Isradipine: Hypertension, Stroke Drug That May Stop Parkinson's Disease

Filed in archive Studies , Treatment on June 11, 2007

The widely used drug for the treatment of hypertension and stroke - isradipine - has been found to slow and might even stop the progression of Parkinson's disease.

The death of dopamine cells in the brain is the main cause of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Northwestern University researchers found that isradipine rejuvenates the aging dopamine cells.

[Dopamine is a critical chemical messenger in the brain that affects a person's ability to direct his movements.]

According to Professor D. James Surmeier, who led the said study:

"Our hope is that this drug will protect dopamine neurons, so that if you began taking it early enough, you won't get Parkinson's disease, even if you were at risk.It would be like taking a baby aspirin everyday to protect your heart."

In addition, the drug may also benefit those who already have Parkinson's disease.

The said study and its findings have been described in the online edition of the journal Nature.

Read the full report.

[Photo Credit: PDRHealth]