From the Guidelines
Patients with Parkinson's disease can potentially slow disease progression by maintaining a healthy weight, undergoing regular nutritional assessments, and considering vitamin D supplementation, as low vitamin D levels have been associated with disease progression 1. To decrease the progression of Parkinson's, several strategies can be employed:
- Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise, as weight loss and gain can both occur in PD patients and impact disease progression 1
- Undergoing regular nutritional assessments, at least on a yearly basis, to monitor body weight and vitamin status 1
- Considering vitamin D supplementation, as low vitamin D levels have been associated with the risk of developing PD and slowing disease progression, particularly in patients with high-risk genotype of the vitamin D receptor 1
- Managing homocysteine levels through the concomitant use of COMT inhibitors, such as entacapone, and administration of vitamins B12 and folate, as elevated homocysteine levels can contribute to disease progression 1
- Avoiding supplementation with antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C, E, A, and carotenoids, as well as coenzyme Q10, as large randomized trials have shown no evidence of clinical benefit 1
- For patients on levodopa treatment, advising them to take medications at least 30 minutes before meals and considering a protein-redistribution dietary regimen to maximize levodopa absorption and efficacy 1
From the FDA Drug Label
The primary measure of effectiveness was the change from baseline in the total score of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) [mentation (Part I) + activities of daily living (ADL) (Part II) + motor function (Part III)]. In Study 2, rasagiline tablets 1 mg was superior to placebo on the primary measure of effectiveness. In Study 3 and Study 4, rasagiline tablets 1 mg once daily reduced "OFF" time compared to placebo when added to levodopa in patients experiencing motor fluctuations.
The patient can take rasagiline tablets 1 mg/day to decrease the progression of Parkinson's disease symptoms, as it has been shown to be superior to placebo in improving the total UPDRS score and reducing "OFF" time in patients with motor fluctuations 2. Rasagiline has been found to have a positive effect on motor function and activities of daily living. Key points to consider:
- Dose: 1 mg/day
- Effectiveness: superior to placebo in improving UPDRS score and reducing "OFF" time
- Population: patients with Parkinson's disease, including those with motor fluctuations 2
From the Research
Decreasing Progression of Parkinson's Disease
To decrease the progression of Parkinson's disease, patients can consider the following options:
- Physical Activity: Engaging in physical activity, such as aerobic exercises, treadmill training, dancing, traditional Chinese exercise, yoga, and resistance training, can help improve motor and nonmotor symptoms 3.
- Medications: Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors, such as selegiline and rasagiline, can help increase synaptic dopamine and improve motor control 4, 5.
- Dopamine-Based Therapies: Dopamine-based therapies, such as levodopa preparations, can help improve motor symptoms 6.
- Nonpharmacologic Approaches: Nonpharmacologic approaches, such as exercise, physical, occupational, and speech therapies, can complement pharmacologic treatments and help improve motor and nonmotor symptoms 6, 3.
- Advanced Treatments: Advanced treatments, such as deep brain stimulation and treatment with levodopa-carbidopa enteral suspension, can help individuals with medication-resistant tremor, worsening symptoms, and dyskinesias 6.
Lifestyle Changes
In addition to medical treatments, patients can make lifestyle changes to help manage their condition, including:
- Regular Exercise: Regular exercise can help improve motor function and reduce the risk of falls 3.
- Balanced Diet: A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help support overall health 3.
- Stress Management: Stress management techniques, such as meditation and yoga, can help reduce stress and improve mood 3.