Prostate drug slows Parkinson’s disease

A drug used to treat enlarged prostate may also hold the key to fighting Parkinson’s disease.

A drug normally used to treat ­enlarged prostate may also be able to slow the progress of Parkinson’s disease, scientists say.

A study found the drug Terazosin can stop cells dying and prevent the degeneration of the nervous system associated with a person affected by the disease.

The research has been published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. The study — a collaboration involving researchers in China and at the University of Iowa — showed male Parkinson’s sufferers taking Terazosin for enlarged prostate had reduced rates of progressive motor disability compared to men taking a different drug, Tamsulosin.

Senior study author Michael Welsh said the discovery had the potential to change lives.

Professor David Dexter from Parkinson’s UK said: “Studies looking at people who take the drug show promising signs.”

PA