Parkinson’s Disease Research Gets a Big Boost
As an increasing number of people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, research into new treatments has accelerated.
Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition, is the fastest-growing brain disorder in the world. About 8.5 million people around the world have Parkinson’s, according to the World Health Organization.
The condition affects the part of the brain that controls movement, and its early symptoms may be subtle: a tremor of a hand, a stiff muscle. Eventually, someone with the disease may begin to speak with a slur or experience general muscle stiffness. Over time, the severity of the symptoms worsen, affecting the ability to walk or write.
While no cure exists at this time, recent advances in research have led to exciting developments. Researchers are learning more about the possible causes of Parkinson’s, which may help them learn how to better treat – or possibly prevent – the disorder. This momentum received a boost in 2022, when the World Health Assembly endorsed a 11-year action plan to enhance care for people with neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s, and to accelerate medical research for its treatment and prevention.
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
Scientists are learning more about the possible causes of Parkinson’s disease, including environmental toxins and genetic factors. While exact causes remain unknown, researchers do know the disease begins when certain nerve cells break down in the basal ganglia, the part of brain that controls movement. That causes a drop in dopamine levels, which can lead to an affected individual displaying symptoms of the disease.
Those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease are more likely to be male and at least 60 years of age, although there is a subset of patients who experience symptoms earlier.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
Physical symptoms of Parkinson’s include:
• Tremor of the hand or fingers
• Rigid, stiff muscles
• Difficulty with balance
• Slurred or soft speech
The disorder may also cause mental and behavioral changes, including:
• Sleep disorders, including insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and excessive sleepiness
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Difficulty with memory
How do people with Parkinson’s manage their symptoms?
Treatments to manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include surgery and medication. Exercise is also a powerful tool to improve balance and mobility, to ease depression, and to boost concentration and memory. Doctors have found that people who begin exercise routines earlier in their treatments often find that they hold onto good quality of life longer than those who start exercising later.
Proper nutrition can also help, but it’s important for people who have Parkinson’s to discuss their diet with their doctor. Some foods may interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications.
What’s next for Parkinson’s disease research?
Artificial intelligence has rapidly accelerated research identifying new drugs to treat Parkinson’s. A recent study showed that machine learning has sped aspects of the research process by ten-fold, while lowering research costs by a thousand-fold. As an increasing number of people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, researchers around the world leverage collaboration and technology to discover drugs that may be able to modify the disease.