Parkinson Disease (PD) is (in)famous for crippling the legendary boxer, Muhammad Ali. While scientists know a lot about its potential causes and symptoms, they are yet to find a cure. Recently, researchers found that Exenatide, a drug for type 2 diabetes, significantly improves the symptoms.
PD is a chronic movement disorder that continues to worsen over time. Available treatments may improve the symptoms when you start them early. Understandably, this new finding has come as a new ray of hope for millions of PD patients across the globe.
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Is there a Link between Parkinson Disease and Diabetes?
According to the studies till date, there is no convincing association between Parkinson Disease. Nonetheless, insulin has a protective role in the brain cells (neurons).
That said, it might work to promote survival and growth of neurons, and enhance communication among them. For this reason, the scientists believe insulin deficiency and resistance may have some links with neurodegenerative brain diseases.
Diabetes Drug Exenatide and its Effects on Parkinson Disease
Exenatide belongs to a class of antidiabetic drugs called incretin mimetics. It reduces blood glucose levels by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas. Individuals with type 1 diabetes should not use it.
In this recent study, Exenatide exerted significant improvements in movement, balance, and gait. The dose was 2 mg once every week given under the skin for a total of 48 weeks. Interestingly, the positive effects on the patients continued for 12 weeks after they stopped taking the medication.
Based on the initial findings, the researchers believe Exenatide may not directly treat the symptoms PD. Rather, it may halt disease progression and thus show the benefits.
What’s in the Future for Exenatide and PD Patients?
Considering the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already approved Exenatide for diabetes, it is safe and tolerable for the intended use. This comes as a major positive sign since both diabetes and PD are long-term disorders.
While it is too early to jump to any conclusion, this diabetes medication has surely shown a promising future in the treatment of currently incurable PD.
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[expand title=”References“]
MedlinePlus. URL Link. Retrieved October 02, 2017.
Nature reviews. Neurology. URL Link. Retrieved October 02, 2017.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. URL Link. Retrieved October 02, 2017.[/expand]
