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vomex45 t1_j9sn9el wrote

Reply to comment by Roughneck16 in Researchers have found that a Parkinson’s-linked mutation in a gene called Endophilin A1 blocks the process by which the body and the brain recycle cell waste. Without the process, autophagy, toxic debris builds up and neurons die. This discovery could change the focus of Parkinson's treatments. by QldBrainInst

There is a number of dugs that can be used in conjunction with each other, namely Levodopa along with others like Carbidopa. Some are prescribed to increase the effectiveness of L-dopa and some are for fighting momentary flare-ups of symptoms, often called "off" times.

There is also a deep brain stimulation operation that can be an option but typically only around 10-15% patients become good candidates for it and less get the operation.

Both these avenues are only strategies to treat symptoms and do not alter the course of the disease. Patients that live long enough will eventually become dependant on the drugs to have any level of functionality at all.

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nearfar47 t1_j9ssxpf wrote

Actually DBS is close to being a standard of care, esp in younger people.

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