Parkinson’s disease: Time-travelling treatment trials and a 66-mile charity challenge
The promising results of recent new research should put a spring in the step of anyone taking on the 66-mile Walk for Parkinson’s this summer. Parkinson's UK [1].
Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing neurological disease in the world and the second most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s disease.
It causes progressive damage to parts of the brain, which can affect a person’s independence and their performance of daily living activities.
Our neuro OTs are skilled in providing support for people to enjoy a full life as independently as possible after a Parkinson’s diagnosis. (More in OT support for Parkinson’s below.)
Yet not much is known about the disease’s early stages before symptoms appear. And, as yet, there is no cure.
However, in recent months, findings from three studies have emerged that could bring us closer to understanding these stages and, in turn, identifying treatments...
Time travel trials
Our brain cells are buzzing with electrical signals that pass information between the brain and the body.
And the patterns of these signals could hold clues to how Parkinson’s disease progresses.
Researchers at Cardiff University recently revealed they are using new techniques in a study that could help them understand the early Parkinson’s stages. UK Dementia Research Institute [2].
The three-year study, led by Dr Dayne Beccano-Kelly, is being funded by a grant of over £324,000 from the charity, Parkinson’s UK.
The techniques involve ‘reverse-ageing’ skin cells of people with Parkinson’s and people without the condition and then redeveloping them into brain cells.
Changes in the electrical communication between the brain cells in the two groups are then studied and compared as time passes.
It’s hoped that a greater understanding of such brain cell activity will lead to the testing of effective treatments.
Early detection test
American researchers have developed a ‘highly accurate’ technique to identify people with Parkinson’s disease in its earlier stages. UK Dementia Research Institute[3].
As the first conclusive diagnostic test for Parkinson’s, the SSA technique - alpha-synuclein seed amplification assay – identifies in brain cells the abnormal protein deposits that are linked to the disease.
The technique was used in a study of 1,123 participants and successfully detected the following:
- Individuals at risk of Parkinson’s
- Early non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s prior to diagnosis
Motivating molecules
This research marks a step forward in finding targeted treatments for this form of dementia. 
Dr Rhys Thomas, Cardiff University
New molecules could slow the progress of Parkinson’s by preventing the build-up of toxins in the brain, another new study by Cardiff University found. Cardiff University. [4]
Dysfunction of mitochondria in brain cells can lead to toxins building up in the brain, causing brain cells to die and the development of Parkinson’s.
But a new class of molecules designed by the university’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences targets the function of mitochondria, potentially slowing the disease’s progress.
The research has increased hopes for the future development of a new targeted therapy for Parkinson’s disease.
Walk for Parkinson's
You can help raise funds for more vital research into Parkinson’s disease by taking part in Parkinson’s UK 66-mile Walk for Parkinson's UK 2023[1]
Complete the miles any way you can between July the 1st and 31st while sharing your fund-raising appeal with family and friends in as many ways as you can!
We’ve got some great ideas on where to walk if you’re bringing along a walking aid, wheelchair, or mobility scooter. Head over here for more details: Six accessible fundraising walks [5]
Moving on
Keep healthy and strong, 'til a cure comes along.
Sport Parkinson’s
Sport Parkinson’s – this UK community interest company (CIC) embraces all sports to inspire people with Parkinson’s to improve their lives, ease their symptoms and connect with other people.
The company runs its own sporting events and provides grants to other sporting initiatives nationwide while raising awareness of the importance of keeping active to feel better.
Find out how it can help someone with Parkinson’s kick off a new sporting goal here: Home of Sport Parkinson’s [6]
Empowering people with Parkinson's to stay active can have a positive impact on their mental and physical well-being.
Neuro Heroes
Neuro Heroes – providing specialist physio-led activities, Neuro Heroes helps people with Parkinson’s and other neuro diagnoses benefit from condition-specific exercise.
The CIC also runs a community exercise fund in conjunction with Parkinson’s UK to minimize cost barriers for people with Parkinson’s on lower incomes.
And they report that when folks join their sessions, they experience improvements in mobility, balance, strength, fatigue, self-confidence, and mood. The heroes are here: [7]
OT support for Parkinson’s
Our neuro OTs can offer guidance, support, and coping strategies to help people manage Parkinson’s symptoms, including changes in:
- Emotions and mood
- Personality and behaviour
- Movement, coordination, and balance
- Thinking skills and memory
- Personal care
- Work and relationships
They can help people to gain a better understanding of their Parkinson’s diagnosis and find ways around their challenges.
Further reading
We can’t end up in a situation where there are new drugs being approved, but people can’t access them early in their dementia journey.
Alzheimer’s Society
Two new treatments “could be the beginning of the end of Alzheimer’s disease” after promising trials of both in the past 12 months. Find out more here: Dementia Action Week 2023
