(BPT) - Scott Rider of South Carolina is one of over 1 million people in the United States with Parkinson's disease. Working closely with his care team, he decided on a unique three-part plan that Medical University of South Carolina clinicians refer to as the "trifecta" for treating Parkinson's: seeing a movement disorders specialist, optimizing medications and engaging in exercise-based therapies. This includes an innovative new exercise program designed specifically for people with Parkinson's.

Parkinson's disease facts

Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder. Approximately 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Parkinson's each year, according to the Parkinson's Foundation.

Symptoms often begin slowly and are subtle, such as balance problems, limb stiffness and shaking in the hands. These may be mistaken for other disorders or dismissed as a natural part of aging. However, it's essential to talk with your doctor if you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms because an earlier diagnosis means better treatment options that can help to slow the progression of the disease, including comprehensive programs with exercise and advanced treatments.

Exercise for Parkinson's disease

"There is no cure for Parkinson's disease. However, scientists have found that intense exercise is a means of slowing down the progression of the disease," said Vanessa Hinson, M.D., PhD., director of the Movement Disorders Program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). "We advise the patient early on to get engaged with physical therapy and community-based exercise programs."

MUSC Health is South Carolina's first designated Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, offering the state's only comprehensive movement disorders program. As part of this program, movement disorder specialists work closely with patients to provide personalized care and treatment.

"A movement disorder specialist is a neurologist with additional training in Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders," said Hinson. "We're well-equipped to detect the early signs and get people on the right track early on in the course of Parkinson's disease."

Rider, an MUSC patient, participates in regular exercise to manage his Parkinson's symptoms. He enjoys a non-contact boxing program called Rock Steady Boxing that incorporates elements that help people with Parkinson's disease to manage their disease. Another program he likes is a pickleball program called Pick It Up for Parkinson's.

"Having the right team around is crucial as far as managing the disease to maintain the healthiest lifestyle possible. And that team should include a movement disorder specialist," said Rider. "All that put together creates such a sense of hope and encouragement that just makes life better when you're managing Parkinson's disease."

Parkinson's medications and clinical trials

Medications are another key element of MUSC's trifecta for treating Parkinson's disease. There have been numerous medication breakthroughs that have helped people with Parkinson's to delay the progression of the disease, with a key element being a comprehensive team of specialists that can tailor personalized medication treatment plans for patients.

Levodopa is the main medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. To help the brain to get the optimum amount, it's paired with another medication called carbidopa. This pairing allows patients to take lower doses with fewer side effects while maximizing benefits.

Over time, different formulations, such as extended-release pills, infusion pumps and add-on drugs, have been developed to keep medication levels steadier and manage symptoms like tremors, movement fluctuations and involuntary movements.

Fortunately, the team believes that the availability of options and effectiveness of treatments for Parkinson's disease will continue to grow, thanks to expert research and participation in clinical trials. MUSC Health is leading the way in this work, conducting cutting-edge trials that focus on alleviating challenging symptoms and exploring therapies that could slow or stop disease progression. By participating in clinical trials - always available at no cost - patients may gain access to promising new medications while helping to advance care for everyone with Parkinson's disease.

Advanced treatments for Parkinson's disease

MUSC Health's Movement Disorders Program also includes advanced therapies like deep-brain stimulation. This may be an option beyond medication for Parkinson's patients like Chris McLernon, whose Parkinson's restricted his ability to play the rock music he loved so much.

He worked with the comprehensive care team at MUSC and decided to receive deep-brain stimulation surgery. Shortly thereafter, he brought in his guitar and immediately played a song he couldn't play prior due to his symptoms.

"I brought it in and ripped it right out. I could not believe it," McLernon said. "The fact that I can play easily, smoothly and professionally is worth everything to me."

The future of Parkinson's treatment

It's MUSC's goal to provide comprehensive treatment to people with Parkinson's and other movement disorders. Their unique trifecta approach provides people with Parkinson's a higher quality of life and better chance for managing the disease.

To learn more about MUSC Health and watch a video featuring these patient stories, visit muschealth.org.