Parkinson's progression with times? by Dr.N.K.Chew

Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 3:14 am Post subject: Parkinson's progression survival with times

For an incurable illness such as PD, it is certainly hoped that there should be at least a way to slow down the progression of illness, i.e. the rate of brain cell loss. Unfortunately, so far, no medication has been unequivocably proven to be able to slow down the progression of PD. The good news is that dopamine agonists (Pramipexole, Ropinirole) have been shown to have potential neuroprotective effect - the ability to slow down the rate of brain cell loss. Experimental studies have shown that dopamine agonists can protect nerve cells from the damage caused by poison. The ability of dopamine agonists to protect the brain cells (if it is true) can help Parkinson's patients to have additional several years of relatively good quality of life, and without motor complications (the involuntary movement). Despite this, I still think that there is a potential neuroprotective property of dopamine agonists. I still prefer to use dopamine agonists as the first-line medications for my PD patients. I am happy that Pramipexole and Ropinirole have recently arrived in Malaysia, and I am already prescribing them to my patients. Dr Chew Nee Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Dr. RodriguezJoined: 22 Jan 2007Posts: 92Location: Gainesville, Fl
Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 12:19 pm Post subject:

Thanks for your comments, especially for those patients from Malaysia. Just as a comment, especially for our US members, the role of dopamine agonists as neuroprotective agents is currently under investigation and there is no current indication at this time for this medications as a neuroprotective agent. However the comment from Dr. Kong is very much appreciated and we are crossing our fingers that the results of the studies will be positive._________________Ramon L Rodriguez, MD
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