Latest Treatments For Parkinson’s: A New Frontier
Parkinson’s disease has no known cure, although current findings have led to effective treatments for the disease. To develop a method of therapy or prevention, scientists and medical professionals are collaborating. Who is more prone to develop the condition is another topic of research. The genetic and environmental factors that raise the likelihood of a diagnosis are also being researched by scientists.
Here are the most recent therapies for this neurological condition that is becoming worse.
- Gene Therapy: Parkinson’s disease still cannot be cured, its progression can be slowed, and the brain damage it causes cannot be undone, according to research. All three things are possible with gene therapy. Gene therapy has been shown to be a secure and latest treatment for Parkinson’s disease in numerous studies.
- Deep Brain Stimulation: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) was granted FDA approval as a Parkinson’s disease treatment in 2002. However, because only one organization was authorized to manufacture the equipment used for the treatment, advancements in DBS were constrained. The FDA gave the Brio Neurostimulation System its approval in June 2015. This implantable gadget produced tiny electrical pulses all over the body, which helped to lessen symptoms.
- Biomarkers: There are few tools available to doctors for monitoring Parkinson’s disease development. While useful, staging simply keeps track of the development of Parkinson’s disease-related motor symptoms. Although there are other grading systems, their utilisation is insufficient for them to be suggested as a general standard. However, a promising field of study might make it simpler and more accurate to assess Parkinson’s disease. The goal of the research is to identify a biomarker — a cell or gene — that will enable the development of more potent therapies.
- Transplantation of Nerves: Future therapeutic options look promising when it comes to replacing the brain cells lost to Parkinson’s. Through this process, damaged and dying brain cells are replaced with new, regenerative cells. But the outcomes of studies on brain transplantation have been conflicting. Some patients responded better to the therapy than others, and some even experienced worse side effects.
- Stem Cell Therapy: Researchers are investigating several methods for treating Parkinson’s disease with stem cells. The present plan is to inject stem cells directly into the parts of the brain that are injured so that they can develop into brain cells. The regulation of dopamine levels by these new brain cells should lessen the symptoms of the condition.
It’s vital to remember that scientists don’t think this would be a cure for Parkinson’s disease, just a treatment. At this moment, it is uncertain whether stem cell therapy could be repeated in order to keep the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease from worsening or if the outcome would remain the same.
Clinical testing for these treatments is still in its early phases. Numerous studies have been suggested, are actively recruiting, or are already underway. Parkinson’s disease sufferers can lead healthier lives with the support of medications, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments until a cure is found.