Researchers are currently concentrating on four major
areas: identifying people at risk; preventing further progression after diagnosis;
repairing the damaged brain; and developing new drugs and operations.
Much current research is aimed at trying to find out
whether or not we can identify people with Parkinson’s before they ever get
their first symptom, perhaps by using some form of biochemical test or some
sort of scanning device. PET scanning can
show the loss of the dopamine cells and pathways in Parkinson’s, but these
machines are very expensive and there are currently only a few in the whole of Britain. DAT scannng, is available now, and
uses a radioactive tracer (a small dose of a radioactive chemical, which is
injected into the bloodstream). This enables the depletion of dopamine in Parkinson’s
to be measured using gamma cameras, which are available in most district
general hospitals. DAT scannng can help differentiate types of Parkinson’s, and
may confirm diagnosis at an early stage. When drugs are available to slow down
the process of Parkinson’s, these and similar techniques may enable us to
measure changes in the brain before symptoms develop.
Such understanding of the mechanisms of nerve cell damage
may also allow us to prevent further deterioration in people who already have
early symptoms. After all, most people are only mildly affected when they are
first diagnosed, so if we could just hold it at that point, much would be
achieved. Several drugs that may slow down progress are being explored in
research trials. Early studies on one called coenzyme Q12 have been published
but have been too small to be conclusive. More studies are needed, where the
drug would be tested to see if it protects or rescues neurons rather than just
helping the symptoms. At present, however, there is no drug or chemical
compound which will reliably slow the progression of Parkinson’s.
Methods of repairing brains already seriously damaged by Parkinson’s
are another avenue for research. The most publicised procedure is that of using
foetal brain cells, which have still only ever been an experimental technique.
However, there are other, more consistently promising possibilities. These
include the use of other types of cells which have been genetically engineered
to contain dopamine, or the identification of substances known as growth factors which could help the
brain to repair itself.
Development of new drugs is a major research area.
Researchers are looking for new ways of presenting levodopa and modifying developing
dopa agonists which give a better response profile. The aim is to eliminate or
reduce the fluctuations in response to drugs which are very much part of the
Parkinson’s syndrome. Researchers are also examining other chemical systems in the brain, which are
clearly affected in Parkinson’s disease, and may offer therapeutic opportunities.
Surgical treatments, such as lesioning of the brain and
deep brain stimulation, are active areas of research, seeking to develop new
and better sites for surgery as well as better technology,
