Research on Parkinson's disease and its treatment. Covers mitochondrial protection, genetic progression markers, antibody therapies, and disease costs.
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.
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.
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 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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
The study reveals that protein misfolding in the brain can be toxic, even before visible amyloid fibrils form. Researchers used super-resolution microscopy to observe how alpha-synuclein proteins interact and found that excess soluble protein can cause toxic effects.
A study published in Neurobiology of Disease found that neurons with a defective DJ1 gene experience oxidative stress and immune response imbalances due to disrupted glutamine and serine metabolism. This knowledge could lead to novel therapeutic strategies by targeting affected metabolic pathways.
A study using molecular simulations suggests that polyunsaturated lipids can alter the binding rate of dopamine and adenosine receptors, affecting cell function in neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic pathways for regulating receptor binding.
Seven major pharmaceutical companies have signed up to a groundbreaking Parkinson's consortium aimed at accelerating the development of safe and effective therapies. The consortium will share data, expertise, and resources with leading academics and industry members to promote and develop new treatments for Parkinson's.
A stem cell study published in Stem Cell Reports has discovered that the GBA1 mutation creates problems with protein processing and recycling in cells, leading to an accumulation of alpha-synuclein. This excess protein is released into the brain, contributing to Parkinson's spread and symptoms.
A study published in The Journal of Physiology found that neurons in the thalamus can be conditioned to respond to placebos in Parkinson's patients. When apomorphine was administered before a placebo, it increased thalamic neuronal activity and clinical improvement. The response lasted up to 24 hours.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that Parkinson's patients experience a higher risk of injurious falls and hip fractures up to 30 years before diagnosis. This suggests early signs of balance issues may be an indicator of the disease.
Research found patients with PD were more likely to have had a hip fracture or injurious fall in the years preceding their diagnosis. Individuals who suffered injurious falls were also at higher risk of being diagnosed with PD in following years.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a saliva gland test that can detect early Parkinson's disease. The test involves taking a biopsy of the submandibular gland, which has been shown to be effective in detecting the abnormal protein associated with the disease in 14 out of 19 patients.
Researchers at EPFL create cellular and mouse models that accurately reproduce the evolution of Parkinson's disease, using insights into protein clumps called Lewy bodies. The new models can propel research and drug development, offering a powerful tool for rapid screening of molecular pathways involved in the disease.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes uncover a neural circuit that controls walking and find a new target for treating Parkinson's disease. Dopamine depletion disrupts movement by miscommunicating between the basal ganglia and thalamus, leading to an imbalance between go and stop pathways.
Scientists have identified a protein called Tet3FL that acts as a 'guardian' against neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. Tet3FL removes molecules called methyl groups from specific genes, keeping them active and maintaining cellular 'trash removal' processes.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham conducted a trial finding that physiotherapy and occupational therapy do not improve 'activities of daily living' in patients with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that resources should be reallocated towards more effective treatments.
Ongoing aerobic exercise has been shown to enhance factors that potentially have a protective effect on the brain, counteracting brain shrinkage and improving connections in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Aerobic exercise can also help manage symptoms such as rigid muscles, slowed movement, and impaired posture and balance.
A large clinical trial conducted on patients with mild to moderate Parkinson disease found no clinically meaningful benefits from physiotherapy and occupational therapy. The study included over 762 patients who were randomly assigned to receive these therapies or no treatment.
Men with high urate levels have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a study published in Neurology. The study found that men with the highest urate levels were nearly 40% less likely to develop the disease.
A study published in The Lancet Neurology found that people with Parkinson's who took the oral drug rivastigmine were 45% less likely to fall and steadier when walking. This breakthrough treatment has the potential to improve quality of life for millions worldwide.
A team of researchers at Boston University School of Medicine has discovered a previously unknown cellular defect in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. The findings suggest that the cells' dysfunction of calcium homeostasis can determine whether certain neurons live or die.
A clinical trial is underway to investigate the use of cholesterol-lowering drug Simvastatin in treating Parkinson's disease. The study, funded by several organizations, aims to explore its potential neuroprotective effects and could lead to new treatments for the condition.
Scientists successfully analyzed proteins in Lewy bodies of Parkinson's disease patients, revealing β sheet structures and lipid-rich cores that may lead to understanding disease formation. This breakthrough could aid development of epoch-making treatment for the progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
Researchers found an association between weight loss and rapid disease progression in Parkinson's patients. Those who lost weight showed a greater increase in symptoms, while those who gained weight had the smallest annual increase.
Researchers found that alpha-synuclein spreading in Parkinson's disease is triggered by enhanced expression and trans-neuronal passage of monomeric and oligomeric forms, rather than prion-like seeding. This new insight sheds light on the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.
A nationwide study in Taiwan found that people with hepatitis C virus were nearly 30% more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those without. The study involved over 49,000 participants and followed them for an average of 12 years.
Researchers used a portable device to compare brain activity in people with Parkinsonian syndromes and healthy adults. The study found that those with Parkinsonian symptoms demonstrated higher prefrontal cortex oxygenation levels to maintain stability while standing, and this difference relates to their performance in maintaining balance.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed new probes to measure surface hydrophobicity in proteins. These sensors show significant improvements over existing commercial tools, with up to a 60-fold increase in detection strength.
A team of researchers has identified a unique gait pattern among top Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. The experts link this 'gunslinger's gait' to military or intelligence training, specifically KGB instruction on keeping the weapon close to the chest while walking.
Scientists at the University of Nottingham have discovered a small molecule called nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) that causes a chain reaction of destruction within neuron cell processes. This finding may lead to new therapies for age-related neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
A study published in Neurology found an association between pesticide heptachlor epoxide and reduced brain cells in nonsmokers who drank more than two cups of milk daily. Researchers discovered residues of the pesticide in 90% of participants with high milk consumption, but note that the study does not show cause-and-effect.
Researchers at UC San Diego are investigating DNA methylation in the blood as a potential signature for Parkinson's disease. The study, funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, aims to improve early diagnosis and treatment of the chronic movement disorder.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine received NIH grants to study Parkinson's disease, investigating gliptins for effective treatment. They also explored regenerating stem cells to heal the brain after a stroke and targeting brain tumor stem cells to develop new therapy strategies.
A study at Thomas Jefferson University has successfully increased the production of GM1 ganglioside in mice with Parkinson's disease. The researchers used an enzyme to convert naturally occurring ganglioside molecules into GM1, providing neuronal protection similar to direct GM1 injection.
Biologists at the University of York have created a reliable method to detect Parkinson's disease by analyzing fruit flies' visual responses. The study used adapted methods from human vision research and found increased neuronal activity in 'young' flies with Parkinson's mutations, leading to an 85% accurate classification rate.
Scientists measured dopamine signals in Parkinson's patients during brain surgery, revealing rapid dopamine release encodes information crucial for human choice. The findings have widespread implications for neurological and psychiatric disorders, including depression and addiction.
Researchers have uncovered a mechanism that helps repair damaged synapses, enabling optimal neuronal communication. This discovery highlights the importance of microautophagy in breaking down cellular debris and may lead to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
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.
Researchers have discovered a potential link between Parkinson's treatment and protection against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common form of blindness. The study suggests that patients taking L-DOPA as Parkinson's treatment may be less likely to develop AMD, with delayed or prevented disease progression.
The article reviews lessons learned from Alzheimer's disease research to advance the development of screening and diagnostic algorithms for Parkinson's disease. It explores MCI-AD research, clinical trials incorporating biomarkers and genetics, and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting specific biological mechanisms.