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Brain Cell Therapy 'Promising' for Parkinson's Disease

  • April 11, 2017

In exciting news, BBC.com reports that scientists believe they may have found a way not only to treat, but possibly reverse Parkinson’s disease. The therapy, conducted on mice, involves reprogramming brain cells to do the work of damaged dopamine neurons. Scientists said their next challenge is to see if it will work in humans.

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder in which neurons in dopamine-producing cells within a region of your brain known as the substantia nigra, which is required for normal movement, begin to die. Research into the causes of this dreaded disease and possible cures has accelerated lately, revealing huge clues on how it manifests and what can stop it.

Recent research suggests that exercise may be beneficial, improving balance, mobility and overall quality of life in those with Parkinson’s. A ketogenic diet may also be helpful, and fasting has been shown to protect against cellular changes associated with Parkinson’s disease. And, since dozens of pesticides have been linked to Parkinson’s, a critical strategy is to avoid exposure to these common poisons.

Eleven commonly used pesticides in particular have been directly linked to pesticides, and people with a certain common gene variant have a two to six times greater risk of developing Parkinson’s disease when exposed to pesticides.

Another important and often-overlooked environmental risk factor is “silver” amalgam dental fillings, which actually are more than half mercury. Mercury causes your cell membranes to leak, and inhibits key enzymes your body needs for energy production and removal of toxins. Mercury toxicity can lead to major inflammation and chronic illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease.