Context:
Recently, Scientists have shown that nano-formulated Melatonin, a hormone produced by the brain in response to darkness, enhances antioxidative and neuroprotective properties, making it a potential therapeutic solution for Parkinson’s disease (PD).
About Melatonin:
- Melatonin is a natural hormone mainly produced by the pineal gland in the brain in response to darkness.
- Melatonin helps regulate your circadian rhythms (internal 24-hour clock) and sleep. Exposure to light at night can block melatonin production.
- Melatonin secretion is highest at night and minimal during the day.
- It is also known as the “sleep hormone.”
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that causes nerve cell damage in the brain, leading to movement issues, tremors, stiffness, and balance problems. As symptoms worsen, individuals may struggle with walking, talking, and performing everyday tasks.
- Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
- Tremor (shaking)
- Rigidity (muscle stiffness)
- Bradykinesia (a slowing down of spontaneous and some automatic movement).
- Postural instability (such as balance problems)
- Risk factors for Parkinson’s disease (PD) include:
- Age: Onset typically occurs in the early to mid-60s, with increased incidence in older age. A small percentage have early-onset PD before 50.
- Biological sex: PD is more common in men than women.
- Heredity: A family history of PD increases the risk.
- Environmental exposure: Living in rural areas with pesticide use or exposure to toxins like MPTP or manganese can increase risk.
- The exact cause of PD is unknown, some cases are hereditary and can be traced to specific genetic mutations.
- Diagnosis: There are currently no specific tests that diagnose PD.
- Treatment: Currently, there is no cure for PD, but medications or surgery can improve.