For over 60 years, the medical community has relied on one key neurotransmitter—dopamine—to treat the movement issues caused by Parkinson’s disease.
But what if there is more to the story?
A groundbreaking new discovery suggests there might be another player in the game, and it could change the way we approach Parkinson’s treatment.
A team of researchers from the University of California, Irvine, recently found that a brain molecule called ophthalmic acid might hold the key to reversing the motor deficits caused by Parkinson’s disease.
This discovery, published in the journal Brain, challenges the long-standing belief that dopamine is the only neurotransmitter responsible for motor control.
In their study, the researchers showed that ophthalmic acid can activate calcium-sensing receptors in the brain, allowing it to regulate motor function much like dopamine does.
Even more impressively, the effects of ophthalmic acid lasted far longer than those of L-dopa, the standard Parkinson’s drug, which typically works for just two to three hours. In Parkinson’s mouse models, ophthalmic acid improved movement for over 20 hours.
For decades, L-dopa has been the go-to treatment for Parkinson’s disease. It works by replacing the lost dopamine in the brain, giving patients relief from tremors, shaking, and other movement-related symptoms.
But while L-dopa can be effective in the short term, its long-term use comes with some serious drawbacks.
As Parkinson’s progresses and patients continue using L-dopa, many begin to experience dyskinesia—involuntary, jerky movements that can affect the face, arms, legs, and torso.
Over time, L-dopa’s effectiveness fades, leaving patients searching for better alternatives.
That’s where ophthalmic acid comes in.
What makes ophthalmic acid such a promising discovery? Unlike dopamine, ophthalmic acid doesn’t seem to lose its effect as quickly, and it opens up entirely new possibilities for treating movement disorders.
One of the biggest challenges in treating Parkinson’s is getting neurotransmitters past the blood-brain barrier—a natural defense system that keeps harmful substances out of the brain but also blocks many medications from getting in. L-dopa works because it can be converted into dopamine after crossing this barrier.
Now, researchers are investigating whether they can develop therapies that release or enhance the brain’s production of ophthalmic acid to help Parkinson’s patients regain motor control.
While this research is still in its early stages, the discovery of the ophthalmic acid pathway could represent a major shift in how we understand and treat movement disorders like Parkinson’s.
It’s important to note that while this discovery is exciting, it’s not a magic bullet—yet. Much more research is needed before ophthalmic acid can become a standard treatment for Parkinson’s.
And as always, we should be cautious about jumping on the Big Pharma bandwagon. Pharmaceutical companies are always eager to monetize new discoveries, and we need to ensure that any new treatments are safe and effective before we rely on them.
While researchers continue exploring new avenues for treating Parkinson’s, there are steps you can take to support brain health and potentially slow the progression of movement disorders.
Here are a few natural strategies to help protect your brain:
- Diet – A nutrient-rich diet is essential for supporting brain function. The Mediterranean diet, which is high in healthy fats, lean proteins, and antioxidants, has been shown to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.
- Exercise – Regular physical activity is known to improve motor function and overall brain health. Even low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can help maintain muscle control and reduce the risk of falls in Parkinson’s patients.
- CoQ10: This antioxidant helps protect cells from oxidative stress, which is a key factor in the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Adding CoQ10 to your routine can help support brain health.
While the discovery of ophthalmic acid is certainly intriguing, we still have a long way to go before it becomes part of the Parkinson’s treatment toolkit. In the meantime, focusing on a healthy lifestyle and supporting brain health naturally is your best bet for maintaining motor function and overall well-being.
To new hope and better brain health,
Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team
Sources:
Irvine, C. (2024, October 4). Brain molecule reverses movement deficits of Parkinson’s, offering new therapeutic target. Medicalxpress.com; Medical Xpress. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-10-brain-molecule-reverses-movement-deficits.html
