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PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder of the nerve cells and nervous system that usually strikes individuals over the age of 50, though some younger people develop it too. When you have Parkinson’s disease, your brain cells don’t produce sufficient amounts of a chemical called dopamine, which is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter.

 

Parkinson’s disease affects the way you move and can inhibit normal bodily functions, causing symptoms such as:

  • Hand tremors 

  • Slowed movements  

  • Tense, rigid muscles

  • Trouble speaking and writing

  • Balance and posture problems 

  • Trouble with automatic movements   

  • Dizziness when standing

  • Inability to distinguish smells

  • Fatigue, particularly late in the day

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You may eventually have trouble controlling your bladder and bowels, develop insomnia, and have difficulty chewing and eating. The challenges of dealing with this disease often cause depression, but the disease itself may cause cognitive issues, such as dementia, hallucinations, and mood disorders.

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While Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, treatment focuses on managing symptoms, maintaining one's quality of life, and slowing the disease’s progression. Treatment options include increasing aerobic exercise––which slows the disease and improves balance and coordination. Most medications focus on helping your brain produce more dopamine. Your doctor may recommend a combination of:

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  • Carbidopa-levodopa 

  • Carbidopa-levodopa infusion 

  • Dopamine agonists  

  • MAO B inhibitors  

  • Catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors  

  • Anticholinergics  

  • Amantadine 

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All of the medications for Parkinson’s disease have side effects, potentially including hallucinations and behavioral changes. Your doctor may recommend a surgery called deep brain stimulation if you have advanced Parkinson’s disease tunresponsive to levodopa.

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The two most common cannabinoids in marijuana—cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—help control a variety of Parkinson’s symptoms. If you’re in the early stages of the disease, medical cannabis may even be sufficient to help you manage your symptoms and maintain your quality of life. The cannabinoids also have anti-inflammatory actions that may protect your brain cells. 

If you are in the more advanced stages of the disease, you can add medical cannabis to your regimen to complement your treatment. Medical cannabis can help to:

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  • Minimize tremors

  • Reduce involuntary movements

  • Improve quality of life

  • Improve slowness

  • Reduce anxiety

  • Improve sleep

  • Decrease hallucinations

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To control Parkinson’s disease symptoms with medical cannabis, contact Coastal Wellness Centers today.

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