1/11/2016 3:29
Parkinson's disease, which is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease, is characterized by loss of certain nerve cells in the brain. It is estimated that 6.3 million people worldwide have Parkinson's disease. Although the available medications for Parkinson's can provide relief from the symptoms, there is no cure yet.
The Holy Grail of Parkinson's treatment is finding a drug that is capable of slowing or stopping the loss of nerve cells in the brain. But that wonder drug has been elusive so far. However, all hope is not lost among scientific community, and the quest for finding a possible cure has never dimmed.
Statins, like Simvastatin, which are prescribed by doctors to help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, have been reported to protect nerve cells in the brain from injury or loss. Based on this neuroprotective evidence of statins, Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry is conducting a clinical trial to see whether or not *Simvastatin has the potential to slow or halt the progression of Parkinson's disease. (*Simvastatin is sold under the brand name Zocor).
The trial will involve 198 Parkinson's disease patients, and will be conducted in 21 centers in the UK including Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust.
Commenting on the study, the trial's chief investigator Camille Carroll said: "It is encouraging to see new compounds that are already approved as being safe for use in man being trialled for use in Parkinson's. There have been few innovations in the treatment of Parkinson's for over 40 years and for the more than 127,000 people living with the condition in the UK, the results of this trials programme could lead to new and highly effective treatments in the armoury of medications to tackle Parkinson's.
by RTT Staff Writer
http://health.einnews.com/article/305729569/3C_NGwcAfUxvnIWQ
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