esearchers are hoping to better understand the early causes of Parkinson’s disease by listening to interactions between brain cells.
Cardiff University is looking to take cells “back in time,” the BBC has reported, with little known about the early stages of the disease’s development before it gets progressively worse.
The damage happens with Parkinson’s before the symptoms are seen in patients, but by studying the “conversations” between brain cells, the university team is hoping it might be able to work towards a treatment.
“We might see symptoms at later stages of life, on average at around 65 years old… but we know cells in the brain that are very important for movement and cognition stop working at much earlier stages,” a spokesman told the BBC.
“We also have about 60-80 per cent loss by the time people come into the clinic, but we know that doesn’t happen overnight.
“So there’s a window of time before cells begin to die in which we may be able to help.”
And to find out more about Parkinson’s Disease, its symptoms, and how it is treated, read on.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s Disease is a condition that causes parts of the brain to become progressively damaged over many years.
It’s a neurological disorder that affects the brain and nervous system, impacting movement, and causing motor symptoms, such as tremors, stiffness, and loss of balance.
Neurological diseases are conditions that affect the brain, spine, or nervous system and they may cause symptoms that are physical, psychological, or both.
The disease causes changes to the basal ganglia, nerve cells that usually produce dopamine, an important chemical messenger.
What causes Parkinson’s Disease?
Although the exact causes of Parkinson’s are unknown, there are a number of possible causes. These include:
- The death of dopamine-secreting neurons in the brain, with the exact cause of this damage still unknown.
- Environment and genetics.
- Certain medications, toxins, and other diseases can produce symptoms similar to Parkinson’s Disease, known as secondary Parkinsonism, which can be reversible.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?
The symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease are usually gradual at first, but there are many to be aware of.
The three main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease affect physical movement:
- Tremor – Shaking, which usually begins in the hand or arm, and is more pronounced when the limb is resting.
- Slowness of movement (bradykinesia) – Physical movements are much slower than normal, which can make everyday tasks difficult and result in a slow, shuffling walk and very small steps.
- Muscle stiffness (rigidity) – Stiffness and tension in the muscles can make it difficult to move around and make facial expressions.
These symptoms can be caused by other issues, and are referred to by doctors as Parkinsonism.
How is Parkinson’s Disease treated?
Drug therapy is the main treatment for Parkinson’s Disease, and many people can maintain a good standard of life with the correct medication.
The main aim of drug therapy for Parkinson’s Disease is to increase the levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain, as low dopamine levels are a characteristic marker of Parkinson’s and are responsible for the motor symptoms of the condition.
In addition, there might be other medications prescribed to increase the levels of other neurotransmitters in the brain that play a role in Parkinson’s, in order to treat other behavioural symptoms and non-motor symptoms.
These drugs include:
- Levodopa and Carbidopa
- Dopamine Agonists
- COMT Inhibitors
- MAO-B Inhibitors
- Anticholinergics
- Amantadine
