Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects more than one million people in the United States, with approximately 90,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Although available treatments can help manage symptoms, there is currently no cure or therapy proven to slow the progression of the disease.
Parkinson’s disease is associated with reduced dopamine release in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter essential for movement, memory, mood and other functions. Research has shown that the tremors, stiffness, slow movement and other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are caused by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing brain cells, disrupting the brain’s ability to regulate movement.
Keck Medicine of USC is conducting an early phase clinical…