Researchers at the University of Arizona have identified a potential breakthrough in treating the cognitive symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Although existing medications primarily focus on controlling motor symptoms such as tremors and rigidity, there are currently no effective treatments for cognitive decline that affects up to 70% of patients with Parkinson in more advanced stages of the disease.
The team from the North American university is investigating a compound called PNA5, developed by physiology professor Meredith Hay. Results this month in the journal Experimental Neurology suggest that PNA5 may have a protective effect on brain cells in animals.
Cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease is thought to be associated with chronic inflammation in the brain. Microglia, the immune cells responsible for defending the brain against injury or infection, can become overactive in Parkinson’s patients.
This overactivation leads to an excessive release of inflammatory chemicals, which damage surrounding brain tissue, particularly in areas critical for memory and learning.
Kelsey Bernard, lead author of the study, explained that PNA5 appears to suppress this overactive immune responsereducing harmful inflammatory chemicals and limiting brain cell loss.
By reducing microglial activity, PNA5 brings these immune responses closer to their normal state, potentially protecting the brain from further damage, writes .
The design of the compound makes it especially promising. Developed through small modifications to a chemical produced naturally by the body, PNA5 can effectively enter the brain and remain active for longer periods.
This approach could make it a valuable tool not only for Parkinson’s disease, but also for other forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, which Hay is also investigating.
Despite being promising, PNA5 is not a standalone solutionand should be complemented with other treatments designed to control motor symptoms.
“There will be other medications that support other aspects of Parkinson’s disease. The beauty of the brain is its interconnection, but this also increases complexity”, explains study co-author Lalitha Madhavan, in .
