Parkinson’s disease 'cure' is shot up the nose

22 Apr 2013 00:01

A gene that restores and protects dopamine can halt Parkinsons if administered direct to the brain

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A possible cure to Parkinsons disease has been developed to be taken through sufferers noses.

The devastating disorder is caused by the death of dopamine neurons in a key area of the brain.

But a gene that restores and protects dopamine can halt Parkinsons if administered direct to the brain.

It was thought this was only possible by surgical injection. But now a team at Dr Barbara Waszczaks lab at Northeastern University in Boston has come up with a nasal treatment.

Rats given the therapy carried on producing a protein nourishing dopamine for long periods, avoiding the need for redosing.

Dr Waszczaks said it may provide an effective and non-invasive therapy.

Parkinsons, which leads to tremors, affects more than one per cent of over-60s.

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Parkinson’s disease 'cure' is shot up the nose