Research in Parkinson’s disease has made remarkable progress. There is very real hope that the causes — whether genetic or environmental — will be identified and the precise effects of these causes on brain function will be understood. These remarkable achievements give real hope for the future.
Researchers continue developing new treatments for Parkinson's disease. Major areas of research include:
Fetal cell transplantation —
This is a procedure during which fetal cells are implanted into the brains of people with Parkinson's disease to replace the dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra. Fetal cell transplantation is one of the most controversial and publicized research efforts. One study earlier this year suggested that fetal cell implants only benefit Parkinson’s patients under age 60. It also concluded that about 15 percent of patients saw a substantial increase in severe involuntary movements (dyskinesias) due to an over abundance of dopamine in the brain.
Because there are moral and ethical objections to the use of fetal cell implants, other methods of replacing dopamine-producing cells and treatments are being explored.
Stem cell research —
Stem cells are the parent cells of all tissues in the body. Stem cells used in research are derived from embryos that were produced in a laboratory to treat infertility. They are used only with the informed consent of the donors. Researchers have been able to capture and culture human stem cells in the laboratory. The hope is that they will eventually be able to make these cells into specific types of cells — such as dopamine-producing neurons — that can be used to treat Parkinson’s disease. However, there are concerns that patients might have the same risk of increased involuntary movements as those who underwent fetal cell transplantation.
Additional research is being conducted in several areas related to Parkinson's disease:
- Genetic research — Researchers are investigating genes that code proteins responsible for producing dopamine.
- New treatment research — Researchers are investigating drugs that block the action of glutamate, an amino acid that destroys nerve cells, as well as the role of the antioxidant coenzyme Q-10 in slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease.
- Use of neural growth factor — Animal studies have been conducted in which use of the neural growth factor revives the dormant cells needed to produce dopamine, dramatically improving symptoms. Studies in humans are now underway.
- Deep brain stimulation — Exciting research is underway to better understand how deep brain stimulation works in Parkinson’s disease treatment. Researchers are also studying other, more improved ways of effectively stimulating the brain.
- Environmental factors — Researchers are studying how heavy metals, herbicides, and pesticides contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 9/20/2005
