Cholinergic-Based Approaches

The dopamine system is strongly linked to the cholinergic system. Dopamine and acetylcholine are normally in a state of electrochemical balance in the basal ganglia, and PD-related dopamine depletion produces a state of cholinergic hypersensitivity. Anticholinergics such as Artane (trihexyphenidyl) and Cogentin (benztropine) and acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as  Exelon (rivastigmine) can be used to modulate the cholinergic system. Cholinergic dysregulation is generally associated with cognitive dysfunction, which can be a symptom of PD.