ON THE BUTTON!
Feelgood fitness videos whatever your symptoms
ATEAM of top scientists is aiming to develop better treatments for Parkinson’s with a pioneering study that uses a “Benjamin Button” reverse ageing technique.
They are turning skin cells donated by people with the condition back into stem cells using a combination of “reprogramming factors”.
This will allow a team at Cardiff University to investigate how cells in the brain deteriorate in those with the condition – information that could lead to earlier and better targeted treatments.
Stem cells have the potential to become almost any other cell in the body, making them a good tool for studying conditions like Parkinson’s, as they can make the brain more accessible.
This method of producing stem cells has been likened to something out of the 2008 fantasy movie, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, in which Brad Pitt plays a character who ages in reverse.
Explaining how they are created, Dr Beccano-Kelly, who is leading the study, said: “In essence they regress to their original form before starting to develop again. You’re taking the skin cells and you’re pushing them all the way back to that stem cell state in a way that’s Benjamin Button-esque. You’ve pushed them all the way to their origin.
“You’ve reset the computer effectively. It’s a fantastic piece of technology and it’s really useful because it’s giving us human cells to
The Parkinson’s UK charity has joined forces with digital workout creator, 1FitLife, to produce the online videos, featuring specialist physiotherapists, as well as people living with Parkinson’s.
With high intensity, moderate and low impact workouts, they are suitable for people with mild symptoms and those for whom the disease has progressed, as well as those with complex severe symptoms.
All the videos are designed to be upbeat and positive, and each includes modifications and seated exercise options.
Tim Morton, of Parkinson’s UK said: “Evidence shows being active for two and a
work with a human disease. It can’t be used to turn back time in the people with Parkinson’s. But what it does allow is for us to reset the cells and assess them as they age!”
The three-year study is being funded by a £325,000 grant from Parkinson’s UK.
Dr Beccano-Kelly, added: “The communication between cells and how the cells get rid of old proteins within the cells are both things that are known to be affected in Parkinson’s. But we don’t know how they interact with one another. half hours a week or more can help manage Parkinson’s symptoms.
“And the community are increasingly telling us that physical activity, especially vigorous workouts, are helping them temporarily alleviate symptoms.
“We are excited to see what future research reveals, but it is clear that physical activity has a positive impact.”
“We think that those two functions actually directly relate to one another so we’ll be looking at that using some really cool wonderful techniques that will allow us to see if there is a direct link between those two things.
“I’m optimistic that a cure for Parkinson’s will be found eventually. I think that the work that we’re doing brings us ever closer to understanding the different aspects of the condition.”