Articles tagged with Parkinsons Disease
A study published in Nature Communications has revealed how alpha-synuclein protein clumps cause neurons to die by damaging mitochondria and triggering a channel that leads to cell swelling and bursting. The findings were replicated in human brain cells generated from patient skin cells, providing valuable insights into neurodegeneration.
A team of researchers has identified lipid defects in the brain as the cause of sleep disturbances in Parkinson's disease. Restoring the balance of a key lipid, phosphatidylserine, improves sleep patterns in genetically modified fruit flies and suggests a potential new treatment direction.
A study published in Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology found that people taking immunosuppressant drugs are less likely to develop Parkinson's disease. Corticosteroids such as prednisone reduced the risk by 20%, while IMDH inhibitors were about one-third less effective.
A new, fully implanted deep brain stimulation device uses real-time brain signals to fine-tune its signaling, reducing side effects and improving symptom control in Parkinson's patients. The adaptive system was shown to be equally effective as traditional stimulation methods in initial short-term studies.
A new three-year trial, led by a geriatrician, aims to determine whether a commonly prescribed dementia drug can prevent falls in people with Parkinson's. The trial, funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme, will test a cholinesterase inhibitor treatment on 600 patients across UK hospitals.
A new University of Guelph study has discovered that exposure to pesticides like paraquat and maneb increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Low-level pesticide exposure disrupts cells in a way that mimics genetic mutations, drastically increasing disease onset risk.
Researchers have discovered a potential link between tuberculosis and Parkinson's disease, suggesting that drugs designed to treat Parkinson's may also work for TB. The study found that LRRK2 protein prevents immune cells from clearing bacteria, leading to build-up of protein in neurons that disrupts their function.
Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a 22% higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to non-IBD individuals. Researchers found this association independent of age, gender, and length of follow-up.
Researchers studied Parkinson's patients with deep brain stimulation and found that brain activity alternates between the left and right sides of the brain while stepping. The introduction of a metronome improved accuracy and enhanced beta activity.
Researchers found changes in hippocampal neurons early after alpha-synuclein aggregates appear, suggesting potential therapeutic treatments to halt or reverse cognitive impairments. The study suggests defects in pre- and post-synaptic functions, indicating plasticity in the neurons.
A study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that misfolded α-syn proteins embedded in brain cells cause different Parkinson's-related disorders, depending on the type of cell. The researchers discovered a distinct strain of α-syn protein, which is 1,000-fold more potent in causing disease in animal models.
Researchers at McLean Hospital found that elevated levels of certain lipids in the brain are associated with Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that lipid alterations may precede some of the disease's hallmark features and could provide an early warning sign for patients.
Researchers use rabies virus machinery to deliver deferoxamine, a metal-grabbing compound, directly to brain cells, reducing iron buildup and reversing disease symptoms. The therapeutic agent is composed of nanoparticles stuffed with deferoxamine and is already approved for use in the clinic.
Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology have discovered that a protein called parvalbumin, found in many fish species, can form amyloid structures that bind to and neutralize the 'Parkinson's protein' alpha-synuclein. This could potentially help prevent the formation of harmful amyloids associated with Parkinson's disease, a...
A recent Mount Sinai study reveals individuals with IBD have a 28% higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease; treated patients show significant reduction in risk after anti-TNFα therapy. The study suggests exploring anti-TNFα to prevent Parkinson's disease in high-risk individuals.
Researchers from Aarhus University found a significant decrease in calcium levels when nerve cells are affected by Parkinson's disease. Treating calcium disturbances may inhibit symptoms, particularly sleep disorders and anxiety.
A new study found patients with inflammatory bowel disease are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease. Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy for IBD was associated with a reduced incidence of Parkinson's in over 170 million patient records analyzed.
Researchers at UCSF found a 56% increased risk of Parkinson's disease among veterans with concussion compared to those without traumatic brain injury. The study followed over 300,000 veterans for an average of 4.6 years and adjusted for age, sex, and other health conditions.
A large population of U.S. veterans with mild, moderate, or severe traumatic brain injury were found to have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Those with mild traumatic brain injury had a 56% increased risk, while those with moderate to severe injuries had an 83% and 71% increased risk respectively.
Researchers discovered that specific RNA molecules recognize and combine based on complex shapes to form cellular droplets. This understanding may help prevent the transition to an aberrant, solid state associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers developed a smartphone app to generate an objective score that reflects symptom severity in patients with Parkinson's disease. The app uses machine learning and existing smartphone components to collect data on movement, speech, and daily tasks.
A three-month project by Queensland Ballet and QUT found participants experienced higher energy levels, greater flexibility, improved posture, and enhanced sense of achievement. Ballet participation was also linked to a general feeling of wellbeing and social connections.
A study published in Neurology found that people with Parkinson's disease are more likely to be demoralized than those without the disease. Demoralization is distinct from depression, and treatment approaches may differ.
A new EIT Health project, 'MoveIT', aims to analyze gait patterns and warn patients of potential falls. The project uses sensors placed on patients' shoes and upper body to gather data for further research.
Researchers discover bassoon gene mutations associated with a rare brain disorder, PSP-like symptoms, and cognitive decline. The study highlights the importance of analyzing BSN gene mutations in patients with neurological disorders.
Researchers discovered that a common Parkinson's gene mutation alters immune cells' reaction to generic infections like colds, triggering an inflammatory reaction in the brain. This 'second hit' initiates the destruction of brain areas responsible for movement.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have uncovered a link between a genetic mutation in the GBA1 gene and the formation of fatty plaques in the brain that contribute to Parkinson's disease. The study found that changes in the mixture of fatty molecules cause protein pieces to stick together, forming 'dead zones' in the brain.
SLU researchers determined the structure of calcium-independent phospholipase A2β, a key enzyme involved in the body's inflammatory response. This discovery opens up possibilities for developing new therapies for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease.
A new study suggests that transcranial direct-current electrical stimulation can significantly improve gait impairment in Parkinson's disease patients by simultaneously targeting both motor and cognitive networks. The treatment shows promising results in reducing freezing of gait and improving executive functions and mobility.
A new approach filters genes for study, reducing false leads and accelerating research on diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The strategy focuses on active genes, group interactions, mutation vulnerability and past studies to narrow down gene candidates, saving researchers time and money.
Researchers at TSRI have discovered a toxic protein that travels to mitochondria, causing damage and leading to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. This finding offers new insights into the mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease.
A new prototype for wearable tremor suppression gloves has been developed by Western University researchers, which tracks voluntary movement to minimize tremors. The gloves will be custom designed for both hands of each patient to maximize benefits.
A University of Guelph study found that cardiolipin helps prevent protein misfolding in Parkinson's disease, leading to nerve cell death. Researchers believe cardiolipin may represent a new target for developing therapies to slow the progression of the disease.
Researchers discovered that levels of alpha-synuclein protein are decreased in people with Parkinson's disease, while levels of oligomeric alpha-synuclein are increased. This finding suggests that tears could be a reliable biological marker for the disease.
Researchers developed a high-resolution nanometer-scale magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, enabling unprecedented views of biological systems. The new method extends traditional MRI capabilities to the nanoscale, providing insights into Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
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 discovered that individual neurons fight back to maintain signaling between brain regions, slowing disease progression in glaucoma. This finding suggests a potential new therapeutic approach to preserve vision and slow degeneration in age-related neurodegenerative disorders.
Excess calcium levels can lead to the formation of toxic clusters with alpha-synuclein, causing brain cell death. Understanding this interaction may aid in developing new treatments for Parkinson's disease.
Researchers found that an unexpected sound increased brainwave activity and improved stopping outcomes by up to 15%. The study offers insight into the brain's communication with the motor system and could lead to new treatments for motor-control disorders like Parkinson's disease and ADHD.
Researchers developed a rapid test to diagnose Parkinson's and dementia with Lewy bodies using cerebral spinal fluid samples. The test showed high accuracy in detecting these diseases within two days, outperforming related assays.
Scientists have identified a new family of peptides in wasp venom that can control insect behavior, which may also help develop Parkinson's disease treatments. The peptides, called ampulexins, were found to immobilize cockroaches, and further research aims to identify cellular targets for potential treatment applications.
Researchers discovered that a 'puff' of dopamine before movement initiation is essential for normal motor function, not constant dopamine levels. This finding may lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects for Parkinson's disease.
A study using fruit fly models reveals that a genetic mutation in the DNAJC13 gene leads to the accumulation of α-synuclein protein, causing motor dysfunction and neurodegeneration. This finding provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of familial Parkinson's disease and may lead to the development of disease-modifying thera...
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.
Researchers at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging have identified a potential therapeutic avenue for Parkinson's disease by clearing senescent astrocytes, which stop dividing and secrete deleterious factors. This approach shows promise in preventing symptoms of the incurable neurological disorder.
A new study from the University of Bergen shows that impairment in mitochondria may actually protect the brain in Parkinson's disease. Brain cells with decreased complex I levels are less likely to contain Lewy bodies, abnormal protein-aggregates that characterize Parkinson's disease.
A new study found that brains of people with Huntington's disease (HD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) show similar responses to a lifetime of neurodegeneration, despite being distinct diseases. Most genes related to immune response and inflammatory pathways are common in both diseases.
Researchers found the subthalamic nucleus is responsible for detecting unnatural android movements, similar to Parkinson's disease. This study improves understanding of both android design and Parkinson's pathology.
Researchers have found that patients with Parkinson's disease have more errors in mitochondrial DNA within the brainstem, leading to increased cell death. Surviving cells have higher copies of mitochondrial DNA, suggesting a new target for therapies.
Researchers found that people with Parkinson's disease had significantly lower caffeine levels in their blood, even if they consumed the same amount as those without the disease. The study suggests a simple test for early diagnosis could be developed using caffeine levels.
Researchers found that exercise increases DJ-1 protective gene expression, preventing abnormal protein accumulation in the brain. This may help slow Parkinson's disease progression.
A study of over 1,200 Veterans with Parkinson's disease found that those receiving deep brain stimulation (DBS) lived an average of 6.3 years after surgery, compared to 5.7 years for non-DBS patients. This modest survival advantage was attributed to improved quality of life and better symptom control.
Researchers at CRG discover a mechanism regulating alpha-synuclein protein linked to Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Two factors, TIAR and ELAVL1, are deemed crucial in neurodegeneration, offering potential biomarkers for early detection and new treatment targets.
Researchers developed a wearable robotic system to improve balance and gait in Parkinson's disease patients. After a single training session, both groups showed improved response to perturbations and increased gait stability.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have identified a novel form of protein aggregation that is both reversible and has positive physiological consequences for cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A large-scale genetic study has clarified the distinctive genetic signature of Dementia with Lewy bodies, a common type of dementia. The research found that DLB accounts for 10-15% of dementia cases, but its genetic profile is unique compared to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
A randomized clinical trial found that high-intensity exercise three times a week slows worsening of Parkinson's symptoms, while moderate intensity workouts have no effect. The study suggests that high-intensity exercise may be an effective treatment for delaying disease progression.
The study reveals how toxic oligomers disrupt brain cell membranes, creating defects that lead to neuronal death. Understanding this process offers an opportunity to develop new treatments for Parkinson's Disease.
A new phase 2 trial found that high-intensity exercise three times a week for six months is safe and decreases worsening of motor symptoms in early-stage Parkinson's disease patients. The study compared high-intensity exercise to moderate intensity and found significant benefits for the high-intensity group.