Research on Parkinson's disease and its treatment. Covers mitochondrial protection, genetic progression markers, antibody therapies, and disease costs.
Researchers at University of Luxembourg's LCSB have published an interactive Parkinson's disease map, allowing scientists to systematically study the disease through a clearer understanding of existing knowledge. The map facilitates the identification of gaps in current understanding and establishes new research hypotheses.
NYSCF and PPMI collaborate to develop stem cell lines from patients, enabling researchers to study Parkinson's disease progression. The partnership aims to identify biomarkers and accelerate treatment development.
A study published in Neurology found that alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with Lewy bodies, is elevated in the skin of people with Parkinson's disease. This could lead to the development of a biomarker for early diagnosis and improved treatment options.
Researchers found significant cortical thinning and subcortical atrophy in Parkinson's patients with mild cognitive impairment, indicating faster neurodegeneration. This pattern may serve as a predictor of dementia in PD patients in the future.
A study published in Neurology found that people with depression are three times more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those without depression. Researchers analyzed 4,634 individuals with depression and 18,544 without depression over a 10-year period.
A University of Houston researcher has won a $330,000 NSF grant to develop signal-processing techniques that interpret electrical activity recorded by deep brain stimulation probes. This technology aims to provide real-time feedback to neurosurgeons, allowing them to guide probe placement and perform surgeries faster and more accurately.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which damaged mitochondria signal their own destruction, allowing cells to thrive. The 'eat me' signal involves cardiolipins and a protein called LC3, opening doors to potential research into cures for Parkinson's disease.
Scientists at University of Wisconsin-Madison discover that zinc ions play a crucial role in maintaining protein stability. A shortage of zinc can cause proteins to misfold and clump together, leading to cell death. Researchers identify a 'protein chaperone' called Tsa1 that prevents protein aggregation and maintains cellular balance.
Researchers have identified distinctive epigenetic modifications associated with Parkinson's disease that can be easily analyzed in blood samples. These changes replicate the epigenetic status of brain tissue cells, potentially simplifying early diagnosis of the disease.
Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered a genetic mutation that alters lipid metabolism in Parkinson's patients, leading to higher levels of ceramides and glucosylceramides in the blood. This biomarker is associated with severe cognitive impairment and dementia in Parkinson's disease.
A study of residents in Olmsted County, Minn., over 15 years found the incidence of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson disease dementia (PDD) to be higher among older adults. The study also identified age-related increases in both DLB and PDD rates.
A study found a link between early-onset Parkinson's disease and a genetic deletion on chromosome 22, shedding light on molecular changes that lead to the disease. The deletion is associated with abnormal protein accumulations in the brain and may delay diagnosis by up to 10 years.
Researchers have taken detailed images and measurements of a brain protein thought to play a role in Parkinson's disease. The protein morphs from its globular shape into 'protofibril' strands that assemble into pore-like rings.
Scientists at the University of Sheffield have identified a synthetic drug, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), that may slow down Parkinson's progression by making faulty mitochondria work normally again. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to improve symptoms and possibly halt disease progression.
Researchers analyzed cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease (PD) and healthy controls. Lower levels of Alzheimer's beta-1-42 and tau proteins were found in PD patients, associated with motor severity. The study suggests that these biomarkers have prognostic potential for early-stage PD.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have developed a comprehensive test for protein biomarkers in spinal fluid that shows prognostic and diagnostic value in early stages of Parkinson's disease. The study found that patients with lower levels of tau and alpha synuclein had greater motor dysfunction, while th...
Researchers have identified a new biological target for combating Parkinson's disease by discovering a compound that eases symptoms in mice. The study found that a protein called AIMP2 activates a self-destruct pathway, leading to cell death, but also triggered the activation of PARP1 and PAR, which can be targeted by existing compounds.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that corrupted proteins spread in the brain through a specific type of receptor called heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Blocking this receptor may aid treatment of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, potentially unifying understanding and treatment of multiple neurodegenerative conditions.
A UCSF team discovered that a chemical found in an anti-wrinkle cream can increase mutant PINK1 enzyme activity to near normal levels, reversing cell death caused by Parkinson's-disease mutations. This finding suggests potential for new treatment strategies and raises hope for combatting other diseases, including diabetes and cancer.
A new study published in Neural Regeneration Research suggests that X-linked methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) may be a promising therapeutic target for treating Parkinson's disease. Researchers found that overexpressing MeCP2 in damaged human cells reduced apoptosis and increased tyrosine hydroxylase levels, indicating potential be...
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that genetic mutations linked to Parkinson's disease can cause problems with mitophagy, a process essential for eliminating damaged cells. The research suggests that targeting this pathway could lead to the development of more effective drug treatments.
Researchers analyzed data from over 30,000 patients to determine if Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease share a common genetic risk factor. The study found no evidence of such overlap.
A new study by Rush University Medical Center researchers found that a sudden decrease in testosterone levels may cause Parkinson's-like symptoms in male mice. Testosterone supplementation reversed the pathology in the mice. The study suggests that preserving testosterone levels may be important to prevent Parkinson's disease.
Research in Taiwan found a link between stopping cholesterol medication and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Fat-soluble statins were associated with a reduced risk, while hydrophilic statins showed no such correlation.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discover that parkin enzyme loss leads to reduced levels of protective protein Fbw7β, causing neuronal stress and death. Targeting Fbw7β may offer a new neuroprotective strategy for Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers at Banner Sun Health Research Institute and Mayo Clinic are working together on a diagnostic test to identify early Parkinson's disease in patients. They believe that transcutaneous submandibular gland biopsy may provide the needed accuracy, as they look for a protein in the cells from patients with early Parkinson's disease.
This study examines how Parkinson's disease affects the health-related quality of life in northeastern Sicily, Italy. The researchers applied the ecological model to investigate the individual and social environmental factors impacting patient outcomes, including depression, cognitive impairment, coping strategies, and family size.
A recent Penn study found a significant association between cerebrovascular disease and dementia, particularly in younger patients with Alzheimer's disease. The researchers suggest that early management of vascular risk factors and healthy lifestyles may delay or prevent the onset of dementia due to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have discovered that a single protein, alpha-synuclein, can exist in two different structural shapes, or 'strains', which promote misfolding of other disease proteins commonly found in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This finding has significant implications for the development of therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found two distinct strains of alpha-synuclein that promote different patterns of misfolding, leading to unique sets of symptoms in neurodegenerative disorders. The study suggests that different structural shapes of the protein may contribute to co-occurrence of synuclein and tau accumulations in certain brain diseases.
Researchers propose a new motion test that examines various walking features in healthy and clinical populations, identifying critical changes in mobility. The study uses advanced mathematical computations to extract data from accelerometer signals, showing significant differences between healthy and clinical groups.
Lauren Sciences LLC has received a second grant from the Michael J. Fox Foundation to further develop its V-Smart therapeutic platform for treating Parkinson's disease. The grant will investigate the efficacy of V-Smart vesicles in delivering GDNF to brain regions affected by PD.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute design a dual inhibitor attacking leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) and c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) enzymes, two proteins closely linked to Parkinson's disease development. The compound may offer a more effective treatment by eliminating complications of individual inhibitors.
Researchers have found that diapocynin, a synthetic antioxidant molecule, protects neurobehavioral function in mice with Parkinson's Disease symptoms. The treatment prevented expected deficits in motor coordination, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that mannitol prevents clumps of α-synuclein protein from forming in the brain, a process characteristic of Parkinson's disease. Mannitol has been shown to reduce aggregates of α-synuclein in genetically-altered flies and mice.
A new University of Florida study suggests a brain-imaging technique can help diagnose movement disorders. The diffusion tensor imaging technique was used on 72 patients with movement disorder diagnoses, with high accuracy achieved in separating the patients into disorder groups.
Scientists at the Vienna University of Technology have observed and explained the dance of atoms on iron-oxide surfaces. They found that carbon monoxide is the partner responsible for rapid motion, which leads to clustering and reduces the effectiveness of catalysts. A hydroxyl coating of the surface can suppress this effect.
A new surgical technique for deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been developed, allowing for more accurate placement of brain electrodes and reducing complications. The procedure is safer and faster than traditional DBS surgery, making it a promising treatment option for various medical conditions beyond Parkinson's disease.
A new study found that increased serum iron levels are associated with a 3% relative reduction in the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research used a Mendelian randomization approach to investigate the link between iron levels and Parkinson's disease risk.
The IUPUI research collaboration used advanced mathematical models and laboratory testing to examine the effects of simulated drug addiction on neural circuits. The study found that recurrent stimulant injections caused neurons to lose their ability to engage supervisory control over brain function and behavior.
A meta-analysis of over 100 studies found exposure to pesticides, weed killers, and solvents is associated with a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research suggests that the risk increases in a dose-response manner as length of exposure to these chemicals increases.
Scientists develop new animal model to study Parkinson's disease, tracing protein spreading in brain regions. The experiment reveals clues on mechanisms underlying pathological progression.
Defects in cellular trash removal processes lead to toxic protein build-up and neuronal damage in Gaucher disease, mirroring Parkinson's disease pathology. Researchers suggest targeting mitochondrial function to develop treatment strategies for both diseases.
Scientists have discovered a protein that binds to two 'orphan receptors' found in the brain, GPR37 and GPR37L1. This binding has been linked to neuroprotection and glioprotection, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and stroke.
Researchers discover phosphatidylserine improves gene function in degenerative brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease and Familial Dysautonomia, slowing nerve cell death. The supplement is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, accumulating in sufficient amounts in the brain.
A clinical trial investigated the use of Exenatide, a diabetes drug, in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study found that patients receiving Exenatide showed significant improvements in motor skills and cognitive ability after one year of treatment.
McGill University researchers have discovered the three-dimensional structure of the Parkin protein, which protects neurons from cell death due to damaged mitochondria. The study's findings suggest that designing mutations in Parkin could provide better protection for nerve cells and potentially slow disease progression.
Research suggests that eating foods containing edible Solanaceae, such as peppers and tomatoes, may reduce risk of developing Parkinson's. The study found a strong association between increased consumption of these foods and decreased risk of Parkinson's, with peppers displaying the strongest association.
Researchers found that increasing parkin levels in fruit flies extended their life span by more than 25 percent, reducing damaged proteins and improving mitochondrial function. The study suggests that boosting cellular 'garbage disposal' could delay the onset of aging-related diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Scientists identify mitofusin 2 as key player linking mitochondrial quality control to Parkinson's disease and heart failure. The discovery may lead to new genetic forms of Parkinson's disease diagnosis and improved treatment options.
A new study reveals that Parkinson's disease protein alpha-synuclein can harm cells in the same way viruses do. It breaks out of lysosomes and releases enzymes toxic to the cell.
Researchers found that mannitol improved the movement of fruit flies with Parkinson's-like symptoms by reducing misfolded protein aggregation. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in humans, but the findings suggest a possible novel therapeutic direction.
Scientists have long debated the structure of alpha synuclein, a protein associated with Parkinson's. A new study models its structure, finding that it can rapidly switch between different conformations. The researchers suggest that stabilizing an ordered structure could prevent aggregation and offer a new drug-design strategy.
Researchers have discovered that Parkinson's disease protein, α-synuclein, forms insoluble aggregates that resist degradation in cells. The accumulation of these clumps impairs the macroautophagy system, a major garbage disposal system within the cell.
Laura Segatori, a Rice University engineer, has received a NSF CAREER Award to develop a toolkit for probing the workings of cellular processes that lead to diseases like Parkinson's. Her goal is to identify key proteins and learn how to regulate them using nanoparticles.
A Norwegian study found that patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at Parkinson's disease diagnosis have a higher risk of developing early dementia. The study, which included 182 patients with PD, showed that more than 25% of those with MCI developed dementia within three years.
Researchers found that cognitively normal people with high amyloid levels are likelier to develop dementia. Mayo Clinic neurologists also developed a test to gauge concussion severity using autonomic reflex testing, and discovered heart attack victims who received therapeutic hypothermia are unlikely to suffer cognitive impairment.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have made significant breakthroughs in treating rare genetic disorders. For one, they demonstrated the effectiveness of deoxypyrimidine monophosphates as a treatment for thymidine kinase 2 (TK2) deficiency, a condition causing devastating neuromuscular diseases. Additionally, studies on...
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience received $1.257 million in grant funding to study Parkinson's and epilepsy. Researchers aim to develop new molecular tools to analyze the human brain, with potential breakthroughs in treatments and cures.
Researchers have identified promising treatments for three common challenges faced by people with Parkinson's disease: blood pressure problems, the wearing-off effect, and uncontrolled symptoms. The new drugs show promise in reducing dizziness, falls, and improving motor function, offering a brighter future for those affected.