GENETICS WILL GIVE ‘IMPORTANT CLUES’ – NEUROLOGIST TELLS PARKINSON’S PEOPLE Report & photo by Peter Love Genetic studies into Parkinson’s disease is an area of research which is developing faster than any other, a senior neurologist has revealed at a meeting in Shrewsbury. Dr. Simon Nightingale, who practices at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, said the understanding of genetics was escalating fast. Speaking at a meeting of 80 people in the Shrewsbury branch of Parkinson’s UK, Dr. Nightingale said it was the ‘most exciting’ area of medical research that was producing results. He spoke of the understanding of genetics and the advances in technologies and techniques.  “Genetic studies of Parkinson’s will give us important clues as to what is going on in the brain.  Genetics will give us some answers. “A lot of people are doing work on genetics, particularly in Birmingham.  A lot of work is going on.” He also spoke of stem cell research and the ‘harvesting’ of cells from embryos.  “We can create a Parkinson’s disease in animals and give them stem cell treatment.  They start producing dopamine which the brains needs. “But this doesn’t always translate to humans.  Some cell treatment might work better early on when the disease is diagnosed.  It is an interesting area and one where we have to watch the research coming out of animal and human work. “Whilst we recognise it is a difficult ethical issue – getting stem cells in less controversial ways – it is nevertheless exciting that something may develop from that. “Identifying cases before they develop is going to be very important.  It is the Holy Grail of what we are trying to do.  We know an incredible amount about Parkinson’s. But the problem is we almost know too much and don’t know what’s important. “There are a great deal of studies and various treatments.  But the most important thing for a person with Parkinson’s is usually their carer.  It is very difficult to manage with something as disabling on your own.