Treatment for Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes
Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes, also called “atypical Parkinson’s,” are a group of illnesses that attack the neurons and the brain. These illnesses are closely associated to Parkinson’s disease and cause many of the same symptoms. Our ability to control movement comes from a chemical called dopamine. When our brain doesn’t make enough dopamine, it can lead to conditions called “Parkinsonism”
Parkinson’s is the most prominent Parkinsonism condition. That being said, around 15% of people who have trouble developing Dopamine have another one of Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes
Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes are more difficult to treat than Parkinson’s Disease (PD). There are 4 main types of Parkinson’s Disease. These include:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
PSP causes problems with muscles and movement the same way PD does, however patients suffering from PSP don’t experience tremors. They have issues with walking and maintaining balance, but their limbs don’t shake the way they would have with PD.
Dementia With Lewy Bodies
After Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy bodies is the most common type of dementia. These are thick clumps of protein that gather on nerve cells which in turn causes issues with memory and impacts people’s ability to think clearly. In worse cases, it can cause hallucinations.
Multiple System Atrophy
Our blood pressure and digestive system is controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Multiple System Atrophy affects the system and causes fainting, loss of bladder control and constipation. It also causes other symptoms such as loss of balance, difficulty with speed, stiffness and shaking.
Corticobasal Degeneration
Corticobasal degeneration is very rare. It causes the cerebral cortex to shrink, killing brain cells we need to function properly. It even affects the part of the brain that gives us control over our movements.
As of yet there’s no cure to Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes, however their symptoms can be managed with medication, speech therapy and occupational therapy.
Dr. Farzin Pedouim is a board-certified Neurologist and Movement Disorder Specialist in Huntington Beach and Los Angeles. He has years of experience in treating patients with Parkinson’s Disease, Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes and dementia.