Management of neurodegenerative disorders: Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease

J Indian Med Assoc. 2005 Mar;103(3):168-70, 172, 174-6.

Abstract

Neurodegenerative disorders result from premature progressive degeneration of specific neurons, and manifest as diseases or syndromes with varied combinations of cognitive, motor, sensory and autonomic dysfunctions. The management involves pharmacotherapy as well as non-pharmacological measures and also to lessen the burden of the care-givers. The medications available for medical treatment are: Levodopa, dopamine agonists, amantadine, anticholinergics, enzyme inhibitors, etc. Advanced Parkinson's disease is concerned with management of motor complications and non-motor complications. Recently surgical treatment is a great option for managing motor complication. Orthostatic hypotension, gait distiurbances, emotional and psychiatric problems, sleep disturbances can be managed and had been discussed in brief. Currently there is no medication available for the cure of Alzheimer's disease. The specific medications claimed to improve patient's well being and cognition include cholinesterase inhibitors, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, anti-oxidants, and anti-amyloid therapy. While medical and surgical treatments for Parkinson's disease have revolutionised the management, still drug therapy for Alzheimer's disease is dismal.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / complications
  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy*
  • Alzheimer Disease / therapy
  • Antiparkinson Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiparkinson Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiparkinson Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Nootropic Agents / adverse effects
  • Nootropic Agents / pharmacology
  • Nootropic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Parkinson Disease / complications
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy*
  • Parkinson Disease / surgery
  • Physical Therapy Modalities

Substances

  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Nootropic Agents