Every day and often on every Parkinson’s advocacy site, I hear or read about another possible cure or treatment. They are as wide in scope as one of the oceans. The range in cures can be from new space materials to previously unknown organic substances to new varieties of dopamine. New delivery systems vary from new approaches to DBS to lasers to intravenous to new pills, liquids, and diets. Some propose to stop the progression of Parkinson’s. Some claim that they hope to prevent the onset of Parkinson’s, to delay the onset of Parkinson’s or to revert the symptoms of Parkinson’s.
These discussions and reports can be technical and overwhelming. Often they are present to raise funds for research and sometimes they are promoted to give hope. Volunteers for clinical study can be found through this process of media promotion. There is a positive value to these presentations.
For me, they often become tedious, disheartening, and sometimes down right disgusting. Is it necessary for a patient to read all of the technical jargon that is often difficult for professionals? Sometimes the organic substances of these new discoveries seem distasteful and disgusting, not to say at the least “far-fetched”. I find it hurtful and perhaps harmful to hold out the hand with the golden fruit of promise only to withdraw it a short time later as a hand full of nothing.
How do you view these reports? Do the discussions of all of these possible treatments and cures provide you with hope or do they often let you down? How do you feel about them? Please write your comments about them below this article. Thank you. Dennis