The work in progress uses a diabetes drug called Ex-4. Ex-4 is a mimic of a hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 is produced in the gut but has receptors in the brain as well. The excitement is that stimulating the brain receptors cured the PD rats (RWP, I guess ). Not "slowed progression" nor "relieved symptoms." For the first time it has been claimed "cured."

Normally, GLP-1 is made in the gut and a little makes it into the blood but is supposedly quickly broken down by enzymes and only a little makes it to the brain. The idea is to use enzyme-resistant versions of GLP-1 (Ex-4 being one) to increase what gets to the brain.

But it seems to me that if there are other ways to increase the amount of GLP-1 in the blood that that is worth considering. And there are things that do increase it and some of them are already thought helpful in PD.

Exercise increases GLP-1 levels, for example. Certain oils do, too. And now it seems that the "Rosebud Low Glycemic Diet" does too.

"It's been discovered that eating a meal with a low GI (glycemic index) increases gut hormone production, which leads in turn to suppression of appetite and the feeling of fullness. This new research was presented at the annual Society for Endocrinology meeting in the U.K."
from http://shamvswham.blogspot.com/2009_03_01_archive.html

We already know that PWP have glycemic issues, that Ldopa makes them worse, and that some researchers suspect Alzheimer's to be a glycemic problem too. And we know that GLP-1 is a potent player in the production of insulin. Coincidence?