Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Title Photo via Shutterstock
The Lancet

Study indicates diabetes drug could help slow progression of Parkinson's

Parkinson’s is the second largest neurological condition in Ireland.

A DRUG THAT’S used to treat people with diabetes could help those with Parkinson’s disease, a study in The Lancet has indicated.

Parkinson’s is a progressive disease of the nervous system that causes tremors, stiff muscles, and slow movements, which mostly affects middle-aged and elderly people.

Although there are ways of treating the symptoms, a way of slowing or stopping the disease from progressing hasn’t been found yet.

But this study, funded by the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, has indicated that a drug called Exenatide which is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes appears to improve symptoms even after people stop taking the drug.

Parkinson’s disease affects around 12,000 people in Ireland, with that number expected to double in the next 20 years.

Parkinson’s is the second largest neurological condition in Ireland after Alzheimer’s.

Read: The number of blind people in the world is set to triple by 2050

Your Voice
Readers Comments
9
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.