Research on Parkinson's disease and its treatment. Covers mitochondrial protection, genetic progression markers, antibody therapies, and disease costs.
Researchers found that focused ultrasound improved parkinsonian symptoms by 10 points in treated patients, with potential benefits for those with asymmetrical symptoms and limited treatment options. However, further refinements of the technology are needed to ensure reliability and safety.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered a link between faulty L-Dopa metabolism and severe side effects in Parkinson's patients. Abnormally elevated levels of L-Dopa and its metabolite were detected in brain regions outside the striatum, suggesting alternative mechanisms underlying motor disorders.
Researchers are using cutting-edge MRI sensors to map brain responses to drugs of abuse and identify genes that promote neuron survival. They plan to apply this technology to study Parkinson's disease, hoping to uncover new therapeutic targets.
A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that patients with Parkinson disease in Taiwan were at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to the general population. The research highlights the need for improved mental health support and early intervention strategies for individuals with Parkinson disease.
Researchers have identified electrical oscillations in Parkinson's patients' scalps that are coupled with brain activity, suggesting a key to understanding the disease's characteristic movement slowing. The study's findings could lead to novel therapies and shed light on the connection between cognitive disorders and motor symptoms.
Researchers have produced genetically modified tomatoes enriched in L-DOPA, a natural source for the essential medicine. The development offers benefits for people who suffer from adverse effects of chemically synthesized L-DOPA.
A virtual study using AI technology is evaluating speech disorders related to Parkinson's disease, aiming to improve assessment and treatment options. The study aims to provide insights into standardization, earlier diagnoses, and tracking discrete changes to guide interventions.
Researchers developed an AI-powered method to detect Parkinson's disease from retinal images, identifying smaller blood vessels as key features. The approach is less costly and more accessible than traditional brain imaging techniques.
SpeechVive Inc. offers free remote calibration software and training to improve speech volume and clarity in people with Parkinson's disease, bridging the gap for rural patients during COVID-19.
Researchers have developed a new technique for isolating parvalbumin-expressing neurons, which are linked to Parkinson's disease symptoms. The method uses Cre-specific nuclear anchored independent labeling and has been shown to detect changes in oxygen-sensing genes in diseased neurons.
Researchers used machine learning to analyze mitochondrial interaction networks and identified specific patterns associated with Parkinson's disease. These patterns were correlated with clinical scores and allowed for accurate diagnosis of PD patients.
A new study reveals that patients with Parkinson's disease may have an undetected rare neurodegenerative disorder called NIID. Symptoms of NIID include dementia and poor balance. Researchers found NIID-causing mutations in those diagnosed with PD, suggesting a link between the two conditions.
A new study published in the journal Brain found that patients with Parkinson's disease who experience tremor symptoms do not benefit from dopaminergic medication on their learning abilities. In contrast, patients without tremor show improvement in reward learning and faster deterioration of cognitive abilities.
A new brain imaging technology, BrainPhys, has been developed to support optimal neuronal function and viability in live imaging experiments. This breakthrough could lead to better personalised medicine for brain disorders such as Parkinson's, brain cancer, and childhood dementia.
Research reveals basal ganglia neurons primarily use firing rate changes to control voluntary movements, with synchronized activity having a minor role in healthy conditions. Parkinson's disease symptoms may be improved by targeting abnormally increased correlated activity in the basal ganglia.
A double-blind clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of ondansetron, a cancer anti-sickness drug, in alleviating hallucinations in people with Parkinson's. The study aims to find new treatments for this challenging symptom, which affects 75% of UK Parkinson's patients.
Researchers explore potential link between COVID-19 and Parkinson's disease, citing three case studies with improved symptoms after treatment. The study suggests that severe inflammation, blood clots, and neurotropic effects of SARS-CoV-2 may contribute to Parkinson's onset.
Research led by Swansea University discovered that ghrelin blocks brain cell formation and is linked to Parkinson's dementia. The study found the UAG form of ghrelin reduces nerve cell formation and impairs memory.
Researchers have developed a simple skin test that can accurately diagnose Parkinson's disease by detecting clumping of the protein alpha-synuclein. The assay was tested on 50 skin samples from patients with Parkinson's disease, achieving high sensitivity and specificity rates, promising an earlier diagnosis and better clinical trials.
Research by Sahar El Aidy and her team from the University of Groningen found that gut bacteria can deaminate levodopa, a main treatment for Parkinson's disease, into DHPPA, reducing gut motility. This metabolite may worsen constipation in patients with Parkinson's disease.
A novel study finds key brain cell type changes involving lipids and inflammation in Parkinson's disease. The research suggests that microglia are overloaded with lipids, while astrocytes lose lipid content, leading to neuroinflammation and disease progression.
Researchers discovered markers of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and motor neurone disease in the brains of young Mexico City residents exposed to dirty air, linked to particulate pollution. Tiny nanoparticles were also found, which can cause inflammation and oxidative stress.
A Cleveland Clinic researcher has been awarded a grant to identify biomarkers for predicting dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease. The five-year project aims to develop a predictive model using imaging, blood, and genetics data to identify individuals at risk of developing dementia as their disease progresses.
A new study has found that people with Parkinson's disease have a 30% higher risk of dying from COVID-19 compared to those without the condition. The analysis, conducted by researchers at the University of Iowa Health Care, also found that patients with PD were generally older and more likely to be male than those without PD.
Researchers found that spinal cord stimulation decreased pain and reduced motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients by an average of 59% and 12%, respectively. The therapy also showed promise in improving functional mobility and balance.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a stem cell treatment that repairs Parkinson's-damaged brain circuits in mice. The treatment involves coaxing human embryonic stem cells to differentiate into dopamine-producing neurons, which then integrate into the correct regions of the brain and restore motor functions.
The study found that patients in low-income countries faced significant difficulties accessing their Parkinson's disease medication, leading to worsening symptom control and increased disability. Global health inequities worsened by COVID-19, with resource-poor countries disproportionately affected.
Researchers have identified two variants of Parkinson's disease, with one starting in the intestines and spreading to the brain, and another starting in the brain and affecting the intestines and heart. This discovery could lead to personalized medicine and new treatment options for patients.
A team of researchers developed an innovative approach to identify and evaluate candidate molecules that can image and track the progression of Parkinson's disease. They screened millions of compounds using a high-throughput computational method, identifying two promising candidates with extremely high binding affinity to alpha-synuclein.
The team will investigate the molecular linkages between aging and Parkinson's, exploring whether decreasing senescence can slow or stop the disease. Genetic predisposition and age are critical factors in defining a person's risk for Parkinson's.
The $7.2 million grant will fund research across three UC San Diego laboratories and two others based in Germany to understand the basic mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease. Researchers aim to unravel the biology of LRRK2, a protein linked to genetically inherited Parkinson's disease.
A new slow-release pill developed by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, aims to alleviate Parkinson's disease symptoms and improve patient compliance. The pill delivers L-dopa over a 24-hour period, reducing the need for multiple daily doses.
A study found that people with Parkinson's are twice as likely to experience orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure that can lead to dizziness and falls. Monitoring blood pressure may help control these drops and prevent falls.
Researchers analyzed Parkinson's patient skin cells to discover reduced protein synthesis due to active LRRK2 enzyme. Adding LRRK2 inhibitor drugs restored normal protein production levels. The study suggests a critical role for LRRK2 in controlling protein synthesis and may lead to biomarker development and improved treatment options.
A team led by Michigan State University is developing diamond devices to monitor brain biochemistry for early warning signs of Parkinson's disease. The devices aim to detect low levels of dopamine, a chemical neurons use to communicate, and could potentially treat the disease earlier.
Researchers at University of Luxembourg have identified a genetic form of Parkinson's disease caused by a splicing error, offering new potential pharmacological treatments. The discovery was made using patient-based cell cultures reprogrammed into nerve cells in vitro.
The journal features original research articles on Parkinson's Disease and drug-induced interstitial lung disease, as well as a case report and opinion piece on breast cancer management during the COVID-19 pandemic. Open access publishing and author support are also highlighted.
A study using iPSC technology reveals astrocytes' role in PD pathology, including altered alpha-synuclein production and disrupted calcium homeostasis. The findings suggest LRRK2 and GBA mutant astrocytes contribute to PD progression.
A study reveals that amyloid protein alpha-synuclein found in Parkinson's brains is also present in skin cells producing melanin, modulating protein fibril formation and suggesting a molecular link between the two diseases. The discovery may explain the observed association between Parkinson's disease and melanoma.
Researchers have discovered a series of misfolded alpha-synuclein protein structures that are thought to be highly relevant to the onset of Parkinson's disease. These unique structures were found in the presence of phospholipids, which play an essential role in living cells, and take on a striking variety of shapes.
A new study suggests that following an alternate Mediterranean or Alternative Healthy Eating Index diet pattern may be linked to fewer non-motor symptoms such as constipation, daytime sleepiness and depression. The researchers found a strong relationship between healthy diet adherence and reduced risk of these preceding symptoms.
Scientists at University of California San Diego have produced the first visualizations of LRRK2 inside its natural cellular environment and the first high-resolution blueprint of the protein. They discovered how LRRK2 binds to microtubules, acting as a roadblock for motors that move along these tracks.
A study found that reducing TET2 activity protects neurons from inflammatory insults and neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. The research suggests calming TET2 activity could be a powerful preventative measure to delay or prevent symptom onset.
Research finds concussion associated with increased risk of developing ADHD, mood and anxiety disorders, dementia and Parkinson's disease. Concussions upsets brain function and blood flow, potentially leading to long-term consequences.
SpeechVive, a Purdue University-affiliated medical device company, has secured a convertible note to scale its business and expand access to its wearable device for treating Parkinson's disease. The funding will allow the company to pursue reimbursement from Medicare and commercial insurance companies.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease does not significantly increase the risk of developing dementia. Researchers found that factors such as age, hallucinations, and cerebral hemorrhage during surgery were associated with a higher risk of dementia.
A five-year outcomes study of 30 patients found that early-stage deep brain stimulation (DBS) decreased the risk of disease progression and polypharmacy compared to optimal medical therapy alone. The study showed significant improvements in motor symptoms, with DBS patients requiring less medication for symptom management.
Researchers successfully tested an automated device for Parkinson's disease stage discrimination in individuals who cannot walk without support. The study concludes that automation can be achieved, offering improved accuracy and increased accessibility for patients with gait disorders.
A single treatment inhibiting PTB converts astrocytes into dopamine-producing neurons, restoring dopamine levels and eliminating Parkinson's disease symptoms in mice. The study provides a proof of concept for a new therapeutic approach.
The Parkinson's Foundation has awarded nearly $30,000 in grants to three nurses who specialize in Parkinson's care. The grant recipients will launch individual projects to improve life for people with Parkinson's disease in their local community.
Researchers developed a novel dietary silicon-based antioxidant agent that suppressed the development and progression of kidney failure and Parkinson's disease in rodents. The agent enabled the continuous production of an OH-eliminating molecule, significantly lowering oxidative stress and inflammation.
The Phase 1 trial demonstrated that repeated immunisation with PD01A is safe and well-tolerated, with a substantial reduction in alpha-synuclein oligomers and stable motor scores. The results suggest that PD01A may offer a promising strategy for long-term management of Parkinson's disease.
A study by Haydeh Payami and colleagues identifies a significant overabundance of opportunistic pathogens in the guts of persons with PD, compared to control subjects. The findings suggest that these microbes may play a role in triggering the disease, but more research is needed to confirm this association.
A new study by UCSF researchers found that weaker or irregular circadian rhythms in daily rest and activity cycles are associated with a greater likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease later on. Disruptions in the brain's internal clock may be an early warning sign of neurodegenerative disease processes.
A study of 3,000 independently living older men found that weak or irregular circadian rhythms are associated with a greater likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease years later. The researchers suggest that these disruptions may reflect neurodegenerative processes already affecting the brain's internal clock.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed new MRI techniques to more precisely target brain structures linked to Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. These methods, including diffusion tractography, aim to reduce adverse effects associated with previous treatments.
Researchers at McLean Hospital identified two molecules naturally produced by the body that stimulate dopamine production, which may help reverse Parkinson's disease progression. Prostaglandin A1 and E1 protect dopamine-producing neurons from dying and increase dopamine levels without side effects.
A team of researchers has identified potential new therapeutic targets to treat Parkinson's disease by understanding the structure and dynamics of the protein alpha-synuclein. They found that a specific region of the protein becomes more exposed when it aggregates, which can lead to diseases like Parkinson's.
A study by NTU Singapore-Harvard University has identified a promising molecular pair, Prostaglandin E1 and Prostaglandin A1, that can boost dopamine levels and slow Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that these hormone-like substances can activate Nurr1, leading to increased dopamine production and neuroprotection.
A new UCLA study found that chemicals in diesel exhaust can trigger the toxic buildup of alpha-synuclein proteins in brain cells, a common occurrence in people with Parkinson's. The research used zebrafish and human cells to confirm the link between air pollution and brain damage.