There is good news at the horizon for people suffering from Parkinson's disease. A recent study has shown that using the latest technology in gene therapy can help improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, like rigidity, tremors and other problems with motor skills.
The study involved 45 participants suffering from moderate and advanced Parkinson's disease. Half of the participants were given the gene therapy, while the remaining where given a mock therapy that looked very similar to the therapy.
The 22 participants who received the therapy where given glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) gene. This gene was infused into the brain and helps to stimulate the production of a chemical compound known as GABA. This chemical compounds helps to enhance motor skills. Six months after the therapy, half of the participants showed significant improvement.
The participants were given local anesthesia and then an inactive virus was used to transport the gene to the subthalamic nucleus of the brain. This is the region that controls the motor functions. The gene then stimulates the brain cells to produce GABA, so that normal chemical balance of this neurotransmitter is established. The balance of GABA becomes dysfunctional as the Parkinson's advances.
While there are many gene therapy trials that have shown some amount of promise when it comes to treating diseases like Parkinson's, this is the first clinical trial that has provided concrete evidence of improvement. In this study, the researchers as well as the participants were not aware as to who was receiving the gene therapy and who was receiving the mock therapy.
This phase 2 clinical trial was conducted by the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research located at Manhasset, New York.
None of the participants taking part in the study suffered from any serious side effects. However, some did experience side effects, but they were mild. There were 7 participants in the gene therapy group that complained of headaches and 6 complained of nausea. In the US, there are around 1 million people suffering from Parkinson's disease and majority of them are more than 50 years of age. Parkinson's comes in at the second position after Alzheimer's disease out of all the neuro-degenerative diseases.
Before the US FDA approves this treatment, the institute would have to conduct a phase 3 clinical trial. So, the only thing that people suffering from Parkinson's disease do is wait for the phase 3 clinical trials to finish and then hope that the FDA approves the treatment. This new treatment will definitely be boon for people who have lost their motor skills due to the disease.
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in elderly care. He also offers top quality articles like:
Senior Flirting Tips, Sample Love Letters
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