Meet 3 treatments that offer more quality of life for those who have Parkinson’s

Therapies help to control the symptoms of neurodegenerative disease

Cases of Parkinson’s In Brazil they should double in the next decades, from around 500,000 currently to 1.2 million in 2060, according to a Brazilian study Published in April a Regional Health of Lancet. Researchers of Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Ufgs) And from other institutions they estimated the data of almost 10,000 people in all regions of the country.

Despite this perspective, the article also concludes that the disease is still very subjected to diagnosis in its initial stages, reporting the need to improve the investigation of cases and greater access to treatment.

Parkinson’s is a disease neurological Caused by the degeneration of cells responsible for dopamine production, a neurotransmitter involved in the stimuli of the movement. The main risk factor is the agingBut studies also suggest an association with excessive exposure to certain chemicals, such as some solvents.

Initially it manifests itself from tremors, slow movements, muscle rigidity, among other symptoms. The diagnosis is clinical, since there is no specific examination capable of detecting the disease, which is progressive and has a slow evolution.

Although there is no care, the treatment can help keep the symptoms under control. In the early stages, the therapeutic conduct is made with medicines to provide the lack of dopamine e physical activityphysical therapy and, in some cases, speech therapy sessions.

However, after about seven or eight years, depending on each individual, functional limitations begin to appear. “There may be a great impact on the quality of life and often the person is still active, it must work, for example. At this stage advanced therapy is discussed,” explains the neurologist Rubens Curty of Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein.

For those who no longer respond to clinical treatment, there are some treatment options, which should take into account the stage of the disease and the profile of each patient. Find out more about them:

1. Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

This surgical technique has been in circulation for about 20 years and has great effectiveness in the control of lens and tremors. The procedure provides for the implementation of two electrodes in specific regions of the brainone on each side.

They are linked to a sort of pacemaker implanted in the patient’s chest. This device emits an electric discharge that modulates the core of the sick cells, adjusting the signs that produce the symptoms.

In addition to effectiveness, one of the advantages of the technique is the possibility of regulating the intensity based on symptoms – as the disease advances, it is possible to adjust the exhausts. On the other hand, since it is a surgical procedure, it can be contraindicated for some people, as very elderly or with clinical complications.

2. High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

It is a high intensity ultrasound indicated to control both Parkinson’s and a picture called essential tremore. Promotes an immediate improvement of this symptom, about 70%. The technique arrived in Brazil in 2025But it has been approved in the United States since 2017.

Unlike DBS, this procedure is less invasive. The patient is positioned on an magnetic resonance imaging machine using a sort of helmet (for this reason, it is necessary to scrape all the hair). With the help of the image exams, the intervention is expected in the exact position in which the cells are modified.

During the procedure, ultrasound waves are applied in a specific point of the brain, the Talamus, head of tremors. The goal is to cause a small 4 mm thermal lesion that eliminates the “short circuit” causing tremor. The entire process lasts about three hours and is performed with the patient agreed without general anesthesia. The increase occurs on the same day.

The therapy is unilateral, that is, if the individual has tremors on both sides of the body, it can keep a further session on the opposite side after at least nine months.

However, technique is not a cure for the disease, nor eliminates symptoms such as rigidity and slowness. Although in the long term most continuously continued with controlled tremors, they can return. “It depends on the progression of the disease and the person. It may also not improve the patient. It may be necessary to repeat or make other treatments,” says Curry.

In addition, due to the inflammation on the injury site, the person can have difficulties in balance. There may also be pain, nausea, tingling, alteration of language and weakness. In the vast majority of cases, the side effects are tolerable and passengers.

3. Dopaminergic infusion therapy

This treatment is nothing more than the infusion of existing medicine through an subcutaneous bomb that constantly releases doses. It was underlined how outputs for people with fluctuations in symptoms, alternating periods ON AND worn out.

“Oral medicine has an effect, but then falls. These patients can benefit from this continuous therapy,” explains the neurologist. Although it was released in the United States in 2024, it has not yet been approved by National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.