Articles tagged with Movement Disorders
A new study by Meike van der Heijden challenges the long-held assumption that activity in easily measured cerebellar cells like Purkinje cells can reliably predict signals in deeper brain regions linked to dystonia, ataxia, and tremor. The research found no significant correlation between Purkinje cell and deep nuclei cell activity.
Weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with better ability to cope with daily household tasks such as cleaning and grocery shopping. The study also found that maintaining weight loss for long periods results in improved functionality and independence. Patients who regained lost weight experienced poorer outcomes over time.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology finds ecopipam to be effective in suppressing tics in patients with Tourette syndrome. The medication was well-tolerated and showed no significant adverse effects over a period of up to 24 weeks.
Researchers found that using transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) while moving activates specific brain areas involved in motor systems. This suggests that taVNS may be a useful treatment intervention for mobility issues, potentially leading to improved motor performance.
A major new study has found that severe asthma patients are often battling other health conditions, with nearly all suffering from at least one major issue. The study identified three distinct profiles linked to how well asthma is controlled and the treatments needed, offering potential breakthroughs for improving care.
A cohort study found that participants with unfavorable long-term memory trajectories were less active and more sedentary, suggesting a link between cognitive change and later-life movement patterns. The study's results have implications for understanding the relationship between aging, cognition, and physical activity.
A Harvard-led study developed BRIDGE, a simulation technology that reinterprets traditional non-disabled basketball footage into realistic wheelchair basketball video representations. The system significantly improved how natural player postures appeared and made tactical intentions easier to understand.
Researchers at Saarland University are developing smart implants that can continuously monitor and visualize the healing process of fractures. These customized implants can dynamically adapt to the healing process by becoming stiffer or more compliant as required, promoting bone regeneration through micromechanical stimulation.
A new trial found that infants and toddlers with unilateral cerebral palsy show significant improvements in hand and arm function when receiving early, high-dose therapy. The study suggests that multiple approaches can help children build critical motor skills, providing families and clinicians with evidence-based options.
A new study by engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder found that dopamine influences movement speed, particularly when rewards are expected. The researchers discovered that people tend to move faster towards targets that offer rewards and experience a surge in energy when they receive unexpected treats.
A team at Chalmers University of Technology has discovered biomarkers for Parkinson's disease in the blood, which could lead to early diagnosis via blood tests within five years. The study found distinct gene activities linked to DNA damage repair and stress response in patients in the early phase of the disease.
A team of researchers found that intentionally raising and lowering blood CO2 levels through rhythmic exposure or controlled breathing may boost the glymphatic system's effectiveness. This approach could preserve brain function, improve cognition, and reduce cognitive decline in Parkinson's patients.
A team of researchers has identified the HIF1 protein as a central molecular driver of tendon diseases such as Achilles tendonitis and jumper's knee. Elevated levels of this protein lead to pathogenic remodelling of tendons, making them more brittle and impairing their mechanical function.
A new AI method, DISK, helps recover missing data in animal behavior recordings, enabling more accurate analysis of neuroscience experiments. This technology, developed by a team of researchers, can analyze movements at sub-second scales and provide real-time estimations of data quality.
Researchers aim to strengthen and retrain swallowing function in people with early Parkinson's disease using a novel treatment program. The three-year study will test the effectiveness of SwallowFIT on swallowing difficulties, aspiration rates and nutritional status.
Researchers have uncovered how the motor cortex and striatum work together like an hourglass to flexibly control movement timing. By tracking neural activity patterns and manipulating specific brain regions using optogenetics, they identified the critical role of each region in the brain's internal timer.
Researchers are presenting groundbreaking findings at the Association for Molecular Pathology's annual meeting, including a novel technique to study ancient DNA and rapid detection of serious fungal pathogens. The Association for Molecular Pathology is providing press materials and resources for media coverage.
Scientists have developed a targeted genetic test to improve diagnosis for X-linked dystonia-parkinsonism, a rare and disabling movement disorder that affects primarily men of Filipino ancestry. The test correctly identified cases that routine sequencing methods have missed, leading to proper diagnoses and end diagnostic odysseys.
Researchers at UGA engineered a live bacterium to deliver Levodopa steadily from the gut to the brain, alleviating motor deficits in models of Parkinson's disease. This breakthrough could lead to fewer pills, steadier symptom control, and better quality of life for patients.
Researchers at FAU Engineering have developed foot-mounted wearable sensors and a 3D depth camera that accurately measure how people walk, even in busy clinical environments. The study findings reveal that these technologies match the accuracy of traditional tools but are more scalable, remote, and cost-effective.
A new study has identified a leptin-sensitive brain circuit in the lateral hypothalamus that helps animals overcome anxiety to perform essential behaviors such as eating, exploring, and limiting maladaptive hyperactivity. Boosting the activity of these neurons can restore adaptive choices even under conditions that cause anxiety.
A study of 5.4 million older Americans found that internal migrants have significantly better health outcomes than those who remain in their birth state. Those from abroad also showed a stronger health advantage when education levels were taken into account.
A Barrow Neurological Institute study found a positive association between ambient trichloroethylene (TCE) and Parkinson's disease risk. The researchers identified a potential link between TCE exposure and an increased risk of Parkinson's disease, particularly in individuals living near facilities emitting the chemical.
Researchers Kevin Campbell, Louis Kunkel, and Eric Olson are honored for their discoveries revealing the biological causes of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, providing a foundation for new treatments. Their work has advanced scientific understanding and brings hope to families affected by this devastating disease.
Scientists have discovered a distinct neurochemical signature that sets Parkinson's disease apart from essential tremor, two common movement disorders. In a new study published in Nature Communications, researchers identified unique chemical signaling patterns of dopamine and serotonin that distinguish these conditions.
A new method measures leg movement variability to diagnose dystonia in children with cerebral palsy, enabling swift and accurate treatment. The study also identifies brain cells linked to dystonia, suggesting early intervention targeting these processes could prevent or treat the condition.
The initiative aims to uncover critical genetic and metabolic mechanisms that may explain the increased incidence of ALS among high-performing populations. By using remote-participation technology, up to 500 participants will be collected, eliminating logistical barriers and expanding who can take part in research.
A new study by Bournemouth University reveals that spinning can improve recovery outcomes and reduce clinical time needed for physiotherapy treatment compared to standard care. The cycling and education classes prove more cost-effective, contributing to reducing NHS waiting times for hip osteoarthritis patients.
A Tohoku University study reveals that ALS-causing mutations converge on the dysregulation of UNC13A gene expression, which could lead to effective treatment strategies. The researchers identified two molecular mechanisms underlying this reduction, including mRNA destabilization and REST overexpression.
The 2025 Critical Path Institute Global Impact Conference will bring together industry, regulatory agencies, academia, and patient advocacy groups to discuss pressing challenges in drug development. The event aims to foster cross-sector collaboration to advance medical innovation and improve treatment outcomes for patients.
A new study published in Neurology found that personalized home-based aerobic exercise combined with coaching improves physical fitness in people with neuromuscular diseases. After 18 months, participants who received the exercise program showed a significant increase in oxygen levels and a 10% boost in physical fitness.
A new study published by Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg found that theophylline significantly improved symptoms and quality of life for patients with ADCY5-related dyskinesia. The treatment yielded impressive results, including reduced muscle twitches, improved gait, and better psychosocial well-being.
Researchers developed FESGlove, a glove-based system using functional electrical stimulation to selectively activate individual fingers. The device offers high selectivity and precision, making it suitable for clinical rehabilitation and assistive applications.
A recent study suggests that 40% of US adults who currently smoke experience some level of functional difficulty, twice as high as those who have never smoked. The most common disabilities among smokers are mobility and cognitive issues.
Researchers discovered that specific neurons in the basal ganglia make precise decisions about when to allow and stop movements, licensing the timing of movement. This fine-grained movement control has important implications for understanding neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease.
Researchers identified a dual learning system in the brain that enables habits to form and provides a scientific basis for breaking bad habits. The study suggests that replacing an action consistently can lead to the APE system forming a new habit, offering a potential strategy for overcoming addictions.
Estrogen-related receptors play a crucial role in regulating muscle cell metabolism and energy production. Researchers discovered that these receptors can increase mitochondrial numbers and enhance energetic output when muscles need more energy, making them a promising therapeutic target for metabolic disorders.
Dr. Rhonda Winegar investigates the effectiveness of music therapy in supporting neurological care, including its ability to reduce anxiety and depression in Alzheimer's patients. Her research also highlights its potential to regulate heart rate and blood pressure, as well as improve motor function in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
A University of Florida researcher has developed a groundbreaking AI tool called VisionMD that analyzes videos of patients with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. The tool provides valuable information about how the disease is progressing and responding to medications, improving patient care and advancing clinical research.
A comprehensive natural history study of SCN8A-related disorders has been completed, revealing a range of seizure types and neurodevelopmental features. The findings identify potential targets for future clinical trials, including the use of sodium channel blockers to manage epilepsy.
A new study by the University of Turku found that up to one in six Parkinson's disease diagnoses are later corrected, with most changes occurring within two years. The study highlights the challenges of distinguishing Parkinson's disease from other similar disorders and emphasizes the need for improved diagnostic processes and training.
A national study in Australia aims to understand the genetic cause of rare diseases, improving diagnoses and treatment options for those affected. The study is recruiting Australians with a known or suspected rare genetic disease to gather information and connect them with future research opportunities.
Researchers at UT Health San Antonio are among the first to use adaptive deep brain stimulation technology that adjusts treatment based on a patient's symptoms. This innovative approach offers improved therapy and symptom optimization for patients with Parkinson's disease, dystonia, epilepsy, and essential tremor conditions.
A study by Dr. LEE Seung-Hee reveals how the brain dynamically adjusts sensory input prioritization depending on movement, with vision taking priority for navigation. The posterior parietal cortex and secondary motor cortex play key roles in this process.
UC San Diego Health has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification in Spine Surgery, reflecting its dedication to patient safety and surgical innovation. The health system continues to provide consultation to other organizations exploring the certification.
Researchers developed an automated MRI processing and machine learning software to diagnose Parkinson’s disease, reducing diagnostic time by up to 96%. The software uses diffusion-weighted MRI and a noninvasive biomarker technique to identify neurodegeneration in the brain, providing more precise diagnoses.
Researchers have discovered a blood test that can identify patients with a sleep disorder who are most likely to develop Dementia with Lewy Bodies. The blood test analyzes two proteins in the blood associated with Alzheimer's disease and predicted dementia risk in almost 90% of patients, four years before symptoms appeared.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed smart implants that can monitor and promote healing in fractured bones. The miniaturized technology, part of the EU-funded SmILE project, enables the use of thin intramedullary nails to support bone stability during healing.
A comprehensive review published in Brain Medicine maps out the extensive influence of reproductive hormones on neurological health and disease. The study examines how sex hormones affect a broad spectrum of neurological conditions, including vascular disorders, movement disorders, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.
A new drug-free intervention targets the root cause of progressive loss of neural function in SMA by gradually reawakening functionally silent motor neurons. Early results show improved leg muscle strength and walking in adults with SMA, regardless of symptom severity.
Researchers found that adding audio to a moving subway scene increased balance challenges for people with vestibular problems. The study, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that sounds can be a disruptive factor for those with vestibular hypofunction, a condition resulting in impaired balance.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have made groundbreaking discoveries about levodopa-induced dyskinesia, a common complication in Parkinson's disease patients. The study found that the motor cortex becomes disconnected during dyskinetic episodes, leading to indirect causation rather than direct involvement.
A new project at the University of Kansas aims to examine medical ableism and its effects on health outcomes among people with disabilities. The study will gather information directly from individuals with disabilities through the National Survey on Health and Disability.
A new study reveals that patients with Parkinson's disease who exhibit rest tremor have more dopamine preserved in the caudate nucleus, a part of the brain important for movement planning and cognition. This challenges traditional understanding of how dopamine loss relates to PD symptoms.
The new clinical practice guideline recommends significant changes in the standard treatment of RLS in adults, emphasizing iron evaluation and supplementation. The guideline also suggests alternative treatments, including alpha-2-delta ligand calcium channel blockers and bilateral high-frequency peroneal nerve stimulation.
A randomised clinical trial shows that integrating physiotherapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy is effective in improving symptoms and physical aspects of the quality of life of patients with functional movement disorders. The study suggests this approach could be cost-effective and opens up new lines of research.
Researchers discovered two distinct neural mechanisms, 'Walk-OFF' and 'Brake', that control halting behavior in flies. The 'Walk-OFF' mechanism inhibits forward walking by suppressing neurons driving movement, while the 'Brake' mechanism increases leg joint resistance to prevent stepping.
A new study proposes a theoretically new mechanism to modulate spinal reflexes at the same spinal cord level as stretch reflexes during voluntary movements. The research, led by Biomedical engineering doctoral student Grace Niyo, suggests that a simple spinal circuit can correct self-perturbations from stretch reflexes to produce smoot...
Researchers comprehensively reviewed cerebellar involvement in Parkinson's disease, highlighting the pathophysiological role of the cerebellum in motor and non-motor symptoms. Studies showed abnormal α-synuclein aggregation, neurodegeneration, and altered functional connectivity between the cerebellum and other brain regions.
A population-based study found that air pollution may lower Parkinson disease risk by modifying the disease phenotype and reducing dyskinesia. The study suggests a potential connection between air quality and Parkinson's disease progression.