What I have learnt from speaking to 30 Parkinson’s scientists
Latest on Parkinson’s Disease; Friday, August 30, 2024
PD Buddy recently spoke to Michel Planquart, co-founder of the Parkinson’s support group No Silver Bullet 4PD, about his insights from interviewing dozens of Parkinson’s researchers. Has he found the Parkinson’s version of “Doctor Emmett Brown” with a silver bullet to end this disease?
Michel highlighted that Parkinson’s disease is a complex condition with potentially several types, including various genetic forms and classifications based on whether it starts in the gut or brain. Despite few breakthroughs since levodopa’s discovery in the late 60s, Michel noted that this medication is essential and should not be delayed, as it significantly improves quality of life.
He advocates for a holistic approach to managing PD, incorporating exercise, nutrition, relaxation techniques, meditation, and technology. Research has shown exercise is vital for managing symptoms and slowing progression, while social relationships play a critical role in outcomes, with loneliness being a significant predictor of negative effects.
Exercise is increasingly believed to not only improve symptoms of Parkinson’s but potentially slow its progression, and possibly even reverse some symptoms. If there were a pill that could do this, everyone would want it. Exciting developments include the phase 3 trial of exenatide, a potential disease-modifying therapy, with results expected by the end of the year. Stem cell research promise hope but may take time to become widely available and affordable. Drug repurposing efforts, such as using existing drugs like exenatide, offer a faster, cheaper path to new treatments.
Watch the full interview with Michel here. Ask him anything in his new Chat Group on PD Buddy, “Newly Diagnosed,” and join the monthly meetups starting on the 26th of September.
More in News:
💊 New genetic discovery could change early-onset treatment
Researchers have identified a new gene, PMSF1, linked to early-onset Parkinson’s disease. This discovery, based on a study of 22 people from 15 families across 13 countries, could significantly influence future treatments. The study found that different versions of the PMSF1 gene correlate with the severity of Parkinson’s symptoms, suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction might play a role.
🔬 Ending inflammation in Parkinson’s
Several biopharmaceutical companies, including Halia Therapeutics, NodThera, and Gain Therapeutics, are developing innovative treatments aimed at combating brain inflammation, a key driver of damage in Parkinson’s disease. This inflammation is detrimental to brain cells and worsens the progression of the disease over time. NodThera and Halia are specifically working on drugs that target a protein complex called NLRP3, which triggers this harmful inflammatory process. Their goal is to block NLRP3 to halt or reverse brain damage associated with Parkinson’s. Gain Therapeutics is focusing on a gene called GBA1, known to increase Parkinson’s risk, with a treatment designed to correct its function and potentially halt disease progression.
🧬 AB-1005 gene therapy placed on fast track
AskBio’s new treatment, AB-1005, is getting special support from the FDA and U.K. regulators to speed up its development for Parkinson’s disease. This therapy is now being tested in a Phase 2 trial called REGENERATE-PD, which is enrolling Parkinson’s patients in the U.S. and soon in Europe. AB-1005 works by delivering a gene called GDNF directly to specific parts of the brain. This gene helps produce a protein that supports the survival of neurons responsible for dopamine production, crucial for controlling movement. The treatment involves a precise surgery to deliver the therapy into the brain. Early trials showed promising results, improving movement symptoms in moderate cases of Parkinson’s and stabilizing the condition in milder cases without serious side effects.
🏋️♀️ Home-Based Exercise Benefits for Parkinson’s
A meta-analysis of 20 studies involving 1,885 Parkinson’s patients found that home-based exercises, such as aerobic, strength, or balance workouts, significantly improve motor symptoms, quality of life, walking speed, balance, and reduce fear of falling. These benefits were evident only when patients exercised for at least eight weeks and completed a minimum of 30 sessions, highlighting the importance of a consistent exercise routine.
💉 ‘On’ time improvement significant at day 3 with combination therapy for Parkinson’s
Improvements in “on” time, or periods with fewer Parkinson’s symptoms, were seen as early as day 3 with a new subcutaneous combination therapy, and these improvements were even more significant by day 7. This phase 2 study found that 28 days of continuous infusion with the therapy, ND0612, increased “good on” time by an average of 3.7 hours in patients already taking levodopa. The study included Parkinson’s patients who had at least 2.5 hours of “off” time each day despite optimized treatment. By day 3, 73.7% of patients noticed health improvements, and by day 7, the proportion of patients achieving full “on” time by 9 a.m. increased from 31.6% to 72.2%.
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Read daily updates on the latest in Parkinson’s research and alternative therapies in Keep Learning section on PD Buddy.
PD Buddies Top Pics
- A popular aerobic and agility exercise video was published by Leah last week. Many PD Buddies saved it to their favourites!
- TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) is being often mention in Sharing Routines and Hack PD to help with hands rigidity.
- Taking levodopa before bedtime may reduce the frequency and duration of nighttime awakenings.
- The keto diet is being explored for its potential to improve motor function and slow disease progression.
Community Buzz
Explore new Social features like group chats and meetups — join the conversation and connect with the Parkinson’s community today!
Join The Conversation
Explore our first Group Chats by joining a group and diving into the conversations. Initial topics include PD Buddies Book Club, Food is Medicine, Caregivers Club, Buddy Club America, East Sussex YOPD, Newly Diagnosed, and more. Anyone can start a new group or join any discussion. Share and learn together!
Join Video Meetup
Meet your fellow PD Buddies in person or via video in one of our Meetups. Meetups are group-based, and anyone can set one up and invite members. Newly Diagnosed members are encouraged to join Michel Planquart’s from No Silver Bullet 4 PD video meetup on September 26th to learn about his routine.
PD Buddy Update: Exciting New Features in the Works
PD Buddy is far from complete, and every day we continue improving the app, fixing bugs, and listening to your feedback to guide future enhancements.
- Get Help: Directory of organisations providing services and products for people with Parkinson’s.
- Web Version: PD Buddy will soon be available on your computer as a web version.
- Join Trials: We are transforming an Excel spreadsheet of all Parkinson’s clinical trials worldwide into an interactive map that notifies PD Buddies of nearby trials they can participate in.
- Routine Makeover: We’ll be introducing monthly challenges with prizes. You’ll also be able to unlock personalised daily calendar, allowing you to add your own tasks, connect with experts, and access a library of tools.
PD Buddy App is available for iOS and Android
