Parkinsons Disease
Articles tagged with Parkinsons Disease
UCLA to lead $9M study on pesticides’, air pollutants’ link to Parkinson’s disease risk
$9M USD for safer treatment of psychiatric and cognitive symptoms in Parkinson’s disease
Pitt Team receives $9M grant for Parkinson’s research
Discovery of brain-body connection offers clues for Parkinson’s and alcohol use disorder
Inexpensive material compresses light, paving the way for photonic microcircuits in the terahertz range
Researchers developed a new photonic material using lead iodide, enabling high-speed data transmission in the terahertz frequency range. The material confines light within submicrometer regions, paving the way for integrated photonic circuits that could replace or complement electronic circuits.
Researchers uncover brain mechanism that may help slow Parkinson’s disease, curiously only in females
Scientists have discovered a protective brain pathway that preserves dopamine-producing neurons and reduces degeneration in female models with Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that strengthening this pathway could help slow the progression of the disease, offering new potential for treatment.
Re-conceptualizing Parkinson’s disease as a lifelong neurobiological trajectory: A framework for prevention
A new review proposes a prevention-focused framework for understanding Parkinson's disease risk, highlighting the role of early-life vulnerability, environmental exposures, and resilience factors. The study suggests that susceptibility to PD may begin earlier in life through interactions between biology and environment.
Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s and The Michael J. Fox Foundation Expand Global Research Initiative with $261M Investment Toward Personalized Treatments
A global research network, led by ASAP and MJFF, is expanding its efforts to map the biological blueprint of Parkinson's disease and develop a standardized toolkit of global research resources. This expansion aims to accelerate the development of personalized therapies by understanding the disease's inherent heterogeneity.
Hydraulic brain: Body motion linked to fluid movement in the brain
A study using mice and simulations found that abdominal contractions compress blood vessels connected to the spinal cord and brain, enabling gentle brain movement that facilitates cerebrospinal fluid flow and potentially removes neural waste. This mechanism may explain why exercise is thought to benefit brain health.
Shifting the focus to white matter: A small lesion there is sufficient to trigger key features of neurodegenerative disease
Researchers discovered that small lesions in white matter can trigger a response in connected grey matter, leading to neuronal activity fall, microglia activation, and synapse loss. However, this response is part of the repair process, essential for brain regeneration.
Use of psychotropics increases already in the early stages of Parkinson’s disease
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that people with Parkinson's disease are using psychotropics more frequently than controls, even before diagnosis. The use of psychotropic medications increases as the disease progresses, reflecting emerging non-motor symptoms and worsening disease progression.
Why "brain fog" in Parkinson’s isn’t always what it seems
A new study found that people with Parkinson's disease and those in its prodromal stage often report 'brain fog' despite normal objective cognitive scores. The researchers suggest targeting anxiety and depression may help improve quality of life.
Van Andel Institute to recognize Dr. Glenda Halliday with the 2026 Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Parkinson’s disease research
Dr. Glenda Halliday has been awarded the 2026 Jay Van Andel Award for her pioneering work on Parkinson's and related neurodegenerative disorders, advancing understanding of clinical symptoms and underlying brain changes.
Gut microbiome changes may signal Parkinson's disease risk
A new study reveals that people with Parkinson's disease have a distinct gut microbiome, as do those at genetic risk but without symptoms. This could lead to early detection and potential prevention strategies.
Scientists reverse brain aging, with a nasal spray
Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.
Barrow Neuro Analytics Center doubles footprint to support growing neurological research programs
The Barrow Neuro Analytics Center has nearly doubled its dedicated research space to 18,000 square feet, supporting growing neurological research programs. Researchers at the center are globally renowned for their work on Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, and other neurological disorders using data-focused methods.
CAR therapies for neurodegeneration: a big challenge with increasingly plausible solutions
Researchers propose tailored approaches using CAR platforms, incorporating effector cells like macrophages and Tregs to modulate key processes in neurodegeneration. High-precision immunomodulation is essential for overcoming the complex nature of these diseases.
Fat-producing enzyme may amplify damage in Parkinson’s disease, finds NTU Singapore study
Scientists at NTU Singapore found that glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) amplifies α-synuclein toxicity by altering fat metabolism in brain cells. Targeting GPAT activity may offer a new strategy for treating Parkinson's disease.
Chinese Medical Journal review illuminates the multifaceted role of LRRK2 in health and disease
The review highlights LRRK2's diverse cellular functions and pathogenic mechanisms in various diseases, including Parkinson's disease and inflammatory disorders. Therapeutic strategies targeting LRRK2, such as kinase inhibitors and emerging approaches like PROTACs and gene therapy, show promise for correcting cellular imbalances and re...
New AI model can detect multiple cognitive brain diseases from a single blood sample
Researchers developed an AI model that can detect several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, from a single blood sample. The model uses protein measurements from over 17,000 patients and outperforms previous models.
Protein atlas connects the biologic dots underlying neurodegenerative diseases
A comprehensive protein atlas has been developed to understand the molecular underpinnings of neurodegenerative diseases. By analyzing protein levels, modifications, and interactions across six major diseases, researchers identified alterations unique to and shared between diseases, as well as distinct subtypes within individual diseases.
Exploring balance recovery by pulling a rug out from under people
Older adults with and without Parkinson's disease have increased brain activity and muscle signals when recovering from balance disturbances. This makes it more difficult for them to recover their balance.
Large imaging study changes understanding of the origins of Parkinson’s rest tremor
A Finnish clinical imaging study found that rest tremor in Parkinson's disease is associated with relatively well-preserved dopamine function, challenging the long-held assumption of greater dopamine loss. The study analyzed data from 414 patients and demonstrated a clear correlation between higher dopamine transporter binding and tremor.
For the first time, Robert A. Winn Career Development Award opens to neuropsychiatry investigator-physicians
The Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Award Program is expanding its career development award to include neuropsychiatry researcher-physicians. This expansion aims to improve clinical trial enrollment and represent diverse patient populations affected by complex disorders.
Plastic bottles transformed into Parkinson’s drug using bacteria
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a method to transform post-consumer plastic into L-DOPA, a frontline medication for Parkinson's disease. The process harnesses the power of bacteria to break down PET waste and produce L-DOPA, providing a sustainable solution to the production of pharmaceuticals.
The ISSCR launches new continuing education course on stem cell therapies for Parkinson’s disease
The ISSCR has launched a new continuing education course on stem cell therapies for Parkinson’s disease, addressing the need for clinicians to provide accurate information on emerging treatments. The course features expert faculty and patient perspectives, and is available through a free and paid pathway.
What changes happen in the aging brain?
Researchers created the most comprehensive single-cell atlas of epigenetic changes in the aging mouse brain, revealing how DNA methylation, genome structure, and gene activity change across brain regions and cell types. The atlas has already shown clear epigenetic differences between different age groups and allowed the development of ...
New study on early Parkinson’s disease progression highlights vital role of patient focused drug development and real-world impacts
A new study found that functional impairment worsened over time in individuals with early Parkinson's disease, despite plateaued symptoms, with gait, balance, and posture being the most bothersome issues. The study's results underscore the importance of incorporating real-world measures of disease progression in clinical trial design.
A new “molecular switch” for inborn immunity identified
Researchers discover enzyme ANKIB1 crucial for innate immune signalling, driving type I and type III interferon induction. This finding solves a long-standing puzzle in innate immunity and provides opportunities for new therapies for devastating diseases.
Mayo Clinic researchers link Parkinson's-related protein to faster Alzheimer's progression in women
A Mayo Clinic study found that women with abnormal Parkinson's-related protein levels accumulate Alzheimer's-related pathology faster, leading to faster disease progression. The study analyzed data from 415 participants and showed that women's brains progress up to 20 times faster than men's in this regard.
Dysfunctional packaging of dopamine advances symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
A new study reveals how defective dopamine packaging in neurons triggers toxic processes, leading to Parkinson's disease symptoms. Researchers discovered that delivering energy via ATP can repair packaging and halt damage.
Changes in smoking status and their associations with risk of Parkinson’s, death
A new study published in Neurology found that currently smoking is associated with a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, but quitting smoking was associated with a lower risk of death. Researchers also found that sustained quitters had a 17% lower risk of death compared to persistent smokers.
Scientists discover “bacterial constipation,” a new disease caused by gut-drying bacteria
Two gut bacteria, Akkermansia muciniphila and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, work together to destroy intestinal mucus, leading to dry and immobile stool. This discovery explains why standard treatments often fail for millions with chronic constipation, including those with Parkinson's disease.
Researchers alter protein structures with novel method
Researchers develop novel method to manipulate cell structures using weak magnetic fields and isotopes, bridging structural biology, biophysics, and quantum biology. This work offers a potential new strategy for stabilizing damaged brain proteins, typical of neurodegenerative diseases.
Noninvasive paths to complex brain science: Rice bioengineer named Sloan Research Fellow
Rice bioengineer Jerzy Szablowski has been awarded a Sloan Research Fellowship for his innovative work on noninvasive methods to communicate with the brain. He aims to develop versatile platform technologies to obtain new types of research data and treat multiple diseases.
From the lab to the living room: Decoding Parkinson’s patients movements in the real world
Researchers from UC San Francisco successfully decoded brain activity patterns associated with walking, enabling the development of personalized neural biomarkers for movement state classification. This breakthrough could lead to more effective adaptive DBS systems that adjust stimulation in response to a patient's activity state.
Parkinson’s disease triggers a hidden shift in how the body produces energy
Researchers found that Parkinson's patients experience weight loss due to selective fat depletion, not muscle loss, driven by impaired carbohydrate-based energy production. This metabolic shift highlights a disorder of both the brain and body, driving disease progression.
A new roadmap spotlights aging as key to advancing research in Parkinson’s disease
A comprehensive roadmap identifies mouse models that incorporate aging as a central element of Parkinson's disease pathogenesis, fostering cooperation among researchers. The collaboration aims to make it easier for scientists to include aging in their efforts to tackle the incurable neurodegenerative motor disease.
Opening a new window on the brainstem, AI algorithm enables tracking of its vital white matter pathways
A new software tool developed by MIT researchers can reliably and finely resolve eight distinct nerve bundles in live diffusion MRI scans, shedding light on neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The BrainStem Bundle Tool (BSBT) reveals distinct patterns of structural changes in patients with these conditions.
Brain network identified for effective treatment of Parkinson's disease
Researchers have identified a specific brain network that is mainly active in the fast beta frequency range and modulates motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease through deep brain stimulation. Stimulating this network, which communicates at 20-35 Hz, can improve motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease.
New stem cell treatment may offer hope for Parkinson’s disease
Researchers at Keck Medicine of USC are investigating a unique therapy that uses lab-generated stem cells to repair damaged brain cells and produce dopamine, which may slow down the progression of Parkinson's disease. The treatment has shown promise in early clinical trials with 12 participants experiencing improved motor function.
Brain network responsible for Parkinson’s disease identified
A new study identifies the somato-cognitive action network (SCAN) as responsible for Parkinson's disease symptoms, which can be treated with non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Targeting this network improves symptoms more than twice as much as treatments targeting nearby brain areas.
Immunotherapy could prevent the loss of neurons in Parkinson’s disease
Researchers found that overexpressed Fc gamma receptors on reactive microglia mistakenly identify healthy neurons, leading to their elimination. Immunotherapy targeting these receptors could slow disease progression by preserving dopaminergic neurons.
Early signs of Parkinson’s can be identified in the blood
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.
Targeting the gut's immune system could tackle early stages of Parkinson's
A new study reveals how Parkinson's spreads from the gut to the brain via immune cells, identifying a key role for gut macrophages in transporting toxic proteins. Reducing these cells can slow disease progression and improve motor symptoms in mice.
AMALIA: a scalable platform to accelerate the discovery of small anti-amyloid molecules
The AMALIA project develops a scalable screening platform to identify anti-amyloid therapies, bypassing the challenge of studying amyloid nucleation. This approach enables parallel discovery campaigns on multiple targets, offering unprecedented speed and scalability.
A skin biopsy to detect a rare neurodegenerative disease
Researchers at UNIGE successfully determined the structure of abnormal protein deposits from a skin biopsy, paving the way for earlier diagnosis and potentially more accessible treatment options. The study's breakthrough opens up new avenues for studying neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Brain network disorders study provides insights into the role of molecular chaperones in neurodegenerative diseases
A study reviews decades of research on Hsp70's role in neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting its protective effects and potential therapeutic value. The review reveals that different Hsp70 isoforms interact with co-chaperones and cellular pathways to determine protein clearance.
New study links altered cellular states to brain structure
Researchers have characterized the association between cellular senescence and human brain structure in both development and late life. The study found that senescence-related gene expression is linked to brain volume and cortical organization, with distinct roles depending on cell type and stage of life.
Research reveals regional and demographic differences in Parkinson’s disease in the Netherlands
A nationwide study found that Parkinson's disease is more common among individuals with higher socioeconomic status and in the northern provinces of the Netherlands. The risk increases with age, peaking between 75 and 85 years, and is higher among men.
Researchers study whether intentionally manipulating blood carbon dioxide levels might enhance brain health
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.
Discovery reveals how keto diet can prevent seizures when drugs fail
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have discovered how the keto diet protects against epilepsy seizures by regulating brain cell activity. The team found that a specific cellular receptor, HCAR2, plays a crucial role in reducing seizures, and may be targeted for new treatments.
Rethinking Parkinson's: Immune insights from brain-resident and peripheral cells offer new therapeutic hopes
Researchers highlight shared and distinct immune features between neurodegenerative and neuroimmune diseases, pointing to novel treatment strategies. The study suggests that a deeper understanding of Parkinson's disease immunology informed by lessons from multiple sclerosis may bridge the therapeutic gap for PD.
Widely used pesticide linked to more than doubled Parkinson’s risk
A new UCLA study combines human and animal research to identify chlorpyrifos as a potential environmental cause of Parkinson's disease. Long-term residential exposure to the pesticide increases the risk of developing the condition by more than 2.5 times.
Disappointment alters brain chemistry and behavior
A mouse study by Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology researchers has found that acetylcholine release is essential for breaking habits and enabling new choices to be made. The study's findings may help understand diseases such as Parkinson's disease, addiction, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
New evidence challenges understanding of Parkinson’s disease
A McGill-led study found dopamine does not set movement speed but acts as a support system that makes movement possible. Restoring dopamine to normal levels may be enough to improve movement and simplify Parkinson's treatment.
Chinese Neurosurgical Journal study explores the role of a combined therapy in Parkinson’s disease treatment
Researchers investigated a combination of stem cell therapy and BDNF enhancement to treat Parkinson's disease. The strategy aims to promote neuroregeneration and functional recovery by introducing progenitor cells genetically matched to the donors, while upregulating BDNF to mitigate neuronal loss and enhance motor function.
Van Andel Institute, Cure Parkinson’s renew funding for Parkinson’s clinical trials program
The International Linked Clinical Trials Program aims to change that by supporting and facilitating clinical trials of potentially disease-modifying treatments. Over 6,800 people with Parkinson's have participated in these trials, and approximately 40% of prioritized drugs have been approved for clinical trials.
Aging midbrain neurons face energy crisis linked to Parkinson’s
Midbrain dopamine neurons create a glycogen fuel reserve but regulate it in a way that leaves them vulnerable to glucose shortages as they age. This vulnerability may explain the deaths of these neurons in Parkinson’s disease.