Parkinson’s Disease and the Brain

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions in the UK; it is estimated that nearly 1 in 40 adults will be diagnosed with the condition in their lifetime¹. Due to our ageing population, it is the fastest-growing neurological condition worldwide². This World Brain Day, we’re exploring the nature of Parkinson’s and how the brain changes as the condition progresses.

What is Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative condition where the nerve cells responsible for producing dopamine gradually stop working³. It is most well-known for affecting movement, but it also has wide-ranging effects on cognition, mood, and the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions like heartbeat, breathing, digestion, and body temperature. Some of the common symptoms you may experience if you are living with Parkinson’s include:

• Tremors
• Rigidity (stiffness)
• Slowness of movement
• Mild memory and thinking problems
• Disturbed sleep
• Pain
• Mental health problems, like anxiety and depression⁴.

Not everyone will experience the same symptoms; everyone’s experience of Parkinson’s varies, especially as it progresses. How the condition affects you may change day-to-day and even within the same day⁴.

While the progression of Parkinson’s cannot currently be slowed down or stopped, many symptoms you may experience can be treated with medication and therapies. Staying active can also help you to manage symptoms; the more exercise and physical activity you do, the greater the positive impact⁵.

How does Parkinson’s affect the brain?

Parkinson’s occurs when nerve cells (or neurons), in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra, gradually die off. These cells produce dopamine, a chemical messenger that helps coordinate movement by transmitting signals between different parts of the brain and nervous system.

As the deterioration of the neurons progresses, dopamine levels reduce, and Parkinson’s symptoms start to appear¹. Dopamine levels continue to fall slowly over many years as the condition progresses, leading to worsened and new symptoms⁶.

The reason for this neurodegeneration is not fully understood, but research is ongoing to find the cause. It’s believed to be an interaction of genetics and environmental factors:

1. Genetics: A number of genes have been shown to increase the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s, although researchers are unclear exactly how these genes increase susceptibility⁷.
2. Environment: There is also inconclusive evidence that suggests that pesticides or environmental pollution may contribute to the condition⁷.

Do you hold the key to new Parkinson’s treatments?

There is a need for improved treatment options for Parkinson’s disease that work faster and have fewer side effects than current options. Here at MAC Clinical Research, we are looking for clinical trial volunteers with Parkinson’s to help doctors test a medication that may be able to slow the progression of the disease.

By participating, you may be able to contribute to scientific research which may lead to the expansion of treatment options for people with Parkinson’s. If eligible, you will receive up to £2,430 plus reasonable travel expenses or transport to clinic visits. To find out more and register your interest, visit our Parkinson’s disease study page.

References

1 UK Dementia Research Institute – Parkinson’s disease

2 Dorsey et al. (2018) – The Emerging Evidence of the Parkinson Pandemic

3 Parkinson’s UK – What is Parkinson’s?

4 Parkinson’s UK – Parkinson’s symptoms

5 Parkinson’s UK – How does Parkinson’s progress?

6 Parkinson’s UK – What causes Parkinson’s?

7 NHS – Parkinson’s disease – Causes