Parkinson's Disease Society (PDS) Responses To Research Linking Vitamin D Insufficiency To Parkinson's Disease

Main Category: Parkinson's Disease
Also Included In: Neurology / Neuroscience
Article Date: 14 Oct 2008 - 9:00 PDT

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Dr Kieran Breen, Director of Research, Parkinson's Disease Society said:

"Studies like this provide clues as to what happens to the brain of people living with Parkinson's and the potential link between the condition and a Vitamin D deficiency.

Further research is required to determine at what stage the deficiency in vitamin levels occur in the brains of people with Parkinson's and whether the provision of a dietary supplement, or increased exposure to sunlight may help alleviate symptoms or have an affect on the rate of the condition's progression.

This would help us answer the question as to whether the decrease in vitamin D levels in Parkinson's is a cause or effect of the condition."

NB:
The PDS Tissue Bank based at Imperial College, London, is just one of 96 projects funded by the Parkinson's Disease Society. Donated tissue is currently supporting over 70 research projects in the UK and across the world, helping scientists and researchers looking into all aspects of Parkinson's and related disorders, and investigating what happens in the brain as Parkinson's develops. Tissue donors are always needed. Email pdbank@imperial.ac.uk. Tel 0207 594 9732. Emergency contact: 07659 104537

Parkinson's Disease Society
215 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London SW1V1EJ
United Kingdom
http://www.parkinsons.org.uk