Articles tagged with Movement Disorders
Researchers at McGill University have discovered that exercise can restore health to cells in the cerebellum, a part of the brain affected by SCA6. The treatment also works on mice with other movement disorders, suggesting potential applications for other conditions.
Researchers created mouse models with gene mutations linked to a rare seizure disorder, finding that two types of changes increase electrical signals and lead to symptoms. The findings provide new insights into the disease mechanism and suggest potential treatment options, including stimulants.
A study by Nagoya University researchers found age-related differences in gait patterns of Japanese elementary school children, including increased cadence and decreased step and stride length. The findings provide an important tool for assessing normal and pathological gait, potentially informing orthopedic treatment and rehabilitation.
Researchers found substantial iron deposits in motor circuits of the brain in individuals with high genetic risk for hereditary hemochromatosis, increasing risk for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. Males were more affected than females due to natural processes.
The JNM Molecular Imaging of Neurodegeneration Supplement provides an overview of molecular imaging techniques in neurodegenerative disorders. The supplement aims to improve early and differential diagnosis, as well as stratify and monitor therapy in these disorders.
The authors of a Call to Action emphasize the value of incorporating patient perspectives in clinical Parkinson's disease studies and recommend how to include patient researchers effectively. Patient involvement can help design better studies, ensure tolerable protocols, and improve research outcomes. However, specific challenges must ...
UTHealth Houston's UTMOVE fellowship program has been chosen by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research to train a new generation of movement disorder specialists. The two-year program will provide fellows with comprehensive training in diagnosing and treating Parkinson's disease, as well as opportunities for research an...
A new study found that valbenazine, a VMAT2 inhibitor, is safe and effective in treating chorea in patients with Huntington's disease. Chorea is a common symptom of the disease, causing involuntary and irregular movements.
A retrospective study confirms coffee's potential as a first-line treatment for ADCY5-related dyskinesia, improving symptoms in 87% of patients. Coffee's efficacy is attributed to its ability to bind to adenosine receptors and modify the function of the dysfonctional protein ADCY5.
Dystonia is characterized by involuntary movements and postures, limiting daily activities. A new study maps specific brain networks for treatment success in patients with cervical and generalized dystonia. The findings reveal distinct stimulation sites depending on the type of dystonia, offering a more targeted approach to improving t...
A study by Nagoya City University researchers found that patients with persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD) often exhibit exacerbating factors shortly after onset, worsening symptoms. These factors include upright posture, movement, and visual stimulation.
Research published in Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology shows a decline in cerebral palsy rates among Australian babies, with the largest decrease seen in premature births. The study found a 32% reduction in prevalence over two decades.
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a fatal neurodegenerative movement disorder with no effective treatments, progressing rapidly and impairing critical physiological functions. The researchers will investigate how misfolded protein aggregates contribute to disease pathogenesis using the NIH grant.
A University of Maryland School of Medicine study finds that a common ADHD medication, lisdexamfetamine, reduces symptoms of a rare genetic movement disorder in children, including collapsing episodes and improvements in speech and concentration. The treatment may also shed light on the mechanisms behind other neuromuscular diseases.
A new study published in Neurology found that exposure to strep throat does not increase the risk of developing tics in children who have a parent or sibling with a chronic tic disorder. Researchers followed 259 children for an average of 1.6 years and found no association between strep infection and tic development.
A new study has identified a promising drug candidate to minimize uncontrolled muscle movements associated with Parkinson’s disease. PD13R reduced dyskinesia by more than 85% in animal studies, also improving sleep quality compared to other treatments.
A new study by UCI researchers confirmed the connection between impaired DNA repair and increased DNA damage in spinocerebellar ataxia type 7, a condition that affects coordination and movement. The study identified PARP inhibitors as potential therapeutic targets for the currently incurable disease.
A new study by USC researchers uses GANs to generate synthetic neurological data that can be fed into machine-learning algorithms to improve BCI usability. This approach improved BCI training speed by up to 20 times and enabled rapid adaptation to new subjects.
A study found that cardiopulmonary exercise testing is highly applicable for early detection of respiratory disorders in obese individuals. The test assesses physiological responses to exercise and identifies potential issues before symptoms appear.
The Gutenberg Gait Database provides a reference set of data for healthy individuals to diagnose and treat gait disorders. The database, compiled from 350 volunteers aged 11-64, offers processed raw data and ready-to-use data for orthopedic institutes and research organizations.
Researchers at Duke University used new tools to monitor neurons and analyze machine learning data to see how zebra finches practice their courtship calls. They found that a neurotransmitter called noradrenaline shuts down variability in the song, making it more precise when performed under pressure.
Researchers found that somatostatin interneurons can cause seizures when they go haywire, disrupting the brain's balance. The study identified a rare epilepsy syndrome and developed mouse models to understand the neurological dysfunction, paving the way for new treatments.
A multi-university study found that higher doses of intensive therapy improve upper arm and hand abilities in children with hemiparetic cerebral palsy, while a lower dosage produces fewer gains. The therapy can be life-changing for children, increasing their willingness to tackle new activities.
Researchers discovered how neurons in a small area of the brain filter distracting signals to coordinate dexterous movements. The findings may hold lessons for building better prosthetics and robots that can fine-tune their movements based on sensory input.
Researchers used zebrafish to study spinal cord development and its role in controlling new movements, discovering patterns of neural activity that can be applied to human locomotor activities like walking and swimming. The study aims to improve treatments for movement disorders by identifying target neurons for restoration.
Researchers at Osaka University used machine learning to analyze locomotion data from diverse species, revealing common features associated with dopamine deficiency. The study found that worms, mice, and humans exhibit similar movement disorders when lacking dopamine, despite their evolutionary differences.
A new UBCO study determines that wearable technology and telehealth can tailor treatment plans for Parkinson's disease by identifying peak times of symptoms. The research found positive experiences and health outcomes for patients using wearable devices in combination with telehealth appointments.
A UTEP study published in Perceptual and Motor Skills found that children with autism exhibit highly individualized responses to live animation biofeedback when learning motor skills. The results suggest that each child with autism requires tailored instruction to overcome their unique motor learning characteristics.
Researchers at Radboud University Medical Center have developed a new way to detect hidden genetic defects using the Expansion Hunter method. This technique can identify repeat expansions, a type of mutation that causes fragile X syndrome and Huntington's disease, in patients with movement disorders.
L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia is a major side effect of long-term medication, affecting millions worldwide. Researchers revealed the link between neuronal activity changes and dyskinesia, suggesting suppressing or restoring neurotransmission through key pathways may improve symptoms.
A monitoring system based on smartwatches detects movement issues and tremors in Parkinson's patients, allowing for remote monitoring and adjusted medication plans. The platform showed promising results, with 94% match between clinician evaluations and patient data.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute shed light on the mysterious Gao protein, crucial for brain signaling and motor control. They found that mutations disrupt this process, causing severe developmental delays, seizures, and uncontrolled muscle movements in affected children.
Researchers have identified RasGRP1 as a key cause of Parkinson's dyskinesia, a debilitating side effect of dopamine replacement therapy. Inhibiting RasGRP1 production in the brain can diminish involuntary movements without negating the useful effects of dopamine therapy.
A team of researchers from NYU Tandon and Canada have developed a machine learning model called PHTNet, which enables robots to accurately predict and compensate for hand tremors in patients with Parkinson's disease. The model has been tested on a dataset of 81 patients and reported a 95% confidence rate over 24,300 samples.
A study found that NLX-112 reduced dyskinesia and improved movement symptoms in marmosets with Parkinson's-like symptoms. The results suggest that the drug has potential as a future treatment for people with Parkinson's, offering hope for those affected by debilitating movement problems.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new brain stimulation technique for PTSD patients, utilizing skin conductance to provide personalized treatment. The approach aims to improve treatment outcomes for individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders, including those with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor.
A study published in Movement Disorders found that lower levels of alpha-synuclein protein in cerebrospinal fluid are associated with postural instability and gait difficulty in Parkinson's disease patients. The study also suggests that lower beta-amyloid levels may be related to memory problems in Parkinson's patients.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes discovered that fast-spiking interneurons play a fundamental role in brain plasticity, improving procedural learning and potentially linked to psychiatric diseases. The study found that these neurons act like gatekeepers for plasticity, restricting changes in connection strength between neurons.
Researchers at Emory University have successfully tested a tactic for controlling dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease by reducing striatal projection neuron hyperactivity with NMDA receptor antagonists. The study aims to develop new treatment options with improved effectiveness for people with Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's UK is providing over $1 million in funding to Neurolixis to accelerate the development of a promising new drug for people with Parkinson's. The project aims to address L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia, a disabling side effect of long-term L-DOPA treatment.
Scientists have solved the puzzle of why some people with primary ciliary dyskinesia have non-functional cilia. Researchers found that mutations in non-motor proteins cause cilia to assemble incorrectly, leading to respiratory infections and other symptoms. The study offers new hope for treatment and potential screening for medications.
Researchers found a direct link between symptom severity and treatment outcomes in patients with isolated dystonia, using deep brain stimulation. Brain activity patterns reveal disease severity, and oscillatory brain activity in the 'theta band' is associated with dystonic symptoms.
Researchers at City College of New York are exploring Sonic Hedgehog as a potential treatment for Parkinson's Disease. They have found that dopamine neurons secrete SHH, which can help reduce symptoms like dyskinesia, and are now testing Smoothened agonists in both mice and macaques.
A rogue gene called GNAO1 is causing seizures and involuntary movements in children as young as a few days old. Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered key differences in its function that could lead to new treatment options.
Researchers found that zolpidem can have significant effects on patients with disorders of consciousness or movement disorders, including those in comas and vegetative states. The medication's effects were often transient but repeatable, and some patients showed improvement to a minimally conscious state.
Research reveals that current or past stimulant use can lead to psychomotor control deficits, affecting everyday tasks. Heavy users experience persistent tremors even after months of detoxification.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that valbenazine can significantly reduce tardive dyskinesia symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and mood disorder. The medication showed a 50% improvement rate compared to the placebo group.
Researchers identified a mutation in UNC13 protein associated with autism spectrum disorder, hyperactivity, and dyskinesia. The mutation disturbed fine-tuning of neuronal communication, leading to enhanced synaptic strength and increased neurotransmission.
Research at Lund University found that both neural pathways in the striatum, called direct and indirect pathway, work together to control movements, not independently. This discovery may lead to new treatments for movement disorders like Parkinson's disease by targeting both pathways.
Researchers at Indiana University and UC San Diego create a collaborative network to study movement signatures in children with learning difficulties. They will analyze bodily movements, face expressions, and eye-tracking data to reveal biologically measurable signs of learning disorders like ADHD, autism, and dystonia.
Researchers discovered a novel gene, TMEM230, associated with Parkinson's disease that affects neurotransmitter trafficking between neurons. This new link may lead to novel treatments and better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.
Stanley Fahn, a pioneer in the field of movement disorders, will receive the 2016 Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Parkinson's Disease Research. He has made significant contributions to the development of rating scales for Parkinson's and other diseases.
The first international patient registry for primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) has been launched, aiming to collect data on the disease's effects, treatment options and progression. The registry will help advance understanding of PCD, improve diagnosis and treatment, and facilitate access to clinical trials.
A new approach has been discovered to reduce uncontrolled movements caused by levodopa, a common Parkinson's disease medication. By boosting the functioning of a specific brain receptor, scientists have found that side effects such as dyskinesia can be dramatically reduced.
A new diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease has been developed, aiming to improve diagnosis and treatment, especially in early stages. The criteria incorporate motor and non-motor symptoms, genetic factors, and propose a stage classification to focus on early detection.
A randomized controlled trial aims to develop evidence-based treatment practices for primary ciliary dyskinesia, a rare respiratory disorder. Azithromycin may offer a potential maintenance prophylactic therapy for PCD patients, improving pulmonary exacerbation rates and quality of life.
A study in Movement Disorders reveals that certain cerebellar ataxias can be effectively treated with regimens such as prescription drugs, high doses of vitamin E, and gluten-free diets. Early treatment is crucial to prevent neurological deterioration in these conditions.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that eltoprazine significantly reduced Parkinson's disease patients' dyskinesia while maintaining anti-Parkinsonian effects. The treatment was well-tolerated and shows promise as a new therapeutic principle for treating L-dopa-induced dyskinesia.
A new study finds that people with middle-age migraines are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. Those with migraine with aura face a higher risk, with women also being more prone to a family history of the condition.
Researchers at Duke Medicine report that implanting deep brain stimulation devices poses no greater risk of complications to older patients with Parkinson's disease. In a study analyzing over 1,750 patients, the team found that increasing age did not significantly affect overall complication rates.