What is the mainstay treatment for Parkinson's disease?

Levodopa/carbidopa is considered the mainstay treatment for Parkinson's disease because it effectively addresses the primary motor symptoms associated with the condition. Parkinson's disease is characterized by a significant loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremors. Levodopa, which is a precursor to dopamine, can cross the blood-brain barrier and is converted into dopamine in the brain. When combined with carbidopa, which prevents the peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine, more levodopa is available to enter the brain, enhancing its efficacy and reducing side effects.

This treatment has been shown to markedly improve motor function and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's. The effectiveness of levodopa/carbidopa typically makes it the first-line therapy, especially for those with more advanced stages of the disease where motor symptoms become more pronounced.

Other options like deep brain stimulation are effective in treating advanced Parkinson's disease but are reserved for patients who have developed motor fluctuations and dyskinesias despite optimal medical therapy. Dopamine agonists and MAO-B inhibitors can be used as adjuncts or alternatives to levodopa, particularly in early stages or to delay the