Parkinson’s Disease Society (PDS) responds to the Northwestern University report of isradipine as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Director of Research and Development for Parkinson’s Disease Society (PDS), Dr. Kieran Breen, says Parkinson’s is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells. If this process can be reversed the symptoms of Parkinson’s would also be reduced.

It is encouraging to find that Nowrthwestern’s study reveals that calcium plays a role in the death of the nerve cells responsible for Parkinson’s. Isradipine blocks calcium’s effects on these cells, but it is too early to say if this is going to be an appropriate treatment for Parkinson’s disease. Further research is needed before it can be determined if isradipine is going to be an effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease.