Thursday, June 6, 2019

What are some of the experimental treatments currently being evaluated for Parkinson's disease?


Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects the movements of the body. It is usually an age-related problem, and it is a progressive disorder. Parkinson’s disease affects the movements leading to loss of muscle control and balance. However, treating the disease early would minimize the complications, and the following are the best treatments available for this disease.
Deep Brain Stimulation:
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is done to treat the patients who have Parkinson’s disease. In this surgery, the neurosurgeon implant electrodes into a specific part of the brain. The electrodes are connected to a generator implanted in the chest near the collarbone. These electrodes send electrical pulses to the brain, and it may reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Surgery involves risks, including infections, stroke or brain hemorrhage.
Stem cell therapy:
Research is also underway in stem cells. A stem cell is the precursor of many cell types in the body during early life and growth. Researchers have tested it with rats and said that it is possible to make dopamine cells from human embryonic stem cells. The neurosurgeons will transplant these cells into the human brain which in turn replace the damaged cells. If successful, this type of therapy could improve symptoms in certain patients.
Medications:
Medications your neurologist prescribe may help you manage problems with walking, movement, and tremor. The following medications are under research to provide a cure for Parkinson's disease.
Isradipine is a calcium channel blocker which is already in use to treat high blood pressure. The drug may block damage caused by certain chemicals that flow through particular channels in the brain cells that make dopamine.
 Reference: Yashoda Hospitals

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