Patch developed at UCF revolutionizes Parkinson’s treatment

Parkinson’s is the most common movement disorder. Uncontrollable tremors and rigidity are the tell-tale signs of Parkinson’s.

Nearly ten million people are living with the disease, and although there are drugs to treat the disease, many people become resistant over time.

Treating Parkinson’s is like treating a stubborn lock that refuses to open with the same key over time. However, a new patch being tested could help.

Researchers at the University of Central Florida College of Medicine have developed a new technology that may help control tremors.

The technology helps to stop the loss of those neurons through specially designed ceramics wrapped in a rubber blanket.

Infrared light travels through the ceramic and activates the neurons. Mice treated with the infra-red ceramics had an increase in the number of brain cells in the area associated with Parkinson’s disease, and in turn, the mice had better control of their balance and movement.

“We are not gonna say that this is going to regenerate the neurons, but that this one is preventing the loss of the neurons even further,” said Dr. Kiminobu Sugaya from the University of Central Florida College of Medicine.

The therapy would be delivered through a patch that sits on your head–no surgery needed.

One of the benefits of using the ceramic blanket is that it can be used anywhere without the need for a power supply or have the side effects of drugs.