A specific gene abnormality that has caused some cases of Parkinson's Disease has been identified. This medical breakthrough was made by scientists at the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health. Although there is no cure currently available for Parkinson's Disease several methods have been developed to treat the symptoms, or slow the progression of the disease. The most common approach taken is the use of drugs. One of the most powerful of these drugs is Levodopa, also called L-dopa.
Nerve cells use L-dopa to regenerate the brain's diminishing supply of dopamine.
Information is available on the structure, development, and potential side effects of L-dopa. The Medical Sciences Bulletin contains information on 20 different drugs that are available as forms of treatment. The user is provided with informative links for each individual drug. The National Parkinson's Foundation announced the development of a drug that could possibly cure Parkinson's Disease. GPI-1046 has been found to stimulate nerve growth and regenerate damaged neurons in laboratory animals.