Can awakening dormant neurons reverse Parkinson’s motor symptoms?

News

Author: Caithlin NgPublished: 13 February 2020

Parkinson's LifePrep: Parkinson's LifeCook: Parkinson's LifeServes:

Neurons in the brain

Reawakening dormant neurons could help reverse Parkinson’s motor symptoms, researchers in South Korea have found.

While Parkinson’s is typically believed to be caused by neuronal death, a new study – published in ‘Current Biology’ journal – suggests that dormant neurons could be another cause.

After completing an animal test – which treated the subjects with two compounds that block dopamine-producing neurons from becoming dormant – the researchers found these neurons to be “awakened”, allowing them to resume dopamine production. The researchers hope that this will lead to a disease-modifying treatment, especially for people in the early stages of Parkinson’s. 

Hoon Ryu, a senior author of the study and researcher at KIST Brain Science Institute, South Korea, said: “This research refutes the common belief that there is no disease-modifying treatment for Parkinson’s due to its basis on neuronal cell death.”

For more information on the latest Parkinson’s research please visit the EPDA website.


Read more:

Parkinson’s could be present from birth, study finds

Testing saliva can help diagnose Parkinson’s, study finds

Go Back

Share this story

Comments


Related articles


Pat-Davies

Interviews

Why no one should have to face Parkinson’s alone

Flying solo with Parkinson’s? You’re not alone

READ MORE
Bloem, Okun, Lindvall

Special reports

How close are we to a Parkinson’s breakthrough? Three experts have their say

Renowned experts give their opinions on the next breakthrough

READ MORE

Interviews

Racing around Iceland for Parkinson’s: it’s snow joke

Campaigner John MacPhee shares his highlights from a gruelling 57-hour bike

READ MORE