, mood, [...]
Often non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease can be overlooked and thought to be unassociated with PD, especially in the early stages of the disease. However, there are a variety of non-motor symptoms that can affect up to 50% of the PD population. Two of the major non-motor symptoms include cognitive changes and mood disorders. Cognitive [...]
