Funded By Leading Charities
Parkinsons UK and The Michael J. Fox Foundation , two leading charities have raised £1.5m to fund the phase 2 clinical trial, which is being sponsored by the biopharmaceutical company Neurolixis.
Dr Arthur Roach, Director of Research at Parkinsons UK, said: Were pleased to be supporting this study which aims to deliver a treatment that is desperately needed by many people living with Parkinsons. Its great that recruitment is now underway as this milestone brings us one step closer to results which could reveal an important new therapy for the millions living with this condition around the world.
Why The Public Is Afraid To Talk About Parkinson
When hearing about Parkinsons disease, many people talk about Pa discoloration. In fact, Parkinsons disease itself is not fatal and generally does not affect life expectancy. However, a series of symptoms of Parkinsons disease can lead to more serious consequences. For example, when some patients are crossing the road, they suddenly close without warning, their feet seem to stick to the ground, and they are motionless, which can easily lead to traffic accidents dysphagia can cause pneumonia and increase the risk of death from suffocation Problems with balance and posture can lead to falls, fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. The above fatal consequences caused by Parkinsons disease should arouse the vigilance of Parkinsons disease patients. In addition, once Parkinsons disease develops to an advanced stage, the patients motor function will be devastated, and the patient will suffer from a decline in immunity due to difficulty in walking, inability to take care of themselves, and bedridden, frequent pneumonia, bedsores, and urinary tract infections. Complications can even be life-threatening.
Risk Factors For Parkinsons Disease
The cause of Parkinsons remains unknown, but several factors can contribute to its development, including a family history of the disease. Men are more likely to develop Parkinsons, and most people develop the disease around age 60 or older, although in 10% of cases it can begin as early as age 40.
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Other Types Of Treatment For Parkinsons Disease
Some people with Parkinsons have surgery called deep brain stimulation . In this procedure, doctors place a wire deep inside a specific spot in the brain, depending on the symptoms that need treatment. DBS can lead to dramatic improvements in many people.
Scientists are also exploring ways to place cells that make dopamine into the brain to help treat people with Parkinsons, instead of taking medicine. Some experts are trying to see if stem cells can be used for this, but research is still in an early stage.
Some treatments focus on the effects of the disorder, rather than the causes. Your doctor might refer you to a physical therapist to improve your balance and your ability to move. A physical therapist may also teach muscle-strengthening exercises to help you speak or swallow.
Its important to keep up a daily exercise program and to stay socially active. You can get information about support groups and exercise classes in your area by checking with the American Parkinson Disease Association.
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New Medications For Off Time
A number of new medications approved recently are designed to reduce OFF time. These medications fall into two major categories:
- Medications that lengthen the effect of a carbidopa/levodopa dose
- Medications that are used as needed if medication effects wear off
Well give specific examples below. In general, new medications that extend the length of a carbidopa/levodopa dose are used if OFF time is somewhat predictable and occurs prior to next dose. New medications that are used as needed are most beneficial when OFF time is not predictable.
New medications that lengthen the effect of a dose of carbidopa/levodopa
Previous restrictions on the intake of foods containing tyramine with selective MAO-B inhibitors have been relaxed by the Food and Drug Administration . However, MAO-B inhibitors can interact with other medications, such as certain antidepressants, nasal decongestants, and narcotic pain medications. Typically, if a person is undergoing a procedure in the hospital and is taking a selective MAO-B inhibitor, they are advised to stop the medication two weeks prior to the procedure and to restart it 1-2 weeks after the procedure to avoid any unintentional medication interactions.
New formulations of levodopa designed to be used as needed if medication effects wear off
Other medications used as needed if medication effects wear off
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What Will A Cure For Parkinson’s Look Like
Parkinson’s varies so much from person to person. There are over 40 symptoms of Parkinsons. Tremor. Pain. Hallucinations. Everyones experience is different.
Because of this, there may not be a single ‘cure’.
Instead, we may need a range of different therapies to meet the needs of the individual and their specific form of the condition.
This mix may include treatments, therapies and strategies that can:
- slow or stop the progression of the condition
- replace or repair lost or damaged brain cells
- control and manage particular symptoms
- diagnose Parkinson’s at the earliest possible stage.
And this could involve medical treatments, such as drugs and surgical approaches, as well as lifestyle changes, for example to diet and exercise.
Researchers Are Getting Closer To A Drug That Is Truly A Parkinsons Treatmentone That Can Halt Or Cure The Disease Instead Of Just Fighting Symptoms
As the incidence of Parkinsons growsan estimated 50,000 new cases per yearso do the options being offered by drug manufacturers.
Todays Parkinsons treatment options address the symptoms of tremors, stiffness, and slow movement to improve quality of life. However, they do little to slow the progression of this disease. Fortunately, research is helping us better understand Parkinsons. While early signs of Parkinsons disease can be overlooked, once its diagnosed, treatment options are expanding beyond the current drugs. So one day we may find a Parkinsons treatment that makes the disease less of a life sentence.
If you have Parkinsons disease, there arent any treatments that can slow, reverse, or stop the conditions progression, says Kara J. Wyant, M.D., in a Michigan Health blog on Parkinsons treatment. But, although there is no cure, more than a dozen medications can help patients manage symptoms. Our goals when prescribing medications for Parkinsons disease are twofold: to improve day-to-day functioning and quality of life and to keep people functioning as long as possible.
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What Will A Cure For Parkinsons Look Like
Parkinsons varies so much from person to person. There are over 40 symptoms of Parkinsons. Tremor. Pain. Hallucinations. Everyones experience is different.
Because of this, there may not be a single cure.
Instead we may need a range of different therapies to meet the needs of the individual and their specific form of the condition.
This mix may include treatments, therapies and strategies that can:
- slow or stop the progression of the condition
- replace or repair lost or damaged brain cells
- control and manage particular symptoms
- diagnose Parkinsons at the earliest possible stage.
And this could involve medical treatments, such as drugs and surgical approaches, as well as lifestyle changes, for example to diet and exercise.
Foods High In Saturated Fat
The role that foods high in saturated fats play in Parkinsons progression is still under investigation and is often conflicting. We might eventually discover that there are certain types of saturated fats that actually help people with Parkinsons.
Some limited research does show that ketogenic, low-protein diets were beneficial for some with Parkinsons. Other research finds high saturated fat intake worsened risk.
But in general, foods that have been fried or heavily processed alter your metabolism, increase blood pressure, and impact your cholesterol. None of those things are good for your body, especially if youre trying to treat Parkinsons.
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Medication For Parkinsons Disease
Once the doctor diagnoses Parkinsons disease, the next decision is whether a patient should receive medication, which depends on the following:
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The degree of functional impairment
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The degree of cognitive impairment
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Ability to tolerate antiparkinsonian medication
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The advice of the attending doctor
No two patients react the same way to a given drug, therefore, it takes time and patience to find an appropriate medication and dosage to alleviate symptoms.
Getting Involved In Parkinson’s Clinical Trials
There is often a shortage of volunteers to take part in clinical trials. This may be due to a lack of easily available information on trials in a particular location or area, or to doctors being unaware of trials that are being held locally.
If you would like to become involved in a trial, it is essential to discuss this first with your doctor as it is likely that they will be required to refer you to the trial centre. You should find out as much information as possible about the trial so that you can fully discuss your participation. Your doctor will be able to advise you on the advantages and disadvantages for your own particular situation, and they may be able to refer you to other members of the multidisciplinary team who have more knowledge about a particular area of research.
Depending on what the trial is investigating, the research team will be looking for people who fit specific criteria called inclusion and exclusion criteria that ensure you are suitable for the trial. Screening usually involves answering questions about your Parkinsons, your current medication, treatment history and checking details such as your age and when you were diagnosed. This information is frequently available on the trial website. You may need to have an additional detailed examination which may include blood tests, scans or other clinical assessment tests. If you fit the trials eligibility criteria, you may then be invited to take part in the trial.
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How Could Stem Cells Help People With Parkinsons
Stem cells are the parent cells of all tissues in the body. This means they can turn into any type of cell. The hope is that they will eventually be able to make these cells into specific types of cells, like dopamine-producing neurons, that can be used to treat Parkinsons disease. However, there are concerns that patients may have the same risk of increased involuntary movements as those who undergo fetal cell transplantation. And, like fetal cell transplantation, stem cell therapy is surrounded by moral and ethical controversy.
Survival In Parkinsons Disease Psychosis
LaFaver: Lets switch gears a little bit with our next abstract here, which is titled, Survival Differences Among Patients with Parkinsons Disease and Parkinsons Disease Psychosis: a Population-based Study . This comes from Dr Rodolfo Savica, who is at the Mayo Clinic and is a friend of mine, and his colleagues. Theyve done amazing epidemiologic studies based on the Rochester Epidemiology Project.
I found this study very interesting, because its something that hasnt been looked at specifically. Patients will always ask, how does Parkinsons disease affect my long-term prognosis and so on. We know that in general, theres not a large difference in life expectancy. But this study looked at how patients who experience psychosis do using this amazing database. They looked at 69 patients out of 225 with Parkinsons disease over a 10-year time span.
They found that patients who had met criteria for Parkinsons disease psychosis showed higher rates of cognitive impairment . Thats probably not too surprising. They also had higher rates of orthostatic hypotension and a significantly higher rate of all-cause mortality.
We know that Parkinsons disease is not one disease, but its really a spectrum. Knowing which patients we really need to pay a lot of attention to and who might be frailer and higher-risk is important.
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What Are Off Episodes
Firstly, its important to understand what OFF episodes are and why they happen. OFF episodes are defined as a temporary returning of Parkinsonian symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, loss of postural reflexes and memory problems, while taking levodopa medication. OFF episodes affect the majority of people with PD, and it can occur at any stage of the illness.
Some patients experience OFF episodes when they first wake in the morning known as akinesia while others notice symptoms returning at the end of a dose when the drug starts to wear off. For some, the OFF episodes are random and severe. Uncontrolled Parkinsons symptoms can significantly impact your quality of life, which is why scientists are committed to finding new and improved treatment options.
Dr Farley Is The Leading Expert In Finding Which 30 Root Functional Causes Are Primary For You
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I hope that patients can open their minds to understanding these concepts and not dismiss them because their doctor doesnt know about them. This healABILITY approach is an old and new evidence scientific based approach that frankly most doctors have absolutely no training in. Dr. Farleys office is run like a fine hotel that provides excellent customer service. So not only will you get exceptional care, but youll also be treated with a kind, warm and dependable staff. This book can aid anyone in getting insight into Dr. Farleys method of functional physiological based approach that has the potential to really help almost any condition. There are 30 key hidden root functional causes. Dr. Farley will help find which one of these 30 root functional causes are most important to correct for you to get well. Each person is unique in their physiology and biochemistry. Dr. Farley is the leading expert in finding which 30 root functional causes are primary for you.
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Parkinsons Disease Alternative Medicine
Hope is a powerful thing. Without hope for a better future, the will to live is lost and recovery, no matter what the affliction, is impossible.
Imagine then, being told by your doctor that you have a progressive and degenerative disease that robs you of the ability to control your own body. A disease for which there is no cure.
This is the reality for those diagnosed with Parkinsons disease.
Hope is offered in the form of medication such as Levodopa. Levodopa acts to restore levels of dopamine in the brain. The lack of dopamine is the primary reason for the symptoms associated with the condition. Since it first began being administered in the 1960s, it has lessened much of the suffering experienced by millions of people throughout the world, and is recognised as the gold standard in medical treatment of the disease. However, it can not completely reverse the symptoms, and like all drugs, is more effective in some than others.
Consequently many have sought hope in alternative treatments. Parkinsons disease has been a recognised ailment in virtually all cultures since ancient times. Many of these ancient treatments are becoming popular in the west and are increasingly validated by western medicine.
Broad beans Australian researchers discovered that broad beans are also an extremely effective natural source of L-dopa. The highest concentration of L-dopa is found in the pod so they are most effective when consumed whole.
2002-2012©Parkinsons Disease Information.
Summary: The Main Takeaways
The amount of research being conducted is a very positive sign, and it suggests that 2022 will be an extremely productive year for Parkinsons research. The breadth of approaches now being applied to Parkinsons is also very encouraging, and in the next few years we may have answers to some fundamental questions regarding the biology that may be underlying many cases of PD .
There is certainly going to be a lot of clinical trial results being announced in 2022! The top 5 clinical trial results that I will be looking out for this year are:
- The Phase II UP study results evaluating UDCA in Parkinsons
- The Phase II Lixisenatide study results more data on GLP-1R agonists in PD
- The Phase II Liraglutide study results even more data on GLP-1R agonists in PD
- The Phase II Peptron study results lots of data on GLP-1R agonists in 2022
- The Phase II Deferiprone study results addressing an important question
And with bulging pockets, we can expect more acquisitions and partnering deals to come in 2022. Any fears that big pharma companies are quitting neurodegeneration appear to be misplaced with aging demographics in the Western world, the market opportunities are simply too big for these enormous companies to ignore.
All of this collective activity provides encouraging signs for future research focused on finding new therapies for slow, stopping and reversing Parkinsons.
But now its time to give the fingers a wee rest.
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Cambridge Researchers Will Play A Key Role In Clinical Trials Of A New Treatment That Involves Transplanting Healthy Nerve Cells Into The Brains Of Patients With Parkinsons Disease
This could transform the way we treat Parkinsons disease
Roger Barker
The Swedish Medical Products Agency has granted approval for the trial to proceed ethical approval has already been obtained from the Swedish Ethics Review Authority. The team, led from Lund University in Sweden, is poised to begin recruitment.
STEM-PD uses human embryonic stem cells, a type of cell that can turn into almost any type of cell in the body. The team has programmed the cells to develop into dopamine nerve cell, which will be transplanted into the brains of patients to replace cells that are lost in Parkinsons disease. The product has already been shown to be safe and effective at reverting motor deficits in animal models of Parkinsons disease.
The trial is a collaboration with colleagues at Skåne University Hospital, the University of Cambridge, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust , and Imperial College London.
Professor Roger Barker from the Wellcome-MRC Stem Cell Institute at the University of Cambridge and CUH is clinical lead on the project. The use of stem cells will in theory enable us to make unlimited amounts of dopamine neurons and thus opens the prospect of producing this therapy to a wide patient population. This could transform the way we treat Parkinsons disease
The cells to be used in the trial have been manufactured under good manufacturing practice at the Royal Free Hospital in London and have undergone rigorous testing in the lab.