Good News For Parkinson's Disease Testing

Researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine have recently discovered a potential breakthrough for studies related to Parkinson's Disease. Neurons from the skin of a woman with a genetic form of the disease have produced pleasing results. In a dish, key features have been shown by the neurons's seemingly accurate replication. The scientists hope to use the retrieved knowledge to research various treatments. There are no good animal models for the testing of Parkinson's, so this advancement is crucial for further research.

Before my grandma developed Parkinson's with her Alzheimer's, I had no idea what an impact it can have on people. I think this discovery will be worthwhile for future advancements in the study of the disease. Hopefully proper treatments can be accurately tested with the results of the neurons used. I thought it was interesting to read that there aren't really animals that can be used for tests of Parkinson's, considering there are so many animals used for other studies of various diseases. You don't always hear about Parkinson's disease, but it affects so many people. If this proves to be a positive factor for proper testing, this could lead to a change in medical progress for the disease.

http://med.stanford.edu/ism/2011/march/parkinsons.html