Can Parkinson's disease be cured?
Disease description:
During a recent medical checkup, the doctor mentioned that my grandfather might be showing early signs of Parkinson's disease. I would like to ask, is Parkinson's disease curable?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects middle-aged and elderly individuals. It is characterized by motor impairments, including tremors, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and balance problems. Currently, Parkinson's disease cannot be cured, but through comprehensive treatment approaches such as medication, surgical interventions, and rehabilitation therapy, symptoms can be effectively managed to improve patients' quality of life. Main treatment methods include pharmacological therapy, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation training.
Commonly used medications in drug therapy include levodopa, dopamine receptor agonists, and monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors. These medications work by replenishing the deficient dopamine in the brain or enhancing dopamine activity, thereby alleviating symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, the effectiveness of medications may gradually diminish, and side effects may increase.
Surgical treatments, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), can also provide therapeutic benefits for some patients who respond poorly to medication. Additionally, rehabilitation therapies, such as balance training and coordination exercises, can help improve patients' motor abilities and quality of life.
Although Parkinson's disease cannot be completely cured, patients and their families should maintain an optimistic attitude and actively cooperate with physicians' treatment plans to slow disease progression and enhance quality of life.
