Research Update

New drugs and therapies are being researched continuously. Discover a synopsis of the latest news here

Projects we have contributed to - Q4 2024

Slow-SPEED: Slowing Parkinson’s early through exercise

Prof Bastiaan Bloom, Radbound Medical Centre

By the time you notice the typical signs of Parkinson’s, a lot of damage has already been done. That’s why stepping in early, before those symptoms show up, might be the best way to slow down or even stop Parkinson’s. The Slow-SPEED project is looking for people who might be at risk of getting Parkinson’s or who are starting to show some early signs. They’ll be asked to join an exercise program. The goal is to see if regular physical activity can help slow down the progress of Parkinson’s in people who are more likely to develop it.

Predicting Parkinson’s (PREDICT-PD)

Professor Alastair Noyce, Queen Mary, University of London

It’s not exactly clear why some people get Parkinson’s, but it’s thought to be a mix of genes and things in the environment. The PREDICT-PD study wants to figure out these risk factors to help spot people who might be more likely to get the condition. The project has already signed up 10,000 participants to help find some of the first signs of Parkinson’s. The team will now collect more results from smell tests, DNA samples, and finger-prick blood tests. The more we learn about the early stages of Parkinson’s, the closer we’ll get to finding better treatments and hopefully a cure.

History and Current challenges in PD research

Parkinson's disease treatment began to gain momentum in the mid-20th century. Prior to this, patients had few options beyond supportive care and physical therapy, which offered limited relief.

The turning point came in 1960 with the advent of levodopa (L-DOPA), a precursor to dopamine that can cross the blood-brain barrier and replenish the deficient neurotransmitter in Parkinson's patients. Introduced by Dr. George Cotzias and his team, levodopa significantly improved motor symptoms, transforming the outlook for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Despite its transformative impact, levodopa therapy is not without complications. Long-term use often leads to motor fluctuations and dyskinesias, prompting ongoing research into more effective treatments.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, advances in surgical techniques, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), offered additional relief for those with advanced disease stages unresponsive to medication. DBS involves the implantation of electrodes in specific brain regions to modulate abnormal neural activity. Current research focuses on neuroprotective strategies, gene therapy, and stem cell treatments, aiming to not only manage symptoms but also alter the disease's course. While levodopa remains the cornerstone of Parkinson's disease treatment, the pursuit of novel therapies continues with the hope of achieving a cure.

In today's world, it's easy for the general public to get confused when reading clinical research online. Medical jargon and complex statistics can be misleading, leading to wrong conclusions and unnecessary worry. The internet is full of misinformation and sketchy studies that can make people believe in unproven treatments. Early research findings are often mistaken for established therapies, which can push people towards unapproved options. While the web offers a lot of information, it's important for non-medical readers to be cautious and consult healthcare professionals to avoid getting misled.

It's frustrating that since 1960, there has been little progress and still no disease-modifying drug. However, you can help advance research. Parkinson's UK has a comprehensive research program detailed on their website. Funds raised by the Horsham branch support medical research and local community initiatives. Other reputable sources of information include the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the NHS website.