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 ‘The 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 the EPDA website.

Could treadmill training improve Parkinson’s symptoms?

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Special reports

Regular sex improves Parkinson’s symptoms for men, study finds

Regular sex can lessen effects of Parkinson’s in men

Tom Isaacs president of The Cure Parkinson’s Trust has died

"We're devastated but are focusing on his incredible achievements"

PD in Practice

Could your subconscious mind affect your Parkinson’s treatment outcomes?

Drivers for decisions – new insights may help optimise treatment

New wearable medical device for Parkinson’s disease to launch this year

The Imperial College London Innovation Fund, UK, has invested £205,000 to support UK-based tech company Charco Neurotech in its development of a non-invasive medical device for people with Parkinson’s disease. CUE1, a circular device that attaches to the sternum with medical adhesives, uses specialised vibration to help alleviate physical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Initial user testing among people with the condition found that the device improved movement by an average of 16%, with testers reporting benefits for walking and fine motor tasks. Lucy Jung, CEO and co-founder of Charco Neurotech, said: “We believe that CUE1 has the potential to significantly improve [Parkinson’s disease] symptoms through its unique controlled vibration technology. We are excited to continue our work on the device and we look forward to the outcome of our proposed clinical trials.” Charco Neurotech will use the Imperial College investment to initiate a clinical trial and fund the device’s manufacture for…

New study brings scientists a “vital step” closer to understanding Parkinson’s disease

A new study from scientists at the University of Cambridge, UK, has brought researchers “a vital step” closer to discovering the origins of Parkinson’s disease. The research, published in the scientific journal ‘Nature Communications’, offered insights on the protein alpha-synuclein, which clumps together in the neurons of people with Parkinson’s. The study focused on how the protein functions in those without the condition and revealed that it sticks to the inner side of the plasma membrane of nerve cells, but not the outer membrane – an insight that could help in the search for a cure. Lead study author, Dr Giuliana Fusco, said: “This study could unlock more information about this debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that can leave people unable to walk and talk. If we want to cure Parkinson’s, first we need to understand the function of alpha-synuclein, a protein present in everyone’s brains.”

Could a prostate drug lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease?

Researchers in the US, Denmark and China have found that a type of medication used to treat enlarged prostate, known as alpha-blockers, is associated with a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease. As part of the study, the research team analysed patient data from 150,000 men using medications like the alpha-blocker terazosin – which has previously been shown to slow Parkinson’s disease progression in animals – and compared their findings to data from 150,000 men using the alpha-blocker tamsulosin. They found that men taking terazosin were 12 to 37% less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. Jacob Simmering, corresponding author of the study, said: “Despite the relative differences in population and health care system structure, we found a similar protective effect in both [the US and Denmark]. “If these results are confirmed through further investigation, especially a randomised clinical trial, terazosin may provide neuroprotection and potentially prevent – and not just manage…

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

Special reports

Regular sex improves Parkinson’s symptoms for men, study finds

Perspectives

Tom Isaacs president of The Cure Parkinson’s Trust has died

sponsored article

PD in Practice

Could your subconscious mind affect your Parkinson’s treatment outcomes?

New wearable medical device for Parkinson’s disease to launch this year

New study brings scientists a “vital step” closer to understanding Parkinson’s disease

Could a prostate drug lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

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

Related articles

Special reports

Regular sex improves Parkinson’s symptoms for men, study finds

Perspectives

Tom Isaacs president of The Cure Parkinson’s Trust has died

sponsored article

PD in Practice

Could your subconscious mind affect your Parkinson’s treatment outcomes?

New wearable medical device for Parkinson’s disease to launch this year

New study brings scientists a “vital step” closer to understanding Parkinson’s disease

Could a prostate drug lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in