World War II weapon used in new battle: Combating Parkinson’s disease

December 6, 2018

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A World War II chemical weapon antidote is shown to be effective combating a new enemy: Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s is characterized by the steady and progressive loss of brain cells. Those afflicted show early symptoms of trembling in their hands, arms, legs, jaw and face. It can progress to the point where walking, talking or completing the most basic tasks becomes a daily challenge.

Half a million people in the U.S. are currently living with Parkinson’s disease, and another 50,000 people are diagnosed with this neurodegenerative disorder every year, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Learn more about Dr. Riyi Shi at his Lab of Translational Neuroscience website.

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