New Parkinson's Treatment Hopeful for Motor Control

A new treatment in which stem cells are delivered intranasally (through the nose structure) have been discovered to greatly improve motor function in Parkinson's disease. The study had been co-written by Dr. William H. Frey II, PhD., Director of the Alzheimer's Research Center. Dr. Frey worked with Dr. Lusine Danielyen, from the University Hospital of Tubingen, Germany. Previously they had collaborated on a published paper and filed for a patent on intranasal stem cell delivery approach and proceeded to study the therapeutic effect and long term survival of the stem cells upon reaching the brain. This new study is in publication today in Rejuvenation Research.

The research had shown that many of the stem cells delivered intranasally had lived for a minimum of six months in the brain, using a rat model. The stem cells had quickly traveled by choice to the damaged areas of the brain and motor control had demonstrated remarked improvement. This reasonably occurred due to the exhibited anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective actions of the intranasally distributed stem sells which came from bone marrow.

Intranasally distributed stem cells to the brain is a hopeful and noninvasive alternative to surgical procedures currently used. This allows for the potential of chronic stem cell treatment, in which would add to the number of cells sent to the brain and in all likelihood improve therapeutic benefit.

Parkinson's disease main identifiable symptom is visible tremors. Since Parkinson's is a motor system disorder it also can cause muscles becoming rigid, shuffling walk, along with impaired balance and coordination.

There are some alternative therapies in which can aide in the symptoms of Parkinson's disease:

Chiropractic

Numerous chiropractic research has demonstrated that chiropractic treatments using upper cervical care can show improvement in symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

In one study of 37 patients with Parkinson's disease being treated for a period of five years with chiropractic care had shown 92% of improvement in patients.

According to Dr. Elster, D.C., from Boulder, Colorado, that vertebral subluxations that happen when the vertebrae becomes misaligned or becomes stuck and causes interference with the central nervous system (spinal cord and brain). By aligning the first two upper vertebrae with the skull, the nerve pathways which travel between the brain and spinal cord become less obstructed.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may be able to improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. One small study had shown improvement of symptoms from the disease by using acupuncture, especially when using scalp and electrical stimulation acupuncture.

Massage Therapy

Cranio-sacral therapy a form of massage that concentrates on the brain and spinal column may decrease tremors and improve functioning.

Tai Chi and Yoga

Both Tai Chi and yoga can aide in improving balance and flexibility and enhance functioning. It also aides in improving well being. Sources:

Medical News Today

New York Daily News

Medical News

University of Maryland Medical Center