1)
Treat the disease not just the symptoms!
An error in protein leads to Parkinson’s disease. There is a molecule (called peptide) which is known to prevent this error in protein, there by stopping Parkinson’s Disease. Scientists from a top university has been able to successfully refine and optimize the molecule. There is a possibility that this molecule may get developed into a drug for this disease. There is still a lot of work needs to be done but this molecule has a potential to be a drug someday. Current drugs only treat the symptoms, but this molecule provides hope to help people return to good health even before the symptoms develop.
Following is the link to the original source:
https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-homing-in-on-a-cure-for-parkinsons-disease/
2)
Predicting the onset
Parkinson’s Disease involves motor symptoms (like tremors, rigidity) and non-motor symptoms (like cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression, constipation). As the disease progresses cognitive impairment becomes more common. Dementia also develops quite often. Since impaired cognition may lead to morbidity, mortality and decreased quality of life, it is important to be able to predict the onset of cognitive impairment. Quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) has a potential to be a biomarker that may indicate onset of cognitive decline in Parkinson’s Disease.
Following is the link to the original source:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2021.804991/full
3)
Gastrointestinal manifestations should not be ignored..
In spite of great progress in research on Parkinson’s Disease, the exact pathways that are responsible for the initiation and progression is not very clear. As per a recent study by scientists from a top American university, there may exist a relationship between the commensal gut bacteria and the brain capable of influencing neurodevelopment, brain function and health. It is called microbiome-gut-brain axis. It suggests that symptoms like gastrointestinal manifestations often precede the onset of Parkinson’s Disease. There could be an opportunity to target this axis to control the disease.
Following is the link to the original source:
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2021.782082/full
4)
Circadian rhythm and sleep issue may be the precursors
Circadian rhythms are physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle. These natural processes respond primarily to light and dark and affect most living things, including animals, plants, and microbes. Chronobiology is the study of circadian rhythms.
There is a tight correlation between Circadian Rhythm and Sleep issue with the Parkinson’s Disease. Often, the circadian rhythm issue and / or sleep issue may arise prior to the onset of the motor deficits
Following is the link to the original source:
https://molecularneurodegeneration.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13024-021-00504-w
5)
Parkinson’s and eye movement
As per the recent research, eye movement can be a promising clinical tool to help in the diagnosis of movement disorder and to monitor the progression of disease. It has been found that PD patients are able to accurately able to track moving objects but they make inaccurate eye movement towards stationary targets.
Following is the link to the original source:
https://www.jneurosci.org/content/42/3/487
6)
Light therapy for treating Parkinson’s Disease!
A recent trial conducted on Parkinson’s patients used light therapy called photo-biomodulation (PBM) on two groups of PD patients. The study reported that there were no side effects and the therapy can potentially be a safe and effective treatment against the disease. The infra-red light therapy works by stimulating dopamine production in the gut.
Following is the original source:
https://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel-for-parkinsons-sufferers-with-new-infra-red-treatment-trials-c-5276310
7)
Tips for caregivers
Here are some important tips for the caregivers:
Keep the floors clear: Any things that can easily be tripped over on the floors of your home, like electrical cords, should be kept away. Keep the usual path they take through the house as clear as possible.
Install ramps when needed: At the later stages of Parkinson's, a person's mobility might become so restricted that they need a wheelchair. It's essential to make your home wheelchair-friendly and accessible if this happens.
Make your bathroom safer: Install grab bars around the tub and anti-slip mats in them if you have a bathtub. Also, keep personal hygiene products within easy reach to prevent them from slipping or falling over trying to reach for them.
Maintain a healthy diet: Maintaining a healthy diet for your loved ones is as important as ensuring they stay on their medication and treatment plan.
Ask for help: Don't feel like you have to take on all of the care alone. If you can afford it, you can hire assistance or reach out to other family and friends to help you with the care.
Schedule time for self-care: It's easy for self-care to get pushed to the side if you don't make time for it. Other things will always feel more pressing or more important, but doing a small thing like taking ten minutes to meditate or practice deep breathing exercises can significantly improve your mental well-being.
Monitor your health: Don't forget to stay on top of your medical and dental appointments. Stick to a balanced diet and a regular exercise routine.
Joining a support group: A support group allows you to meet and connect with people who understand your unique struggles and challenges. You'll also get access to valuable resources and information you might have not yet come across. If you don't have time to join in-person support groups, you can join a virtual one with people in your area.
Following is the link to the original source:
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-care-for-someone-with-parkinson-s-disease-5213906
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