Not cure it, sadly, but at least it can prevent it from getting worse

Oct 12, 2013 09:11 GMT  ·  By

Brain implants used to be a big no-no, and many people are still leery of them, but for those that have no other recourse, they may be outright blessings if they work. And the one invented by a team of Bristol scientists does work as it should.

Parkinson's disease, also known as idiopathic or primary parkinsonism, hypokinetic rigid syndrome/HRS, or paralysis agitans, is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system.

Long story short, it causes shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, difficulty with walking and, sadly, dementia in worst cases.

There is no real cure, only some limited means of alleviating early symptoms, but scientists from Bristol claim to have at least found a way to stop the disease in its tracks.

You'll still have it, but if you use the new implant, you won't suffer from any worsening of your condition.

The new brain implant consists of a system of tubes and catheters that pump protein therapy deep into the brain.

The protein is known as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and has to be injected once a month through a port located behind the ear. An external pump is used to push the fluid in through the tubes and catheters.

Six volunteer patients have accepted to be used for the testing of the implant. So far, there is hope that the technique will encourage cell regrowth.

It might not be a total stopper, at least not yet, but a delay in the worsening of the symptoms is better than nothing, and these are just the early, experimental stages.

"I have a hope it will make a difference, if not by halting the progress of my condition then at least (allowing me to) lead a much more active life for a little bit longer," said Tom Phipps, from Bristol, who was diagnosed with the condition eight years ago at the age of 50. "If it doesn't affect me, it may affect, and positively affect, someone else at a later stage."

The Bristol scientists believe the GNDF protein can be used to treat Alzheimer's as well.

"We believe GDNF could have the potential to unlock a new approach for treating Parkinson's that may be able to slow down and ultimately stop the progression of the condition all together," said Dr Kieran Breen, director of research and innovation at Parkinson's UK.