Articles tagged with Movement Disorders
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.
A University of Houston team developed non-invasive, comfortable, and safe wearable sensors to monitor eyeball movements, providing early warning signs of brain-related disorders. The new sensors have potential applications in diagnosing conditions like ADHD, autism, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and traumatic brain injuries.
Researchers identified genes associated with a thinner cortex and smaller cerebellum, which can lead to uncontrollable shaking of hands. The study also found that faulty protein disposal affects cell function and disrupts neural pathways, making it difficult to treat the condition.
A WVU researcher argues that more validation is needed for the increasing number of gallbladder surgeries performed for biliary dyskinesia, a functional gallbladder disorder. The researcher suggests that a combination of factors must come together to diagnose and select patients who would benefit from surgery.
Researchers at UCSF have developed intelligent brain pacemakers that use AI to monitor and adjust brain activity in real-time, providing personalized treatment for Parkinson's patients. The approach, called adaptive deep brain stimulation, has shown promise in reducing symptoms such as movement problems and insomnia.
Researchers developed a new brain-computer interface that translates brain signals into speech with up to 97% accuracy, enabling a man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to communicate with friends and family. The system was tested in real-time conversations with continuous updates, achieving high word accuracy rates.
Researchers found that artificial induction of GluCer leads to cellular senescence in DA neurons, highlighting the role of lipid aggregation in PD. The study proposes that lysosomal impairment and lipid accumulation trigger expression of a cellular senescence phenotype in vulnerable DA neurons.
A study by Florida Atlantic University researchers has identified novel players in dopamine signaling using Caenorhabditis elegans. They found that mutations in the BBSome protein complex, which regulates transport and signaling in cells, can lead to rare genetic disorders like Bardet-Biedl Syndrome.
Researchers at WVU created a motion-compatible brain scanner that allows patients to move around during imaging. The Ambulatory Motion-enabling PET (AMPET) scanner can help study human behaviors, balance, and emotions, and may be used to monitor brain activity for PTSD treatment and mindfulness meditation.
A new poll finds that over 30% of people in their 50s and early 60s provide care to at least one person with a health issue or disability, while 1 in 10 juggle taking care of three or more people. The majority of caregivers are caring for someone with a physical disability or mobility problem, followed by memory or thinking issues.
A recent study found that cerebellar neurons communicate with other brain regions in different ways, leading to various motor defects. The researchers discovered unique activity patterns responsible for different abnormal movements, providing a foundational framework for new treatment approaches.
A groundbreaking study discovered optimal Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) settings to prevent muscle fatigue and enhance recovery. The research, published in the Cyborg Bionic Systems journal, highlights the crucial relationship between current amplitude and stimulation time.
The study found teleneurology to be highly acceptable across various neurological diagnoses, including headache and movement disorders. Patients with additional medical conditions showed increased satisfaction with the telemedicine service.
A team of researchers has developed a simple blood test that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to predict Parkinson's disease up to seven years before the onset of symptoms. The test analyzes a panel of eight blood-based biomarkers with concentrations altered in patients with Parkinson's, providing a diagnosis with 100% accuracy.
Researchers developed an AI-based screening tool that differentiates Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body disease by analyzing eye movement patterns. The tool provides a reliable method for identifying and distinguishing between the two dementia forms, which can aid in mitigating their impact on daily activities.
Researchers developed tiny, flexible devices that can wrap around individual nerve fibers without damaging them. The robotic nerve cuffs are sensitive enough to grasp delicate nerves and only require tiny voltages to change shape.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a new method for analyzing walking and gait using free software and cellphone videos. This approach is more accessible and quicker than current state-of-the-art methods, enabling clinicians to assess patients' walking abilities more conveniently.
A new task force formed under C-Path's Rare Disease Cures Accelerator-Data and Analytics Platform aims to advance therapeutic development for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). The collaboration leverages collective expertise to foster innovation, identify critical gaps in research, and expedite treatment advancements.
A study found that people with essential tremor are at a heightened risk of developing dementia, with rates 3 times higher than in the general population. Researchers also found a significant increase in mild cognitive impairment among those with essential tremor.
Researchers found that patients with impulse control disorder (ICD) are less affected by the consequences of their actions, particularly when on medication. This suggests that ICD patients may experience positive feelings from taking risky actions based on expectations, rather than processing negative feedback.
A team of researchers used deep brain stimulation to localize disrupted neural pathways in patients with Parkinson's disease, dystonia, OCD, and Tourette's syndrome. The study identified specific brain circuits associated with each disorder, revealing overlapping malfunctions that suggest a complex network of brain dysfunctions.
Researchers discover dopamine signals affect movement sequence length, shedding light on Parkinson's Disease symptoms and potential therapeutic targets. The study's findings suggest a complex role of dopamine neurons in movement, with distinct effects on movement-related and reward-related dopamine neurons.
Researchers at NDORMS identified how cells work to resolve frozen shoulder, opening up potential new targets for treatment. The study found that distinct populations of macrophages in the shoulder capsule promote tissue remodelling and reduce inflammation.
Researchers at Duke University developed an adaptive deep brain stimulation therapy for Parkinson's disease, targeting two key brain structures and using a novel self-adjusting device. The study found that this approach improved motor symptoms and reduced medication doses in six patients.
A new report by UCLA neurologist Dr. Indu Subramanian recommends that doctors delivering Parkinson's diagnoses use correct terminology and provide guidance on treatment options, lifestyle choices, and coping strategies to give patients hope and agency.
A NSF-funded project, MABLE, is developing a digital app using crowdsensing, AI, and robotics to empower individuals with responsive maps and turn-by-turn instructions. The app aims to improve accessibility and navigation for persons with visual or mobility impairments, such as those with low vision and wheelchair users.
A recent study published in Journal of Vestibular Research found that Motorist Disorientation Syndrome (MDS) is not solely caused by vestibular dysfunction, but also related to visual dependency and anxiety. The research identified 18 patients with severe symptoms, leading to changes in driving habits for 17 of them.
A new study has uncovered the molecular causes of a rare developmental brain condition in children, known as Autosomal Recessive ACBD6-related disorder. The research team identified defects in the acyl-CoA-binding domain-containing protein 6 (ACBD6) gene as the underlying cause, leading to delays in cognitive and motor skills development.
A recent study found that transient inflammatory pain causes persistent mitochondrial and metabolic disturbances in sensory neurons, leading to failure in pain resolution. Targeting the cellular redox balance prevents and treats chronic inflammatory pain in rodents.
A recent study found that people living in areas with high levels of fine particulate matter have a 56% greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The Mississippi-Ohio River Valley and parts of Texas, Kansas, and eastern Michigan were identified as regions with higher rates of the disease.
Researchers have developed soft implantable fibers that can deliver light to major nerves through the body, allowing for precise illumination of nerve pain. The fibers are flexible and stretch with the body, enabling scientists to study peripheral nerve disorders in animal models without constraining movement.
A study by researchers at the University of California - Riverside found that certain aspects of video game play can stimulate dopamine release and potentially aid in treating Parkinson's disease symptoms. The research suggests a promising new approach for managing the condition.
Doctors treating Parkinson's patients need to focus on the emotional and social impacts of stigma, in addition to motor symptoms. Stigma can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, anxiety, and isolation, which significantly affect quality of life.
TDP-43 accumulation in neurons initiates disease progression, spreading to other motor-related neurons. The protein causes mild degeneration in cortical neurons but severe atrophy and cell death in spinal motor neurons.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have found that implanting a specific molecule in the brain can effectively reduce alcohol use among chronic heavy drinkers. The study showed a 90% reduction in drinking behavior in nonhuman primates, with the implanted virus permanently increasing dopamine levels and reducing cravings.
Researchers have discovered a group of nerve cells in the midbrain that can completely stop all forms of movement and slow down breathing and heart rate when stimulated. The study provides valuable insight into how the nervous system controls movement and may help understand Parkinson's disease.
A new open-source software, NMSM Pipeline, enables clinicians and engineers to create personalized computer models of patient movement to optimize treatment designs. The software uses physics-based models to predict and optimize functional outcomes for patients with various mobility impairments.
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have discovered that 5-aminolevulinic acid can selectively boost Complex II and IV to counteract Complex I deficiency, a common cause of mitochondrial disorders. This finding offers new hope for the development of treatments for debilitating conditions such as MELAS syndrome.
A new study found critical gaps and disparities in access to Parkinson's disease care among Medicare beneficiaries. Only 9% of people with Parkinson's disease receive care from movement disorder specialists.
Researchers at Niigata University developed a machine-learning model to predict the age of onset for spinocerebellar degeneration diseases like SCA3 and DRPLA. The model achieved higher prediction accuracy than traditional parametric survival analyses, making it a valuable tool for genetic counseling.
Researchers used mouse genetics to determine if brain or spinal cord causes dystonia, finding that spinal cord is responsible. Spinal cord dysfunction leads to signs of dystonia similar to those seen in humans, providing a new target for treatment.
A recent study published in The Lancet Neurology found that valbenazine significantly reduces chorea symptoms in patients with Huntington’s disease. The Phase III trial showed improvement as early as the second week of treatment, with consistently greater benefits compared to a placebo.
This study investigated the neural correlates of lower limb function in Parkinson's disease (PD) using fMRI. It found hypoactivation of the posterior putamen and cerebellum, as well as hyperactivation in premotor regions like the SMA, which could lead to better understanding of lower limb symptoms.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed the first molecular therapeutic for Angelman syndrome, a devastating neurogenetic disorder. The therapy targets an evolutionarily conserved region in the UBE3A-AS transcript and has shown promising results in clinical trials.
Researchers at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have found a new treatment for ADCY5-related dyskinesia using the asthma drug theophylline. The treatment has been shown to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in affected individuals.
A new study led by University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers found that focused ultrasound treatment significantly reduced tremors and improved mobility in Parkinson's patients. Nearly 70% of treated patients showed a successful response after three months, with two-thirds continuing to respond a year later.
Researchers discovered that administering oxygen during episodes of dystonia significantly reduces symptoms and improves quality of life. The study found that rapid oxygen delivery interrupts cortical spreading depression, a phenomenon linked to hypoxia and triggering the condition.
The prevalence of disabilities among American adults aged 65 and older declined substantially between 2008 and 2017. In 2008, 12.1% reported limitations in daily living, while in 2017, this percentage dropped to 9.6%, saving an additional 1.27 million Americans from ADL limitations. Furthermore, the percentage of functional limitations...
Researchers found that the F-box gene FBXC-58 is a novel mediator of dietary restriction effects on extending the health span of Caenorhabditis elegans. FBXC-58 prevents muscle aging and extends longevity through an S6 kinase-dependent pathway.
Researchers developed a way to track rare diseases like DMD and FA using motion capture technology and AI. The approach identifies clear movement patterns, predicts future disease progression, and increases the efficiency of clinical trials.
Researchers discovered a new situation where vertical perception is compromised - when the body pitches and moves at the same time. In real-world experiments on Hong Kong's Peak Tram, they found that participants misjudged their perceived verticality by up to 10 degrees.
A new algorithm developed by researchers at Charité improves motor symptoms comparable to standard of care treatment, increasing efficiency in deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease. The study suggests a promising result for imaging-based algorithms to simplify clinical practice and improve therapeutic outcomes.
A new study identifies the FGF14 gene as the most common genetic cause of late-onset ataxia in Quebec, a debilitating neurodegenerative condition. The discovery opens treatment possibilities and may lead to improved diagnosis for thousands of people worldwide.
A five-year review of focused ultrasound treatment for essential tremor found that patients experienced significant reductions in tremor symptoms, with benefits lasting long-term and no reported progressive or delayed complications. The study represents the largest long-term assessment yet conducted on the procedure.
Researchers at OHSU discovered adenosine effectively acts as a brake to dopamine, promoting balance in neuronal signaling. This finding suggests new avenues for drug development to treat Parkinson's disease symptoms by targeting the push-pull dynamic between dopamine and adenosine.
Researchers uncover abnormalities in neuronal connectivity and synaptic structure in cells lacking sacsin protein, leading to Purkinje cell death. The study expands knowledge of sacsin's functions and suggests a possible link between ARSACS and other brain disorders.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati found that low levels of soluble amyloid-beta protein in the brain, rather than its buildup into plaques, are associated with cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Patients with high levels of soluble amyloid-beta showed improved cognitive outcomes, contradicting previous theories.