There is no cure for the condition and doctors are only able to treat the symptoms, which include tremors, slow movement and stiff muscles
A new generation of Parkinson’s drugs could be on the way
Tracking the genetic mutations that cause Parkinson’s could lead to drugs which slow the disease, experts say.
Currently there is no cure for the progressive neurological condition affecting 127,000 Britons – one in 500.
It sees parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years. The three main symptoms are involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body, slow movement and stiff and inflexible muscles.
Doctors have only been able to treat symptoms but cannot stop, or slow its advance.
But a new way of measuring the activity of mutations in the LRRK2 gene, a major cause of inherited Parkinson’s, brings fresh hope of early diagnosis and breakthrough treatments.
Symptoms include tremors
Prof Dario Alessi of the University of Dundee, whose study was published in the Biochemical Journal, said it has “potential to slow progression” of the disease.
More research is needed but the breakthrough, funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation among others, could help with future drug developments.
Professor Aideen Sullivan from University College Cork said: “If this method can be applied to human samples, it will be a significant step toward earlier and more definitive diagnosis of Parkinson’s, a disease of steadily increasing prevalence that currently affects over 10 million people worldwide.”
The study was published in the Biochemical Journal.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/parkinsons-could-slowed-new-drugs-8524277?
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