𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗻’𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀: 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲

For decades, meds for Parkinson’s disease (PD)  have focused on replacing dopamine or helping the brain use dopamine more effectively. Levodopa remains the most effective treatment for many PD symptoms. Recently scientists are working not only to improve symptoms, but also to slow the underlying disease itself.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are best known as meds used for diabetes and weight management. Studies suggest they might also reduce inflammation and protect nerve cells in the brain. After 12 months, participants receiving lixisenatide had less worsening of motor symptoms as compared to placebo. Larger and longer studies are neededto determine if the drug truly slows PD progression.

New focus is on alpha-synuclein, a protein that accumulates abnormally in the brains of many people with PD. Prasinezumab, is an antibody designed to target alpha-synuclein. Study results are mixed, with some suggestion that some patients with more rapid progression might experience slower worsening of motor symptoms.

Researchers are also targeting specific genetic pathways, such as LRRK2, a gene associated with some inherited and sporadic cases of Parkinson’s. Much more research is needed before we know whether targeting LRRK2 can slow PD.

Researchers are also investigating drugs already used for other conditions. Ambroxol, for example, is a respiratory medication that affects an enzyme called glucocerebrosidase, or GCase. Clinical trials are evaluating whether ambroxol could have a role in slowing PD progression

None of these experimental approaches has yet replaced standard PD therapy, and there is currently no medication proven to stop PD.

Instead of treating PD as one identical disease in everyone, researchers are increasingly using genetics and biological markers to identify different types of PD in individual patients with the goal of protecting brain cells.

The BeCare Parkinson’s App can help you track your disease for worsening symptoms and cognitive decline.  Become aware with BeCare.  Be a driver in your own neurologic health journey.