Parkinson's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease. This means that symptoms continue to get worse and new symptoms are seen. Parkinson's disease is not contagious and poses no risk to others. There is no cure for Parkinson's disease. The major goal of treatment is to prevent deterioration.
Symptoms can usually be well controlled for several years in the early stages of the disease.
Early in the disease, medications are used. One of the most common medicines is a combination of levodopa and carbidopa. Although this combination is effective, it tends to work less and less over time. Surgery can include removal of a tiny part of the brain. Another approach is deep brain stimulation with electricity.