Recently, a team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen took a big step forward when it comes to research regarding Parkinson’s disease. The team believes that this will make treatment for those with this disease even more effective and helpful than it currently is.
The treatment strategy uses something called Deep Brain Stimulation. By targeting this to precisely the right spot within the brain, researchers believe that they will be able to produce better results when it comes to Parkinson’s treatment. This research came about through looking at the brainstem and the specialized set of neurons (brain cells) in this part of the nervous system. These specialized neurons deal with movement, and movement is one of the major problems that those with Parkinson’s struggle with, especially as the disease progresses.
One of the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s is uncontrollable and shaky movements, but issues stemming from the disease go much deeper than this. Issues with walking and balance also can be caused by Parkinson’s. It’s not uncommon for those with Parkinson’s to suffer from falls as the disease worsens. Therapies that focus on helping to improve movement prevent these catastrophic falls from occurring, or at least make them less likely to occur.
This research was just a first step toward treatment in humans as it focused on treatment in mice. However, researchers made very promising steps forward in their observations. There’s a lot more work to do, but research looks like it is headed in the right direction.
The team published their results in the journal, Nature Communications. Hopefully, this proves to be a big step forward in the understanding and treatment of Parkinson’s and can act as a starting point for future researchers.
Parkinson’s disease is progressive. Eventually, it gets more severe. Although there are treatments to help slow down the spread and severity of the disease, there is no cure for Parkinson’s. That’s why research like what’s detailed above is so important. It helps people suffering from this disease find hope. It helps future researchers have a better understanding of the disease and what works to help control it.
But no matter how effective the treatments that slow down the progress of this disease might be, there’s still no cure at this time. Those who have it will eventually succumb to the disease and symptoms become more and more pronounced and non-responsive to treatments. This can put someone suffering from Parkinson’s in a difficult situation, especially as they begin to struggle with completing the tasks that once were second nature to them. It can make it so that it is very difficult–or even dangerous–for them to go through their daily lives all alone.
Finding the right care or help around the house is a vital part of keeping someone with Parkinson’s as safe and healthy as possible. As getting around becomes more difficult, having another set of hands to help out might become a necessity. Professional in-home care can help.
If this sounds helpful, please give us a call. We’d love to talk about how our services might benefit your family.
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