Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that develops when dopamine-producing cells die. The disease results in gradual impairment of motor functions, resulting in tremors, slowness of movement, stiffness, and impaired coordination and balance. Although there is no cure for the disease; scientists are constantly conducting research studies to find a solution. This post lists some promising findings from studies, which may help with the treatment and diagnosis of Parkinson’s. Read on.

1. Boosting dopamine, only at certain times, may trigger movement

Parkinson’s develops when cells that produce dopamine in the area of the brain that controls movement, die. A recent research featuring scientists from the Columbia University in New York, questions the idea that the brain needs a constant level of dopamine for normal movement. This study, conducted on mice, revealed that the activity of the dopamine-producing neurons peaked just before the mice started a particular movement. The study concluded that the patients may be given a dopamine boost only when they want to move, and not as a regular treatment.

2. Reduced levels of MC1 may not be causing Parkinson’s Disease

Research studies found reduced MC1 (Mitochondrial Complex 1) levels in the brain regions most affected by Parkinson’s disease, which led scientists to believe that mitochondrial dysfunction might be the cause of the problem. But a recent research, led by Charalampos Tzoulis, Department of Clinical Medicine at UiB, registered reduced MC1 levels all over the brain of Parkinson’s patients, which led them to conclude that these levels might no be responsible for death of neurons. They also concluded that neurons with decreased MC1 levels are less likely to contain abnormal concentration of protein.

3. Tears might Help Diagnose Parkinson’s

A study, led by the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, found that tear samples from individuals with Parkinson’s disease had different levels of a protein linked to the disease, than those who did not have the disorder. Such a non-invasive way of detecting biological markers could be very useful in helping to diagnose, and even treat Parkinson’s, because the disease can begin many years before its symptoms physically appear.

4. Parkinson’s Disease may Speed up Aging Process

A Study Conducted by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke revealed neurodegenerative disorders may accelerate aging process. The study, conducted on the lives of flies, monitored their genetic clocks. The study found that altering the activity of Cdk5, a gene that regulates dopamine release, appeared to make the clocks run faster than normal, and caused the flies to have problems flying or walking later in life, and face an early death.

Does Your Loved One has Parkinson’s? Let us Care for Them!

As the symptoms of Parkinson’s progress, an individual with Parkinson’s may not be able to talk, walk, carry out everyday tasks, and live independently. If a dear one has Parkinson’s disease, and needs home care assistance in carrying out simple daily activities, we, at Home Care Assistance of Dallas, are here to help. If you are looking for expert caregivers to care for a loved one, our trained caregivers will be honored to improve the quality of their life, by compassionately following our nursing care plan for Parkinson’s. To learn more about our home care services for people with Parkinson’s, fill out our contact form or call (214) 253 8784.

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