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Frequently asked questions

 

What are stem cells?

 

Stem cells are cells within the body that are not specialised but can, under the appropriate conditions, be converted into specific cells including nerve cells. Research, some of which is funded by the PDS, aims to understand how the nerve cells can be formed and whether these can then be transplanted into the brain to replace the cells that have died in Parkinson's.

 

Is stem cell treatment currently available?

 

There are no stem cell treatments available today that cure Parkinson's.

 

Studies on stem cells are still at an early stage and despite some claims that have been made, no appropriate clinical trials have been carried out. You can read more about this in our news story "Stem cell claim concerns"

 

 

 

 

What are cytoplasmic hybrids?

 

Cytoplasmic hybrids are cells that are made by inserting the genetic material obtained from human cells into the cell of an animal from which the genetic material has been removed. These are, in effect, human cells. They develop into stem cells and will be very useful in helping us to understand how human stem cells work and how they can be transformed into nerve cells.

 

 

 

 

What causes Parkinson's?

 

Parkinson's is a complex disorder and it is unlikely that there is one single cause. Rather, it is due to a combination of a genetic susceptibility (or predisposition) combined wth exposure to external factors. A number of genes have been identified that may play a role. In addition, there is evidence that certain environmental factors, such as exposure to pesticides or some solvents, may also play a role in the development of Parkinson's.

 

 

 

Is Parkinson's inherited?

 

Although some genes play a role in the development of Parkinson's, very few cases are directly inherited. In most cases, people’s genes may make them more susceptible to getting the condition, but only if they are exposed to other factors. Because it is likely that a number of genes may play a role, there is no single genetic test available to identify people who may be more likely to develop Parkinson's.

 

 

 

 

Is there a biochemical test for Parkinson's?

 

Parkinson's is diagnosed by its clinical characteristics of tremor, abnormal posture or slowness of movement. While there are a number of clinical tests that are carried out to help with the diagnosis, the diagnosis can also be aided by various types of scans. These are not, however, appropriate or necessary for all people with the condition. At present, there are no simple biochemical tests that can be carried out to confirm that a person has Parkinson's.

 

 

 

What areas of research does the PDS fund?

 

The PDS funds a wide range of research including social, clinical and basic science projects. This follows the publication of the Society's Research Agenda that identifies the members' research priorities. This aims to provide a balance between short-term applied research and longer-term research to ultimately develop a cure for the condition.

 

Some projects that are currently funded include:

 

 

Identifying the cause(s) of Parkinson's

Establishing how the protein alpha-synuclein and defects in the function of the mitochondria are linked  (Dr. Philip Robinson, St James's University Hospital, Leeds)

 

Around ten years ago, researchers showed that the nerve cells affected in Parkinson's contain too much of the protein alpha-synuclein. Another key observation that has been made in Parkinson's is that the powerhouses of cells, the 'mitochondria', which are responsible for producing most of a cell's energy, do not work as efficiently as they should. This project will look at the how the two are linked and whether there are environmental factors, which influence the effect of alpha-synuclein on how well mitochondria work. The focus of this study is to identify the underlying cause of Parkinson's to enable new, and more effective, treatments to be developed to halt the disease process.

 

 

Clinical Studies:

Understanding visual problems and hallucinations in Parkinson's. Senior Research Fellowship awarded to Dr Neil Archibald (University of Newcastle)

 

Visual problems are common in people with Parkinson's, and range from complaints of dry eyes and blurred vision through to complex visual hallucinations. Despite being relatively common, many of these visual symptoms remain under-investigated.

 

The project will look into eye disease and visual symptoms, and will investigate the impact of visual hallucinations on visuo-perceptual impairment (how the brain interprets what the eye sees). The research will also look into whether patient and carer education can reduce the distress and anxiety felt by those experiencing the visual hallucinations. As a direct outcome from this work the researchers hope that information for patients and caregivers about the generation of visual hallucinations will decrease the associated distress (e.g. fear of going insane, depressed mood) and improve quality of life. 

 

 

New approach to treating Parkinson's

Osteopontin as a neuroprotective treatment for Parkinson's disease (Prof. Peter Jenner, King's College London)

 

Treating the progression of Parkinson's rather than the symptoms (i.e. a neuroprotective approach) will be the next major step forward in treatment. There are currently no drugs that are proven to have a significant effect on the rate at which Parkinson's progresses.

 

This project will be focusing on a new neuroprotective approach to treating Parkinson's. It will look closely at osteopontin, a neuroprotective protein that occurs naturally in the nerve cells within the brain that die in Parkinson's. Osteopontin is very powerful in protecting these cells from destruction and it has been shown to be deficient in the brains of people with Parkinson's. The study will examine how osteopontin produces its neuroprotective effects and if this can be turned into a natural drug treatment to slow or halt the progression of Parkinson's. This new approach focuses on treating the progression of the condition, rather than the symptoms.

 

 

 

How does the PDS decide which projects to fund?

 

The PDS has a number of schemes by which research can be funded. These include Project Grants, Innovative Grants and Fellowships

 

All of the applications are reviewed both by experts in the field (termed peer review) and by members of the Society's lay Research Network which includes people with Parkinson's, their carers and families. The applications are considered by the Research Advisory Panel who then make recommendations to the Board of Trustees.

 

The review process is extremely vigorous and ensures that:

  • only the best research is funded
  • it does not duplicate research that is being carried out elsewhere
  • the researchers are appropriately qualified to carry out the research
  • they have the appropriate facilities available

 

This ensures that the Society only funds the highest quality research.

 

 

 

How can I get involved in clinical trials?

 

The PDS does not usually recruit people for clinical trials. We recommend that potential participants consult your doctor or PDNS to get details of any therapy trials that may be ongoing.

 

Details of ongoing clinical trials may be obtained from:

 

 

 

 

Does the Parkinson's Disease Society support research involving the use of animals?

 

PDS policy
While there are many approaches that can be used to answer specific questions, the Parkinson's Disease Society acknowledges the requirement for the use of animals in research into Parkinson's within the current legal and regulatory framework in the UK.

 

Why is the use of animals important?
The PDS believes that research involving animals is important as it will help to identify improved treatments, gain a greater understanding of the causes of the condition and ultimately lead to the development of a cure.

 

How is it regulated?
The use of animals in research is rigorously controlled by strict UK legislation. All researchers involved in studies using animals require a home office licence and the research facilities are regularly inspected by regulatory authorities.

 

The three Rs
The PDS strongly supports what is known as the "three Rs" with regard to the use of animals in research:

  • Reduce the number of animals used in every study to a minimum
  • Replace laboratory animals with non-animal techniques wherever possible
  • Refine the experiments to ensure the most comfortable and humane conditions possible

 

Conditions for PDS grant holders
The PDS imposes strict conditions on all its grant holders and as a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) we follow the guidelines they set.

 

For the AMRC policy on the use of animals in research, please visit the AMRC website

 

 

 

How do I donate my brain to research?
The UK Parkinson's Disease Society Tissue Bank stores and retrieves tissue bequeathed by registered donors and makes samples of the material available to scientists carrying out research on Parkinson's. 


What does the Tissue Bank do?
Making the decision to donate tissue needs careful thought, but thankfully many people make this important gift to support vital research. Research on human tissue has contributed to the development of drugs for Parkinson's such as levodopa, led to a greater understanding of how we control movement and may identify the cause or causes of nerve cell death in Parkinson's. Scientists requiring material for research make a request to the Tissue Bank. The request is considered by a scientific panel and if approved and the researcher agrees to the Tissue Bank's conditions, appropriate material is released at no charge. All Tissue Bank procedures are performed with the utmost respect for the individual who donated the tissue and information on the histological analysis is available to next of kin if requested. Appropriate regulatory permission is always required.

 

Why is tissue needed for research into Parkinson's?
The UK PDS Tissue Bank, aims to provide a greater understanding of the pathology of Parkinson's. This will help us to understand better what causes Parkinson's and assist in the development of better drug treatments for people with Parkinson's.

 

Tissue from people who do not have Parkinson's is of crucial importance since it allows scientists to compare the tissue damaged by Parkinson's with the normal situation.


The Tissue Bank aims to ensure that researchers have access to the material that they require to carry out their studies. For example, recent advances in genetics may soon explain why some nerve cells die in Parkinson's and others are spared.

 

For more information, please contact the Tissue Bank by:

Email: pdbank@imperial.ac.uk

In writing:  

UK Parkinson's Disease Society Tissue Bank at Imperial College
Division of Neuroscience and Psychological Medicine
Burlington Danes Building
Imperial College London
160 Du Cane Road
London
W12 0NN

 

Tel: 020 7594 9732
Fax: 020 7594 9733

 

Website: www.parkinsonstissuebank.imperial.ac.uk