Articles tagged with Parkinsons Disease
A team of Stanford University School of Medicine researchers discovered a critical defect that precedes the death of nerve cells in Parkinson's disease, impairing mitochondria function. This finding may lead to earlier diagnoses and new treatment approaches for the condition.
Researchers have found that specific mutations in Parkinson's disease protein alpha-synuclein can dramatically affect microscopic processes leading to the condition's onset. The study suggests these tiny changes influence fibril formation and secondary nucleation, potentially contributing to the disease's development.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a way to detect alpha-synuclein, a protein linked to Parkinson's disease, in spinal fluid samples. The new test shows promise in identifying patients with Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia in early stages.
α-synuclein aggregates are transported between neurons via lysosomal vesicles in tunneling nanotubes, enabling Parkinson's disease progression. This discovery highlights the role of tunneling nanotubes in intercellular communication and lysosome-mediated protein disposal.
A study published in Neurology tracks neural changes in patients with Parkinson's disease and two similar conditions over time. Researchers found decreased activity in specific brain regions, which could provide a new tool for testing experimental medications.
Researchers developed a non-invasive way to track Parkinson's disease progression using functional magnetic resonance imaging, revealing areas of progressive brain decline. This biomarker could help evaluate experimental treatments and measure neurological changes behind symptoms.
Combining virtual reality and treadmill training reduces fall rates in older adults, with a 42% decrease in the virtual reality plus treadmill group compared to treadmill training alone. This intervention has potential as part of prevention packages for falls risk before injuries occur.
A new laboratory model of Parkinson's disease has successfully replicated the phase that occurs long before diagnosis, revealing how abnormal alpha-synuclein proteins spread in the brain. The study demonstrates a possible link between Parkinson's and non-motor symptoms like cognitive impairment and gastrointestinal issues.
Researchers recorded neural activity in human striatum, a key structure compromised in Parkinson's disease. The study provides new understanding of pathophysiology and potential treatments for PD.
A new review explores potential antioxidant approaches for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurodegenerative diseases. Certain compounds targeting oxidative stress pathways, such as Nrf2, are being investigated.
Scientists have developed a new method to measure the activity of disease-causing mutations in the LRRK2 gene, a major cause of inherited Parkinson's disease. The breakthrough could help pave the way for a clinical test that could facilitate evaluation of drugs targeting this form of the condition.
UAB researchers have discovered that levodopa induces widespread DNA methylation changes in brain cells that contribute to the development and maintenance of levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Modulating global DNA methylation may be a novel therapeutic target to prevent or reverse this condition.
A study published in Scientific Reports found tiny DNA changes linked to Parkinson's disease in unexpected places, including liver, fat, immune, and developmental cells. These findings suggest a diverse set of underlying causes for the disease, challenging current understanding of neurodegenerative disorders.
The Scripps Research Institute has received a grant to support safety and quality tests of a potential stem cell therapy for Parkinson's disease. The two-year project will investigate induced pluripotent stem cells derived from adult subjects, which can differentiate into dopamine-producing neurons.
Researchers have found an interaction between a mutant gene and alpha synuclein in neurons that contributes to Parkinson's disease pathologies. Drugs now under development may block the process by targeting LRRK2 kinase activity.
Researchers developed a method to measure how the brain responds to electrical stimulation, allowing for more effective deep brain stimulation treatment. This patient-specific approach uses phase response curves to predict and optimize stimulus patterns, potentially improving efficacy and reducing side effects.
A review article argues that telehealth will transform healthcare delivery, providing access to care at a lower cost. The authors identify three trends reshaping telehealth: making care more accessible, expanding its application beyond acute conditions, and migrating from hospitals to home and mobile devices.
Researchers have identified a molecule, NCGC607, that shows promise as a possible treatment for Gaucher disease and Parkinson's disease. The molecule helps to break down cellular waste and reduce alpha-synuclein levels, suggesting a potential treatment strategy.
Researchers linked traumatic brain injury with later development of Parkinson's disease, but not Alzheimer's disease or incident dementia. The study, involving over 7,000 participants, found an association between TBI and Parkinson's disease, contradicting common assumptions about the relationship between TBI and Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that an FDA-approved cancer drug increased brain dopamine and reduced toxic proteins linked to Parkinson's disease progression. The study showed significant signs of benefit for patients with neurodegenerative diseases, including improved cognitive and motor functions.
Researchers have identified the key cellular mechanism behind antipsychotic-induced parkinsonism, which includes involuntary movements and tremors. By targeting dopamine D2 receptor blockade in specialized neurons, a new approach to designing novel antipsychotics without side effects may be possible.
A new biomarker, phosphorylated protein kinase LRRK2, has been found in patient urine samples and correlates with the presence and severity of Parkinson's disease. Elevated levels of this biomarker predict the risk for onset of Parkinson's disease and may be a promising guide for future clinical treatments.
A large-scale study of 246,557 patients found no significant association between gadolinium exposure and parkinsonism, a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Researchers observed a similar incidence of incident parkinsonism among those exposed to gadolinium-enhanced MRIs as those who received non-gadolinium-enhanced MRIs.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine discovered that blocking the enzyme c-Abl prevents Parkinson's disease symptoms in specially bred mice. The study also found that a chemical tag on the protein α-synuclein may signal the disorder's presence and progression. The findings suggest both a promising target for drug research and a potent...
Researchers found that c-Abl activation accelerates α-synuclein accumulation and motor deficits in Parkinsonian mice. This suggests a potential role for c-Abl in promoting neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease.
Researchers found that neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease stems from endoplasmic reticulum stress rather than mitochondrial failure. ER stress prevents neurons from producing vital proteins, leading to their death. By blocking ER stress, scientists were able to prevent neurodegeneration in mutant flies.
A team of scientists has discovered that two genes associated with Parkinson's disease are key regulators of the immune system, providing direct evidence linking Parkinson's to autoimmune disease. The study found that proteins produced by these genes can prevent cells from being detected and attacked by the immune system.
Researcher Erika Geisbrecht is studying the connection between a gene called clueless (clu) and genes that cause Parkinson's disease in fruit flies. She aims to understand how muscles develop and maintain themselves throughout a fruit fly's life to apply this knowledge to humans.
The study found a significant increase in Parkinson's disease incidence, particularly among men aged 70 and older. Environmental and lifestyle factors may contribute to this trend, warranting further research to identify potential causes.
A study of Minnesota patients found a possible increase in Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism cases between 1976 and 2005, particularly in older men. The trends may be associated with decreased smoking rates over the decades.
A preliminary clinical trial suggests that n-acetylcysteine improves dopamine levels and cognitive function in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study used brain imaging studies to track changes in dopamine levels and found significant improvements in both measures.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that people with Parkinson's disease have impaired decision-making, particularly when sensory information is weak. This finding suggests that the neurological factors underlying Parkinson's may be more complex than previously thought and could lead to earlier detection strategies.
Researchers found that eliminating α-synuclein protein protects zebrafish from ziram-induced dopamine loss and provides potential treatment for pesticide-exposed Parkinson's patients. This study supports the approach of targeting α-synuclein to slow or stop disease progression in most people with Parkinson's.
Pittsburgh researchers uncover a major reason why alpha-synuclein, a key protein in Parkinson's disease, is toxic to neurons. They found two ways to prevent the toxicity: gene therapy and a protein that blocks alpha-synuclein from sticking to mitochondria.
Researchers found that myricitrin can help maintain two key functions of mouse neurons exposed to neurotoxicity, including enzymatic activity and rapamycin complex 1 activation. The study suggests that myricitrin could have a role in preventing neuronal degeneration in Parkinson's disease.
Researchers discovered mutations in TMEM230, a new gene linked to Parkinson's disease, in patients from North America and Asia. The gene produces a protein involved in dopamine packaging in neurons, which is crucial for movement disorder diagnosis.
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.
A dietary supplement containing 30 natural ingredients has shown promise in preventing and reversing massive brain cell loss in mice. The supplement was found to completely eliminate severe brain cell loss and abolish cognitive decline in mice with widespread brain damage.
The fellowship program will provide postgraduate training in regulatory science to optimize clinical trial design and support approval of novel therapies for Parkinson's disease. A mentored researcher will work with experts from academia, industry, and the FDA to investigate aspects of Parkinson's research design.
Researchers at the Buck Institute identified a new target for treating sporadic Parkinson's disease, which accounts for 95% of all cases. The study showed that increasing PGC-1alpha expression restored mitochondrial function and prevented degeneration of dopaminergic neurons.
A recent study found that genetic modifications, such as differential gene expression and alternative splicing, contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease. The research identifies specific genes implicated in the disease, suggesting new avenues for diagnosis and treatment.
A retrospective analysis suggests that regular laxative use can stabilize Parkinson's disease rigidity, pointing to potential modifications in underlying disease processes. Further research is planned to confirm the mechanisms involved.
Researchers developed a new technique to control dopamine-producing cells' activity in the brain. They identified the exact signalling pathway that causes involuntary movements, known as dyskinesia, and found a way to reduce side effects.
Researchers have developed detailed digital models of organs that can accurately monitor and outcome measurements for clinical trials. These models can enable more effective monitoring of the impact of new drugs and treatments, reducing the need for invasive tests.
Researchers found that a JAK/STAT pathway inhibitor, AZD1480, reduces neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease rat models. The study suggests that Jakinibs may be an important new approach to slow the progression of the disease.
Researchers at Lund University have proven that transplanted nerve cells can survive and function in the human brain for many years, restoring normal dopamine production. A study followed a Parkinson's patient whose nerve cells survived for nearly a quarter of a century after transplantation.
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.
Researchers studied Parkinson's-affected cells before symptoms appear, finding declines in dopamine neuron function and electrical activity. The study aims to understand the root cause of the disease and develop a therapy to arrest its progression.
A lab-based study led by University of Leicester researchers has found a way to 'reverse' symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's using genetic and pharmacological approaches. The study utilized fruit flies to explore the role of specific metabolites in the kynurenine pathway, which can help alleviate sy...
Researchers identified a compound that reverses symptoms of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases in genetically altered fruit flies. The study suggests that the treatment could work for humans by targeting a specific enzyme involved in disease progression.
Caltech researchers have mapped out a circuit of neurons that control motor impairment in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study used two laboratory techniques to identify the pathways of cholinergic neurons in the brainstem, revealing their role in both locomotion and reward-based behaviors.
Researchers found that unexpected events activate the same brain system responsible for interrupting movement, leading to impaired working memory and disrupted trains of thought. The study focuses on the subthalamic nucleus (STN), a key player in Parkinson's disease treatment.
Researchers found a genetic variation linked to slower Parkinson's disease progression, lower alpha-synuclein levels, and tremor-dominant symptoms. The 'good' GG genotype was associated with better outcomes for patients, including slower physical decline and lower dementia risk.
Researchers at Temple University Health System found that disturbances in circadian rhythm exacerbate motor and learning deficits in Parkinson's disease. Altering circadian rhythm through daily light exposure can accelerate cell death and worsen neuroinflammation, potentially speeding disease progression.
Common Parkinson's disease medications can cause impulse control disorders such as pathological gambling, compulsive buying and binge eating in some patients. Alternative treatment strategies include adjusting medications, deep brain stimulation and cognitive behavioral therapy.
A new Parkinson's disease study has found significant variability in brain signaling that could serve as a predictive marker for identifying patients at highest risk of dementia. Measuring brain signal variability may help identify the best patients to include in trials of new neuroprotective drugs.
Chemists at the University of Illinois have identified the complex chemical structure of alpha-synuclein, a protein that forms long fibrils in the brains of Parkinson's disease patients. This knowledge will help researchers identify specific targets for diagnosis and treatment.
A recent study found that antipsychotic drug use is associated with higher mortality among all Parkinson's disease patients, not just those with dementia. The researchers compared records of over 15,000 patients and found a significant increase in mortality rates among those who took antipsychotics.
A Danish population study found patients with rosacea had a higher risk of new-onset Parkinson's disease compared to the general population. The study also suggests that tetracycline use may reduce PD risk, but further studies are needed for confirmation.
A study on Bengalese finches found that dopamine levels in a specific region of the brain are crucial for correcting vocal errors. The research suggests that dopamine plays a vital role in sensory-motor learning, which underlies skills such as speaking and singing.