Research achievements: hopes for a cure
Today's treatments can help relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's. But they cannot
stop, slow down or reverse the progression
of the condition.
Our research has pioneered innovative ways to tackle
Parkinson's that may ultimately lead to a cure.
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Find out more:
Listen online
Dr Roger Barker explores how cutting edge research
is pushing forward our understanding of Parkinson's and
bringing us closer to finding a cure - Listen here
What do we mean by a cure?
We need to develop a cure – new cutting edge treatments
that will allow people with Parkinson's to lead a normal life, free
of all the symptoms.
"Over the last 20 years, researchers have made major
advances in Parkinson's research. For the first time, we can say
that we are closer to a cure than ever before.
"However, no two people with Parkinson's will have the same
set of symptoms. There is unlikely to be one cure. Instead there
will probably be different cures for different people."
Dr Iracema Leroi,
Consultant in Old Age Psychiatry
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Transplanting new nerve
cells
One experimental area of research that has shown promise
is cell transplantation. The idea is to replace the nerve cells
that have died in the brains of people with Parkinson's with new
healthy cells.
We have been a strong supporter of cell transplants
since the early 1990s.
"In the early 1990s, the charity helped fund
early cell transplantation trials in a small group of people with
Parkinson's.
"Human foetal nerve cells were implanted into people's brains.
Although the surgery did not work for most people, 2 patients
showed remarkable improvements.
"Overall, the results were unpredictable and caused disabling
side effects in some people. However, researchers are still
learning from those initial trials, which have provided the
groundwork for further research.
"Moving forward, the focus for future transplants will be
ultimately on stem cells – an area in which Parkinson's
UK invests significantly."
Professor Niall Quinn,
Consultant Neurologist
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A personal perspective on cell
transplantation
"16 years ago, I was fortunate to have taken part in the
charity's clinical trial for cell transplants. I had 2 separate
operations, one on either side of my brain. I started to feel
better 3 months later.
"I feel incredibly lucky - the cell transplants have given back
my independence. I still have minor symptoms but I've been able to
stop taking most of my medication and continue activities like
driving.
"Despite the risk and uncertainty, this experimental treatment
has helped me. Others, however, have not been so fortunate. More
research is needed to make cell transplants safer and work
better."
Chris has been living with Parkinson's for 25
years
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Gene therapy - adding new
genes
Another dynamic area of research where groundbreaking
treatments are being developed is gene therapy. This involves
adding new genes to nerve cells in the brain to make them work
better.
"Gene therapy emerged as a new concept in the late
1980s and Parkinson's UK was at the forefront of this research.
"Our research found new ways of successfully putting genes into
cells. Adding certain genes into the brains of people with
Parkinson's has the potential to rescue dying nerve cells or help
nerve cells make more dopamine.
"Research funded by the charity showed that gene therapy
relieved symptoms in animals with Parkinson's-like symptoms. Today,
there are several gene therapy treatments in development and being
tested in people with Parkinson's."
Professor David
Latchman,
Researcher
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