Parkinson's disease, the second most common form of neurodegenerative disease can also affect patient's vision, finds study.
Its most common symptom is tremor and slowness of movement (bradykinesia), but some people with Parkinson's also experience changes in vision.
Parkinsons Disease
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease caused by progressive dopamine brain cells loss. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease are correctable to an extent.
Advertisement
Now for the first time, researchers in the University of York's Department of Biology have established a link between a mutation which triggers Parkinson's and problems with vision in an animal model.
Scientists at York studied the impact of the most common Parkinson's-related mutation on nerve cells in the visual system of the fruit fly, Drosophila.
![Quiz on Eye (Advance)]( "Quiz on Eye (Advance)")
Using electroretinagram (ERG) technology they found a gradual loss of function in eye nerve cells with the mutant gene. The fly visual system is a useful laboratory model as it contains similar amounts of dopamine to the human eye.
However, the research team, which was supported by the University's Centre for Chronic Disease and Disorders (C2D2), found that other Parkinson's-related mutations did not affect eye nerve cell function and there was no loss of vision.
Dr Chris Elliott, who led the research, said: "This is a significant step forward as it will help to identify those people with Parkinson's who may be at greater risk of changes in their vision. It will assist clinicians to manage the condition more effectively."
"We have to get away from the idea that Parkinson's is only about movement problems. This work indicates that changes in vision may also affect people with the most common form of inherited Parkinson's," he added.
The research is published in the journal Human Molecular Genetics.
Source: ANI
Advertisement
Using electroretinagram (ERG) technology they found a gradual loss of function in eye nerve cells with the mutant gene. The fly visual system is a useful laboratory model as it contains similar amounts of dopamine to the human eye.
However, the research team, which was supported by the University's Centre for Chronic Disease and Disorders (C2D2), found that other Parkinson's-related mutations did not affect eye nerve cell function and there was no loss of vision.
Dr Chris Elliott, who led the research, said: "This is a significant step forward as it will help to identify those people with Parkinson's who may be at greater risk of changes in their vision. It will assist clinicians to manage the condition more effectively."
"We have to get away from the idea that Parkinson's is only about movement problems. This work indicates that changes in vision may also affect people with the most common form of inherited Parkinson's," he added.
The research is published in the journal Human Molecular Genetics.
Source: ANI
Anatomy of the Eye - Animation
Interactive section of Medindia gives details regarding anatomy of the Eye
Advertisement
 Drug Firm to Pay Huge Damages to Parkinsons Disease SuffererA French Parkinson's sufferer who turned into a gambler and thief, with compulsive homosexual urges thanks to the drugs he took, is all set to receive a huge compensation. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Research News
New study sheds light on the intrinsic, yet often overlooked, role of sleep preparation as a hardwired survival strategy.
Microgravity-induced bone loss in space, can be reduced by systemic delivery of NELL-1, a protein required for bone growth and its maintenance.
Researchers establish connections between Alzheimer's-linked genetic alterations and the functioning of brain cells.
Team at NeuroRestore introduces a groundbreaking gene therapy that has effectively promoted nerve regrowth and reconnection, post spinal cord injury.
Scientists aim to pinpoint particular functional pathways affected by these bacteria that may have an impact on skeletal health.
