New Drug Could Change The Game For Parkinson’s

Hope is on the horizon.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive and debilitating condition for which there are few treatments and no definitive cure. However, recent research from the University of Arizona in Tucson offers a potential breakthrough. While still in the early stages of testing, this research points to a protein called PNA5 as a promising candidate for protecting brain cells in mice with Parkinson’s-like symptoms. The study, published in Experimental Neurology, suggests that PNA5 could help prevent further degeneration of brain cells, specifically targeting cognitive symptoms.

The lead researcher, Kelsey Bernard, a postdoctoral researcher in neurology, explained that the goal of using PNA5 is not only to address cognitive symptoms but also to halt the progression of the disease. “By focusing on protection, we hope to stop cognitive decline before it gets worse,” she said in a university news release.

Parkinson’s disease affects over half a million Americans, with the actual number potentially higher due to the underdiagnosis of early symptoms. Early intervention is crucial, particularly when it comes to addressing cognitive decline, which is often difficult to treat. Dr. Lalitha Madhavan, the senior author of the study, highlighted that up to 30% of Parkinson’s patients experience mild cognitive impairment upon diagnosis, and as the disease progresses, many others face similar cognitive challenges. Currently, there are no effective treatments for cognitive decline or dementia in Parkinson’s patients.

The protein PNA5 was initially developed for research by Professor Meredith Hay at the University of Arizona. Bernard’s team found that in mice with Parkinson’s, PNA5 helped reduce inflammation in the brain by regulating the activity of microglia—brain cells responsible for responding to damage or infection. In Parkinson’s, hyperactive microglia contribute to further brain damage, particularly in areas linked to cognition. Treatment with PNA5 seemed to decrease harmful inflammatory chemicals, thereby protecting brain cells.

While the research is still in its infancy, and results in animals don’t always translate to humans, the team is hopeful about PNA5’s potential. Dr. Madhavan sees promise in the protein not only for Parkinson’s but also for other brain conditions, including Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. She believes that while PNA5 may not be a complete solution, it could complement other treatments to improve brain health. “Parkinson’s is a complex disease, and the solution will likely involve a combination of treatments,” she concluded.