Parkinson’s disease is complex, which is one of the big reasons why it is so hard to treat. For example, scientists have identified several different causes of the disease. In some instances, it is caused by genetic factors. In others, there are environmental factors. This makes both treating and preventing the disease quite difficult to do.
That’s why researchers are beginning to look at the disease a little bit differently. The hope is that this paradigm shift can help provide better outcomes for those that are experiencing the disease.
Parkinson’s is a chronic, degenerative disease. There’s no cure for it, only treatments that can help make the quality of life that someone with the disease experiences better. These treatments have changed and improved over time, but they are still not cures. The main goal for doctors when they are treating the disease now is to make the quality of life that someone experiences as close to normal as possible for as long as possible.
To add to the complexity, Parkinson’s and Lewy Body dementia are both very similar, caused by the same root issue. Parkinson’s disease is what the disease is called when the body’s nervous system is attacked. Lewy Body dementia is what it’s called when the brain and cognitive functioning are attacked.
The new paradigm attempts to differentiate the different root causes of Parkinson’s by giving different diagnoses based upon the biology behind the disease. They call the new model “SynNeurGe,” pronounced like the word “Synergy.” It is a combination of a few different hallmarks of Parkinson’s. The first is alpha-SYNuclein, which is a protein that gets deposited in the brain, causing Lewy bodies. NEURodegeneration is the second portion of the word, which refers to the breakdown of brain cells when the disease is in effect. Finally, GEnetics is the last part, indicating that genetic factors play a role in the cause of the disease. This model attempts to create an easier method of identifying why Parkinson’s exists, hoping that ease of treatment follows suit.
This research comes out of McGill University. The team published their findings in the medical journal, The Lancet Neurology. Hopefully, this research can help pave the way for future research projects and improve the quality of care and attention that Parkinson’s patients receive in the future.
If you or someone that you love is dealing with Parkinson’s, you do have options before you. Working with a doctor that you know and trust is a good place to start.
If you or someone you love is dealing with complications from Parkinson’s or anything else, we’re here to help. Our free consultation session is designed to answer questions about care and how it can be applied to help out with your family’s unique set of needs.
Senior care is meant to help you with your unique set of circumstances, but some types of care are going to be more helpful than others. Some caregivers will be better suited to work with you than other ones. If you’re unsure where to turn to for help, give us a call. We’d be happy to help out however we can.
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