The idea that "Parkinson's disease is incurable" is now an outdated image. Thanks to advances in medicine, Parkinson's disease is becoming a disease that can be managed properly, allowing people to live out their natural lifespan. However, because it is a disease that people live with for a long time, it is also true that concerns such as changes in the effectiveness of medication and side effects due to long-term medication are endless
This article will discuss new treatment options, such as surgical therapy (DBS) and regenerative medicine, in addition to current drug therapy and rehabilitation
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Is Parkinson's disease even curable?
Unfortunately, in modern medicine, it is still difficult to completely cure (restore) lost nerve cells. However, there is no need to despair. The goal of treatment at present is to control symptoms and maintain the current quality of life (QOL) as much as possible
In fact, with early and appropriate treatment, it is possible to maintain good motor and cognitive functions. Statistically, the prognosis (average life expectancy) for people with Parkinson's disease has improved to a level almost indistinguishable from that of the general population. Instead of giving up on the idea that it is incurable, the first step in treatment is to shift your perspective to "how to live with it effectively." With proper management, it is not only possible to live out one's natural lifespan, but also to enjoy hobbies and travel
Source: National Center for Intractable Diseases Information | Parkinson's Disease (Designated Intractable Disease 6)
Source: Japanese Society of Neurology Guidelines | Parkinson's Disease Treatment Guidelines 2018 "Chapter 2 General Principles of Treatment"
Pillar of treatment 1. Drug therapy (L-dopa, etc.)
The basis of Parkinson's disease treatment is drug therapy. Using L-dopa, which replenishes the dopamine that is deficient in the brain, can be effective immediately after starting treatment, and there may be a period when symptoms improve dramatically. However, as the period of medication lengthens, the duration of the drug's effect shortens, and a "wearing-off phenomenon" may occur where the patient suddenly becomes unable to move before the next dose. This is because L-dopa has a short half-life in the blood, so its effect wears off after 2-3 hours of administration. As the disease progresses further, the nervous system becomes hypersensitive, and many people suffer from dyskinesia, a symptom in which the limbs and body move involuntarily, regardless of one's will
To address these challenges, doctors carefully adjust the dosage and type of medication, but controlling the combination of multiple drugs can be very delicate and burdensome
Source: National Center for Intractable Diseases | Parkinson's Disease (Designated Intractable Disease 6)
Pillar of treatment 2. Rehabilitation including exercise therapy
In addition to drug therapy and surgery, we strongly recommend rehabilitation, including exercise therapy. Because this disease progresses gradually, engaging in appropriate exercise therapy according to the severity and symptoms will lead to improvement and maintenance of symptoms
However, a key characteristic of rehabilitation is that it is a treatment that the individual takes the lead in. Unlike medication, which works simply by taking it, rehabilitation requires the individual to move their body themselves. Therefore, the individual's motivation—whether they can continue it enjoyably and maintain their motivation—and the supportive environment around them greatly influence its effectiveness. In addition, non-motor symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and depressive symptoms can hinder rehabilitation. By consulting with family and doctors, removing inhibiting factors and creating an environment where rehabilitation can be continued without strain is essential to protecting future activity levels
Setting your own goals, such as "going on a trip" or "continuing a hobby," is key to staying motivated. Work together with your doctor and therapist, taking your time and going at your own pace
Sources: Japanese Society of Neurology Guidelines | Parkinson's Disease Treatment Guidelines 2018 "Chapter 4 Non-Pharmacological Therapy"
; The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine | Rehabilitation for Parkinson's Disease
Pillar of treatment 3. Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
If drug therapy is no longer sufficiently effective, or if wearing-off phenomena or dyskinesia become severe, deep brain stimulation (DBS), a surgical treatment, may be considered
DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) is a treatment method that involves implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain and using electrical stimulation to improve motor symptoms. When used in appropriate patients, it can be expected to improve symptoms such as tremors and bradykinesia, and may even reduce the amount of medication needed
However, since it is a surgical procedure, a careful evaluation by a specialist is necessary to determine its suitability
Pillar of treatment 4. Regenerative medicine (stem cell therapy) aimed at inhibiting progression and repairing the disease
While standard treatments (medication and rehabilitation) are symptomatic treatments that compensate for deficiencies or allow the body to adapt, regenerative medicine aims for protection and repair at the cellular level. In this treatment, stem cells cultured from the patient's own fat, etc., or culture supernatant (a liquid containing cytokines) are administered into the body. These components are expected to suppress inflammation that causes neurodegeneration in the brain and release neurotrophic factors, thereby protecting remaining dopamine nerve cells and slowing the progression of the disease itself
For those who are worried about the increasing number of medications they are taking or who are suffering from side effects, treatment methods that utilize the body's own cell repair capabilities may be a viable new treatment option, as they often have fewer side effects and place less strain on the body
Latest Trends in Regenerative Medicine Using iPS Cells
Significant progress has been made in the field of regenerative medicine in recent years. In February 2025, Amshepri® (generic name: Ragneprocell), a regenerative medicine product using iPS cell-derived dopamine neural progenitor cells, received conditional and time-limited approval in Japan
This means that iPS cell therapy, which was previously in the research stage, is now becoming a realistic possibility for use in actual clinical settings. In the future, it is expected that administration to patients will proceed under certain conditions, and further verification of its effectiveness and safety will be conducted
While transplant therapy performed at university hospitals and stem cell therapy offered at clinics differ in their methods, both are forms of regenerative medicine aimed at protecting and supplementing nerve cells, and are expected to develop further in the future
summary
The primary treatment for Parkinson's disease is medication. However, in today's world, a combination of medication, rehabilitation to maintain physical function, and regenerative medicine as needed can be considered a new strategy for living life to the fullest
Instead of bearing the anxiety about the progression of the disease alone, why not discuss it with your doctor and explore new treatment options?