Infusion therapy for Parkinson's disease
Learn about the benefits of infusion therapy for Parkinson's disease treatment. Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know.
An estimated 1 million Americans are living with Parkinson's disease, and nearly 60,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year according to the Parkinson's Foundation, as of 2021
Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting millions worldwide. The disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, which leads to a range of symptoms, including tremors, rigidity, and impaired movement causing serious disruption of the quality of life.
For some patients who don’t receive benefits from traditional methods, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Read on to see the benefits of IV Infusion Therapy.
Who should get IV Infusion Therapy for Parkinson's Disease?
While medication is the primary treatment for Parkinson's, some patients may not respond well to traditional oral medications or may experience significant side effects. For example, Levodopa (one of the most commonly prescribed medications for Parkinson's disease) can cause dyskinesias (involuntary erratic movements) in some patients. And dopamine agonists (like Mirapex, Requip, Neupro, Apokyn, etc.) can cause nausea, dizziness, and other side effects. Additionally, as the disease progresses, some patients may find that their symptoms are no longer adequately controlled by medication.
For such patients, infusion therapy may be a viable treatment option. IV Infusion therapy allows the medication to be delivered directly into the bloodstream, providing a more consistent and reliable supply to the brain. This can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, particularly for elderly patients or those with difficulty swallowing pills or managing multiple medications.
IV Infusion therapy aims to provide a more consistent and reliable supply of medication to the brain, reducing symptoms and improving the patient’s health and wellbeing.
Infusion therapy can be a distinctly beneficial treatment of Parkinson's disease in elderly who may have difficulty swallowing pills or managing multiple medications. By providing a more consistent and reliable supply of medication, infusion therapy can help reduce symptoms and improve the welfare of this population.
Type of Infusion Therapies for Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's pump treatment:
One of the most common forms of infusion therapy is the Apo-Dopamine pump for Parkinson's disease, which delivers a continuous strain of the drug apomorphine. Apomorphine is a dopamine agonist, meaning it mimics the effects of dopamine in the brain, and can help alleviate symptoms such as rigidity and tremors.
NAD+ IV Therapy For Parkinson's Disease:
NAD+ IV therapy involves the administration of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) directly into the bloodstream, which has been shown to improve brain function and reduce symptoms in some patients.
Intravenous apomorphine therapy:
Intravenous apomorphine therapy is another effective therapy for Parkinson's disease treatment. Intravenous apomorphine therapy in Parkinson's disease delivers apomorphine directly into the bloodstream but is given on an as-needed basis to help manage "off" periods when medication is not providing adequate symptom relief.
Potential side-effects of Parkinson's medication
Like all medicines, Parkinson's disease medication also comes with potential side effects. These include, but are not limited to:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Confusion and hallucinations
- Impulsive behavior and gambling addiction
- Dry mouth and constipation
- Skin rashes and itching
- Difficulty sleeping and vivid dreams
- Involuntary erratic movements (dyskinesia) and tremors.
Parkinson's disease treatment benefits
The benefits of using IV infusion therapy for Parkinson's disease include:
More consistent drug delivery:
With IV infusion therapy, the medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system, which can result in more consistent drug levels and better symptom control.
Rapid onset of action:
IV infusion therapy can provide a more rapid onset of action than oral medication, which can be particularly useful in treating acute symptoms such as tremors or dyskinesia.
Lower doses of medication:
With IV infusion therapy, lower doses may be required to achieve the same effect as oral medication, which can reduce the risk of side effects.
Improved quality of life:
IV infusion therapy can help improve the quality of life for some people with Parkinson's disease by reducing symptoms and allowing them to perform daily activities more efficiently.
In conclusion, infusion therapy for Parkinson's disease can be an effective treatment option for patients who are not responding well to traditional oral medications or experiencing significant side effects. Patients with Parkinson's must work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan.
