Researchers claim 'crucial Parkinson's breakthrough'

Scientists say they have made a crucial breakthrough in their work to slow or prevent the onset of Parkinson's disease.

Researchers from the University of Nottingham state they have genetically produced the first ever mouse model with the type of brain degeneration seen in the condition.

They suggest that it could lead to better targeted drugs to treat both Parkinson's and Lewy body disease.

Professor John Mayer, one of the researchers, comments: "Current drugs given to people with Lewy body and Parkinson's disease simply treat the symptoms."

He continues: "This model is the first platform to understand how the brain cell deterioration takes place."

Earlier this week, another leading scientist said that the slowing or stopping of the progression of Parkinson's disease is a key research priority.

Professor Anthony Schapira, chairman of the University Department of Clinical Neurosciences at University College London, pointed out that in that context there has been an ongoing debate regarding the stage at which treatment should be started.

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