Treatment for Parkinson’s disease has not changed significantly in over 50 years. Patients have taken levodopa to help with this movement disorder since 1967. It works by boosting dopamine levels in the brain. Unfortunately, it may sometimes result in problem behavior such as hypersexuality (American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, Dec. 1995).
Problem Behavior from More Recent Drugs:
Medications such as pramipexole (Mirapex) and ropinirole (Requip), also affect dopamine and are used to treat Parkinson’s disease. They have some unusual side effects, however. People taking these medications may experience disturbing compulsions and addictions. There are numerous reports of patients gambling large sums of money or engaging in compulsive shopping sprees or participating in risky sexual behavior.
Is It the Drug or the Disease?
Neurologists have wondered whether people with Parkinson’s disease are more susceptible to such compulsive behavior because of their illness rather than the medications. Scientists surveyed a group of newly diagnosed Parkinson’s disease patients (Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Oct. 2013). They also questioned a group of healthy controls.
The patients with Parkinson’s disease had not yet received any treatment. There was no statistically detectable difference between the two groups. Now that neurologists know that impulse control difficulties are not inherent to Parkinson’s disease, they will need to be more forthcoming about warning patients and their family members about these potential side effects from the drugs.
Could Seaweed Offer Benefit Without Problem Behavior?
Japanese scientists are exploring the possible role of a kind of seaweed called Ecklonia cava. The antioxidant activity of the polyphenols in this plant appear to reduce neuronal damage (Nutrients, June 28, 2024).
So far, the only research has been conducted in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Investigators found benefits for the mice both with their motor function and with intestinal signs of Parkinson’s.
They concluded:
“These findings suggest that ECP has a preventative effect on PD.”
If the results hold up in humans, this form of seaweed may offer a unique way to reduce the risk of developing PD and possibly even treating it. Japanese people are far more likely to accept seaweed as a medication, since they consume various seaweeds as part of their everyday diet. We shall have to see how well this plant-based product works in humans,
