A few weeks ago you may have noticed news stories surfacing about a new genetic discovery that may lead to a cure for Parkinson's disease. We hope the discovery works out and provides a speedy and effective cure. With that hope firmly in place, it is also important to put the announcement in perspective.
The headline read Researcher: Cause and Treatment for Parkinson's "In Our Sights." However, as you read down the page, you learn that a group of scientists has been able to make a discovery in mice. The discovery is extremely encouraging, but it still has a long road before it becomes a useful treatment for humans—perhaps 20 years.
We want scientists to continue their research in mice. We want news outlets to report the research. However, we think the sensationalism in the article is unhealthy.
If a person with Parkinson's mistakingly believes there is a cure just a few months or years away, they may neglect medication, diet, exercise, and other therapies. People with Parkinson's need to pursue these activities so they are in good condition to recieve new therapies. If they take care of themselves now, we suspect that up-and-coming therapies are more likely to work for them.