Groundbreaking Parkinson’s trial publishes results

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 7 March 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

A breakthrough Parkinson’s trial that featured in a two-part documentary on UK television channel BBC Two has published its results.

The study, which featured in the documentary ‘Parkinson’s Drug Trial: A miracle cure?’, aimed to investigate whether it was possible to restore damaged neurons by administering protein Glial Cell Line Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF).

As part of the trial, scientists initially infused GDNF into the brains of six participants living with the condition. Researchers then invited a further 35 individuals with Parkinson’s to take part, with approximately half being administered with a placebo infusion.

Although not conclusive, the results suggest that GDNF had an impact on the brain and researchers believe the topic is worthy of further study.

Dr Alan Whone, principal investigator on the trial, said: “This represents some of the most compelling evidence yet that we may have a means to possibly reawaken and restore the dopamine brain cells that are gradually destroyed in Parkinson’s.

To read more on this topic click here.

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

Could treadmill training improve Parkinson’s symptoms?

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Recipes & nutrition

Colourful broccoli, shiitake mushrooms and cashew nut stir-fry

A quick stir-fry that’s both easy to make and nutritious

“Boxing keeps me going”

How Action Parkinson is supporting the Parkinson’s disease community

Thousands release red balloons to highlight chronic pain in Parkinson’s

Join the social media campaign to raise awareness of chronic pain

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham has won a World Parkinson Coalition (WPC) award for her contribution to the Parkinson’s community. Lizzie is one of four people set to receive the Robin Elliott Award – which is given out every three years to individuals whose efforts best embody the goals and ethos of the WPC. She will be presented with the award in a ceremony at the World Parkinson’s Congress, which will be held in Barcelona later this year. Commenting on the news of Lizzie’s award, Parkinson’s Europe President, Veronica Clark, said: “Lizzie is Lizzie, and we love her for who she is and what she has done for us all – for people with Parkinson’s past and present and, I’m sure, future.” Lizzie co-founded the European Parkinson’s Disease Association (renamed Parkinson’s Europe last year) in 1992. She has since held several roles within the organisation – including secretary general and…

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Cognitive impairment can affect some people with Parkinson’s – and may greatly impact their quality of life. Now, researchers in China have examined the possible risk factors for cognitive impairment in those with the condition. The study analysed data from 409 people with Parkinson’s within two years of their involvement in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) – an international study that follows people with and without the condition over time. The participants, who were newly diagnosed and experiencing normal cognitive function at the start of the research, were studied for at least five years. Published in ‘Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience’, the results indicate that older age at onset, high blood pressure and worse baseline motor symptoms may be among factors that could contribute to an increased risk of developing cognitive impairment. The researchers cautioned that “a larger sample and much more comprehensive assessment, and prolonged follow-up, will be required”.

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

Frailty can refer to a reduction in physical function, and its attributes – including a slow walking speed and weak grip – are commonly experienced by people with Parkinson’s. Until now, there has been limited insight into the link between frailty and the risk of developing the condition over time. This is what led researchers at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China to analyse data from a large UK study, which was gathered over a 12-year period. Published in JAMA Neurology, the analysis found that frailty may be linked to an 87% higher risk of developing the condition. Commenting on the results, the researchers said: “These findings indicate that physical frailty is a potential risk factor for [Parkinson’s], and the assessment and management of frailty might have clinical significance in the at-risk population.”

All fields required

First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Country of residence*
About me*
- I have Parkinson's disease
- I am a partner / carer / family / friend of someone who has Parkinson's
- I am a healthcare professional with an interest in Parkinson's
- I work for a Parkinson's disease organisation
- Other
CAPTCHA
*
- By proceeding you agree to our
Comments
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Groundbreaking Parkinson’s trial publishes results

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 7 March 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Recipes & nutrition

Colourful broccoli, shiitake mushrooms and cashew nut stir-fry

Interviews

“Boxing keeps me going”

Global update

Thousands release red balloons to highlight chronic pain in Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

Groundbreaking Parkinson’s trial publishes results

News

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 7 March 2019

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Recipes & nutrition

Colourful broccoli, shiitake mushrooms and cashew nut stir-fry

Interviews

“Boxing keeps me going”

Global update

Thousands release red balloons to highlight chronic pain in Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in