[Possible treatment options for Parkinson's disease]. / Behandelingsmogelijkheden voor de ziekte van Parkinson.

ABSTRACT

Possible treatment options for Parkinson's disease consist of medications for motor symptoms as well as non-motor symptoms, such as cognitive decline, depression, hallucinations and delusions, constipation, and drooling. A number of these medications are in the experimental stage. In addition, physical activity and exercise can favourably influence the motor as well as the non-motor symptoms. Speech and dysphagia therapy are available, whereas cognitive behavioural therapy can control depressionand anxiety. Deep brain stimulation is the only surgical treatment currently used. Potential future surgical treatments are gene therapy, (stem) cell therapy, and the application of growth factors. Worldwide, research projects are being carried out in order to be able to control the disease. Once in a while surprising discoveries are made. Whether cure and/or prevention are possible remains to be seen.