Researchers “stunned” by study that raises hopes for Parkinson’s treatment

News

Author: Pippa Prendergast-CoatesPublished: 2 July 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

illustration of transmitting synapse, neuron or nerve cell

A new study reprogramming cells to replace reduced dopamine neurons in the brain could be used to reverse symptoms of Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions.

As part of the study – conducted by the University of California San Diego (UCSD) – researchers found a way to convert star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes into cells producing dopamine. The team used the method to treat mouse models of Parkinson’s, administering the treatment into the areas of the brain that typically lose dopamine producing neurons. This restored reduced dopamine production to normal levels and reversed the symptoms of Parkinson’s. The researchers will continue to optimise the therapy in other mouse models of Parkinson’s before testing it on people with the condition.

William Mobley, a neurosciences professor at UCSD, said: “I was stunned at what I saw. This whole new strategy for treating neurodegeneration gives hope that it may be possible to help even those with advanced disease.”

To read more on this topic click here.

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

Could a magnetically powered implant treat Parkinson’s tremors?

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Carers' Corner

Harry Styles is an “absolutely brilliant” carer for his granddad who has Parkinson’s

One Direction star praised for care of granddad with Parkinson’s

EPDA and Parkinson’s UK launch #UniteForParkinsons campaign

Parkinson’s organisations around the world set to unite on World Parkinso

Sicilian caponata: aubergines in a ‘puttanesca’ tomato sauce

Easy-chew aubergine dish that’s high-fibre but low in protein

Can over-the-counter drugs reduce risk of developing genetic Parkinson’s?

A new study suggests that regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen may lower the risk of Parkinson’s associated with mutations of the LRRK2 gene – a common genetic cause of the condition. As part of the study, researchers analysed the data for 577 individuals with the LRRK2 gene mutation. They found that regular use of aspirin and ibuprofen – at least two pills per week for at least six months – was more prevalent in people who did not have Parkinson’s compared to those with the condition. Across the study, the use of NSAIDs corresponded with roughly a 66% decrease in the risk of Parkinson’s. The researchers say that “the results of this study suggest that the regular use of NSAID medication may lower the risk for Parkinson’s among LRRK2 variant carriers … for both ibuprofen and aspirin” but more research will need to be…

US hospital initiative improves on-time administration of Parkinson’s medication

Late or missed doses of Parkinson’s medication in hospitals can lead to longer stays and greater morbidity. To counteract this issue, a team of healthcare professionals in the US launched a project to improve the on-time administration of levodopa to people with Parkinson’s. As part of the initiative – published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease – several measures were implemented, including electronic alerts for nurses, stocking automated medication dispensing machines with carbidopa-levodopa products, reporting to nurse unit managers on timeliness of medication administration and more. Dr Martha A Nance, the project’s lead investigator, said: “This project was very rewarding for our team, because of its obvious, immediate, and important impact on patient care. “We have reason to think that timely administration of carbidopa-levodopa may be associated with shorter stays and better outcomes and satisfaction. Anecdotally, patients have reported being surprised and pleased that nurses were reminding them that medication…

Does deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s increase the risk of dementia?

Researchers in France have found that deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s may not increase the risk of developing dementia. As part of the study – published by the American Academy of Neurology – researchers identified 175 people with Parkinson’s and an average age of 56, who had deep brain stimulation. The individuals were assessed over a period of 10 years to determine if they had developed dementia. After one year, four individuals had developed dementia. After five years, 142 people from the original group were available for testing, 12 of whom had dementia. After 10 years, 104 people were available for testing, 31 of whom had dementia. Dr Elena Moro, author of the study, said: “These results are very encouraging for people with Parkinson’s and their families that they can take advantage of the benefits of deep brain stimulation without worrying about it increasing the likelihood of developing dementia.”

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
Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Researchers “stunned” by study that raises hopes for Parkinson’s treatment

News

Author: Pippa Prendergast-CoatesPublished: 2 July 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Carers' Corner

Harry Styles is an “absolutely brilliant” carer for his granddad who has Parkinson’s

Global update

EPDA and Parkinson’s UK launch #UniteForParkinsons campaign

Recipes & Nutrition

Sicilian caponata: aubergines in a ‘puttanesca’ tomato sauce

Can over-the-counter drugs reduce risk of developing genetic Parkinson’s?

US hospital initiative improves on-time administration of Parkinson’s medication

Does deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s increase the risk of dementia?

{title}

Subscribe

Researchers “stunned” by study that raises hopes for Parkinson’s treatment

News

Author: Pippa Prendergast-CoatesPublished: 2 July 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Carers' Corner

Harry Styles is an “absolutely brilliant” carer for his granddad who has Parkinson’s

Global update

EPDA and Parkinson’s UK launch #UniteForParkinsons campaign

Recipes & Nutrition

Sicilian caponata: aubergines in a ‘puttanesca’ tomato sauce

Can over-the-counter drugs reduce risk of developing genetic Parkinson’s?

US hospital initiative improves on-time administration of Parkinson’s medication

Does deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s increase the risk of dementia?

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in