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Frequently asked questions about Parkinson's research

Our questions and answers address the most commonly asked questions about Parkinson's research.

Better treatments and a cure

Causes of Parkinson's 

Research at Parkinson's UK

Getting involved in research

Better treatments and a cure

Dr Roger BarkerListenListen to Dr Roger Barker discuss new hopes for a cure


 

What do we mean by a cure for Parkinson's?

By a cure for Parkinson's we mean treatment(s) that allow everyone to live free from the symptoms of the condition.

Because there are likely to be many causes and varieties of Parkinson's, there is unlikely to be a single cure. Instead, a combination of drugs, treatments and therapies is likely to make up a 'cure package' specifically designed to treat the symptoms of each individual.

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How much longer do we have to wait for a cure for Parkinson's?

Unfortunately it is impossible to predict when a cure will emerge, or what type of treatment(s) it will be.

We fund a diverse range of projects that target every aspect of Parkinson's to ensure that every possible opportunity is explored. Every project works towards a future when no one will have to live with the symptoms of the condition.

Find out more: Current research projects

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What about stem cell treatments?

Stem cells are 'unspecialised' cells which can develop into almost any cell in the body. They are found in early embryos, foetuses, umbilical cords and also in some adult tissues. What makes them so exciting for Parkinson's research is that they have the potential to grow into new nerve cells.

Researchers are investigating stem cells in the hope that they could, one day, be used to grow nerve cells to replace those lost in the Parkinson's brain.

There are no stem cell treatments available today for people with Parkinson's. Studies on stem cells are still at an early stage and, as yet, no appropriate clinical trials have been carried out. Only when stem cells have been thoroughly tested and proven to be safe will they become available to people with Parkinson's.

Find out more: Current stem cell research

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Should I store my umbilical cord blood as a source of stem cells?

Researchers are currently investigating various sources of stem cells but at this stage there is insufficient evidence to support the use of umbilical cord blood as a source of stem cells for treating Parkinson's.

Cord blood stem cells are already used to treat blood disorders such as leukaemia and anaemia. This is because cord blood stem cells naturally develop into the blood cells affected in these disorders.

Umbilical cord stem cells can be stored by both public and private cord blood banks. Public cord blood banks store cells for the benefit of the general public or research purposes, whereas private cord blood banks are companies that store cord blood for personal use by the donor or donor's relatives.

Find out more about storing cord blood stem cells through the Human Tissue Authority

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What are gene therapies for Parkinson's?

Gene therapy is a new approach to treating medical conditions. It works by using genes to help the cells that are involved in or damaged by the development of the condition.

In Parkinson's the nerve cells that produce the chemical dopamine stop working and die. Gene therapy for Parkinson's is focused upon:

  • helping the remaining nerve cells to work better by adding genes that manufacture dopamine
  • helping the remaining nerve cells to survive by adding genes that have protective properties

Find out more: Gene therapy for Parkinson's information sheet

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Does Parkinson's UK support research into complementary therapies?

We fund a wide range of research projects, including studies that investigate complementary approaches to treating Parkinson's.

Complementary therapies lie outside the scope of conventional medical practice and can be used alongside standard treatments. Examples include nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, massage and acupuncture.

It has proved difficult to get definitive results in clinical trials, partly because Parkinson's varies hugely from one person to the next, affecting people's responses to therapies. However, complementary therapies can be very helpful for some people.

It is important to remember that complementary therapies are not a treatment or a cure. People should always seek medical advice before embarking on any complementary therapy or supplement programme. Only use therapists recommended by a trustworthy source.

Find out more: Complementary therapies and Parkinson's booklet

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Why do some Parkinson's drugs cause compulsive behaviour?

Parkinson's is caused by the loss of nerve cells in the brain that make and use the chemical dopamine. Dopamine carries messages inside the brain that help co-ordinate movements but it is also involved in many other brain activities. This means that anti-Parkinson's medications which alter the levels of dopamine in the brain can have a range of side effects including changes in behaviour.

We are currently funding studies investigating why some people with Parkinson's are more susceptible to developing compulsive behaviour. Problems with compulsive gambling, compulsive shopping and hypersexuality can have a devastating impact on the person affected and their family.

If you are worried about any side effects you experience, seek advice from your doctor or specialist nurse, or call our free and confidential helpline 0808 800 0303

Find out more: Parkinson's drugs and compulsive behaviour

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Causes of Parkinson's

Anthony Schapira, researcherListenListen to Professor Anthony Schapira discuss the causes of Parkinson's


 

What causes Parkinson's?

Parkinson's is caused by the progressive loss of specific nerve cells inside the brain. These nerve cells produce dopamine - a chemical messenger that is involved in the co-ordination of movements. The movement symptoms of the condition only emerge once 70-80% of the dopamine-producing cells have been lost.

In the majority of cases of Parkinson's, we don't know what causes the nerve cells to die. This is known as sporadic Parkinson's.

Parkinson's seems to be caused by different combinations of factors in different people including inherited genes and environmental factors. However, the most common risk factor for Parkinson's is the ageing process.

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Can Parkinson's be inherited?

Yes, for a very small proportion of people - no more than 5% - Parkinson's is directly caused by defects in their genes which can be passed down through generations.

However, for the vast majority of people - around 95% - Parkinson's is not inherited. The exact causes are unknown, but scientists believe it is a combination of both genetic and environmental factors, such as lifestyle and exposure to chemicals.

It is quite uncommon for more than one person in a family to have the condition. At the moment, there is no way to predict a person's risk of developing Parkinson's based on having other family members affected.

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Is there a genetic test available for Parkinson's?

At present, there are no genetic tests that are freely available for Parkinson's. This is because the genetic causes of Parkinson's are very rare. Identifying rare genetic changes can be extremely time-consuming and very expensive.

There are some commercial genetic testing services available, but whether a test is positive or negative is not always particularly helpful for patients or their doctors. This is because even when an abnormal gene is found, the chances of going on to develop Parkinson's are usually very low.

Scientists are working hard to find better and cheaper ways, such as smell sticks and blood tests, to diagnose Parkinson's early, before the movement symptoms of the disorder emerge. This means that when we do have treatments that can slow or stop the development of Parkinson's we will be able to offer people earlier, preventative treatment.

Find out more: Genetic testing information sheet

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Are there any lifestyle or environmental factors that cause Parkinson's?

Yes. Research has shown that exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides, can increase the risk of developing the condition. While more recent studies suggest that smoking, drinking tea or coffee, and taking regular exercise may actually reduce the risk of Parkinson's.

Parkinson's is probably caused by a different mixture of things for each individual, including environmental and lifestyle factors. Parkinson's is a condition which develops over a long period and tends to emerge later in life. This makes it very difficult to tease out precisely what combination of factors triggers the condition in each individual. The most common factor is the natural ageing process.

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Research at Parkinson's UK

Kate Burnham, researcherWhat types of research does Parkinson's UK fund?

We are committed to funding research that will make a difference to the lives of people affected by Parkinson's. This includes:

  • research that works towards a long term cure, such as understanding the causes and exploring new therapies such as stem cells and gene therapy
  • and studies that will improve quality of life for those living with Parkinson's now

Find out more: Current research

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Does Parkinson's UK support research outside the UK?

As a UK-based charity, we only fund researchers based at UK institutions. We currently support around 90 research projects worth over £15million at research institutions all around the UK.

While all Parkinson's UK-funded research must be hosted in the UK, international collaborations are permitted if it can be justified as to why the work cannot take place in the UK. Our research teams are also encouraged to publish their findings in international journals.

We also closely monitor Parkinson's research all over the world by working with other organisations, such as the UK Medical Research Council and the Michael J Fox Foundation in the US, and attending international conferences and meetings.

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How does Parkinson's UK decide which projects to fund?

We offer a wide variety of research grants to attract applications for projects that address all aspects of the condition, and to encourage researchers from all backgrounds to study Parkinson's.

Our strict research funding process ensures that every application is reviewed both by experts in the field and by people affected by Parkinson's.

This means that:

  • only the highest quality research is funded
  • research is not duplicated elsewhere
  • researchers are qualified to do the research
  • researchers have the appropriate facilities available

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How much does Parkinson's UK spend on research?

In 2009 we spent almost £4.2million on research projects. This represents almost 22% of our annual budget.

Since the charity was founded in 1969, we have spent around £45million on research. Our research achievements have made a real difference to treatment and care for people living with Parkinson's today.

We continue to invest in pioneering research. We currently support around 90 ongoing research projects in the UK, worth over £15million.

Find out more: Current research

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

We believe that research involving animals is important as it will help to identify improved treatments, help us gain a greater understanding of the causes of the condition and ultimately lead to the development of a cure.

The use of animals in research is rigorously controlled by UK legislation. All researchers involved in studies using animals require a Home Office licence and the research facilities are regularly inspected by regulatory authorities.

As a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), we impose strict conditions on all of our grant-holders.

Read the AMRC policy on the use of animals in research

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Does Parkinson's UK support research involving the use of human embryos?

Yes. We support the exploration of all avenues of stem cell research within the rigorous ethical and regulatory framework in place in the UK.

We believe that stem cells hold great potential for helping people with Parkinson's in the future. We are currently funding several research projects investigating the abilities of stem cells to form the type of nerve cells lost in Parkinson's.

Find out more: Current stem cell research

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Getting involved in research

Ann Donovan, brain imaging How can I take part in clinical research?

People affected by Parkinson's play an essential role in clinical research. Volunteers can help by testing new treatments and making decisions about research studies.

Find out more: Take part in research

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How do I donate my brain to research?

You can pledge to donate your brain by signing up for the Parkinson's Brain Donor Register.

Find out more: Parkinson's Brain Bank and How to become a brain donor

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