A group of neurologists reviewed the most frequently watched YouTube videos about movement disorders and found that 66% were identified as showing 'psychogenic' movement disorders. The doctors agreed on diagnoses in 87-100% of all cases, highlighting the need for careful consideration when seeking medical information online.
A newly discovered gene mutation in EIF4G1 has been linked to Parkinson's disease, affecting protein translation and cellular recycling. This finding provides a new potential target for treatments and highlights the importance of gene-environmental interactions in neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have discovered how dopamine levels affect brain cells involved in movement control, offering new hope for treating Parkinson's disease. A study found that a lack of dopamine alters the interaction between two groups of brain cells, leading to difficulties controlling movement.
Researchers identify EIF4G1 gene mutation that leads to death of brain cells, resulting in Parkinson's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. The study offers insights into how the gene controls protein levels to cope with biological stress.
Researchers found a genetic variation in the LRRK2 gene that reduces the risk of Parkinson's disease by nearly 20% in many populations. The study also identified different variants of the same gene that increase Parkinson's risk in Caucasians and Asians, providing evidence for multiple genetic risks contributing to the disease.
Researchers have found that Parkin, a protein linked to early-onset Parkinson's disease, regulates how cells take up and process dietary fats. This discovery suggests that defective Parkin may contribute to the development of some cases by changing fat levels in the body.
Researchers have created brain nerve cells affected by Parkinson's using skin samples from a patient with the most progressive form of the disease. This breakthrough study enables scientists to model the condition in a laboratory, shedding light on why certain nerve cells die.
Scientists at UCSF have discovered two distinct pools of vesicles in neurons, each with unique proteins that determine their behavior. The finding sheds new light on neurotransmitter packaging, transport, and release from neurons, potentially leading to breakthroughs in treating neurological diseases like Parkinson's.
Researchers at UCLA found that traumatic brain injury increases risk of Parkinson's disease, with a moderate injury causing a 15% loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. Exposure to the pesticide paraquat doubles this risk and accelerates neuronal degeneration.
Researchers discover that alpha-synuclein, key to Parkinson's disease, forms complex folded tetramers in healthy cells rather than a single, randomly-coiled chain. This finding challenges existing disease paradigms and suggests a new therapeutic approach.
People with Parkinson's disease who see a neurologist are more likely to live longer, less likely to be placed in a nursing home, and have fewer hip fractures. The study also found disparities in access to care based on gender and ethnicity.
Patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who received deep brain stimulation implants showed sustained motor function improvement, including reduced tremors and rigidity, even after 10 years. However, axial signs such as posture and balance progressively declined over time.
New research in the FASEB Journal suggests that nicotine can protect dopamine neurons in the brain from Parkinson's disease. The discovery of how nicotine does this may lead to entirely new types of treatments for the disease.
Researchers are investigating Fasudil, a drug that has shown positive outcomes in improving blood flow and reducing disease risk for Alzheimer's and stroke victims.
Patients with REM sleep behavior disorder experience nightmares and increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. A new study using brain SPECT technology found that dopamine levels in the brain drop quickly in these patients, making it a potential early indicator of disease progression.
A new study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that people who abused methamphetamine had a 76% higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to those with no disorder. The study analyzed nearly 300,000 hospital records in California over 16 years.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic discovered a genetic mutation in VPS35 that causes Parkinson's disease, leading to protein buildup in the brain. This finding opens up new avenues for understanding and treating the complex disease.
Researchers found that SUMO proteins can hinder the formation of insoluble protein clusters, a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that sumoylation, the process by which SUMO molecules attach to alpha-synuclein, may play a role in preventing protein aggregation.
Researchers found that virtual reality (VR) and physical reality exercises can increase movement speeds in PD patients, especially when moving targets are provided. The study shows promising results for VR as a tool to improve movement in persons with PD, similar to the benefits of physical reality cues.
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation has awarded over $1 million to 11 innovative researcher-initiated projects focused on understanding the cause and finding a cure for Parkinson's. These projects range from basic science investigations to potential new therapies, including studies of norepinephrine's role in the disease.
Researchers found that practitioners' judgments of patients with Parkinson's disease were influenced by cultural and gender stereotypes, leading to inequitable healthcare. Facial masking, a condition where faces lose expression, was particularly stigmatizing for women and men from different ethnic backgrounds.
Researchers have identified a new potential target for treating Parkinson's disease by blocking T-type calcium channels, which may alleviate movement disorders. This approach has shown promise in a rat model of PD, suggesting a novel therapeutic strategy.
A team of McMaster researchers is using tiny worms and microtechnology to search for effective new drugs to treat Parkinson's disease. They hope to accelerate the process of drug discovery, which could have direct application to human health.
Researchers at Buck Institute discover lithium profoundly prevents brain damage associated with Parkinson's disease in a mouse model. The study's findings suggest that lithium could be an effective treatment for PD patients at subclinical levels, avoiding side effects.
The study discovered two novel genetic associations with Parkinson's disease, one near the SCARB2 gene and another near SREBF1 and RAI1 genes. The research also replicated twenty previously known genetic associations, providing strong evidence for the web-based design used in this study.
A new iPhone application, iTrem, has been developed to track hand and arm tremors in patients with Parkinson's disease. The app uses the iPhone's accelerometer to collect data, which can be used by physicians to remotely monitor patient disability and treatment response.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers reveals that disruption of the molecular pathway causing Gaucher disease leads to toxic α-synuclein deposits in Parkinson's disease. This finding indicates therapies targeting this pathway may be a new option for patients with Parkinson's disease.
Researchers discovered a molecular link between pesticides and Parkinson's disease, shedding light on the oxidative stress that contributes to the neurodegenerative disorder. The study provides evidence that exposure to environmental toxins may be a primary cause of Parkinson's, with potential implications for prevention and treatment.
A genome-wide association study found three SNPs associated with PSP, suggesting they may contribute to disease susceptibility. These genes are involved in tau protein regulation and membrane recycling.
Researchers at USC have found that the energy difference between two alpha-synuclein structures is less than previously thought, offering new insights into the protein's role in Parkinson's disease. This discovery could help explain why the protein misfolds and becomes toxic to surrounding nerve cells.
Researchers have identified why dopamine replacement therapy has a negative effect on cognition in Parkinson's disease patients. The study found that the treatment enhances functions of the dorsal striatum at the expense of the ventral striatum.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have figured out how copper induces misfolding in the protein associated with Parkinson's disease. This finding has implications for both the study of Parkinson's progression and future treatments. The researchers used computer simulations to ferret out the most likely binding scenario, re...
Researchers found that people with Parkinson's disease are twice as likely to develop melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Women with Parkinson's disease are also at higher risk, particularly for aggressive forms of the disease.
Neurologix presents 1-year data from its Phase 2 study of NLX-P101, a gene therapy for Parkinson's disease, showing sustained improvements in motor symptoms. Patients treated with NLX-P101 experienced highly clinically meaningful symptom improvements, with a mean 37% improvement after one year.
Researchers found that combined exposure to the three chemicals increases the risk of Parkinson's disease threefold. People who live and work near fields sprayed with these pesticides experience the greatest increase in risk.
A study found that infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori can lead to Parkinson's disease symptoms in mice, and researchers suggest that this may be due to a modified cholesterol produced by the bacteria. The findings could have implications for understanding the development of neurodegenerative disorders.
The One Mind for Research Forum aims to dramatically advance the understanding and treatment of brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease. Researchers will share latest findings on neurodegenerative diseases, and a 10-year research agenda will be endorsed.
Researchers have identified a stem cell population that can reverse nerve cell loss in individuals with Parkinson disease. Protein-based human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells were found to efficiently generate functional dopamine neurons and treat a rat model of the disease. These findings suggest a potential new treatment approac...
Researchers have identified stem cell population that can reverse nerve cell loss in individuals with Parkinson disease. Protein-based human iPS cells efficiently generate functional dopamine neurons and treat a rat model of the disease.
A new study suggests that disrupting the supply chain of nerve cells may contribute to Parkinson's disease. Researchers found that a drug called MPP+ damages mitochondria, which can't be transported to axons, leading to cell death.
A new study suggests that group doctor visits could be an effective way to manage Parkinson's disease, allowing patients more time with their doctors and providing education on managing the condition. The study found no difference in quality of life between those receiving usual care and those participating in group visits.
Researchers identify small molecule blocking key protein involved in cholesterol production, successfully lowering cholesterol levels in isolated nerve cells and brain slices from mice. The discovery could lead to broader applications in other neurological conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at the University of Maryland found that low-intensity exercise, such as walking on a treadmill for 50 minutes three times a week, can improve mobility and delay disability in Parkinson's patients. The study also showed benefits from stretching and resistance exercises.
A new clinical trial shows that safinamide can help patients with severe Parkinson's disease by reducing dyskinesia, or movement problems. The study found that taking safinamide in addition to levodopa and other dopaminergic treatments reduced dyskinesia by 24% in some participants.
A randomized trial comparing three types of exercise training found that low-intensity treadmill exercise resulted in the most consistent improvements in gait and mobility for people with Parkinson's disease. Stretching and resistance exercises also showed some benefits.
Researchers found that welders had an average 11.7 percent reduction in dopamine markers in the brain compared to non-welders, suggesting potential neurotoxic effects from manganese exposure. The study also revealed brain changes consistent with manganese deposits, highlighting a potential public health concern for U.S. workers.
A study published in Neurology found that welders exposed to welding fumes had an average 11.7% reduction in dopamine levels in the brain, indicating potential neurotoxic effects. The researchers also discovered brain changes consistent with manganese deposits in welders.
A Canadian-led international study has found a link between the most common genetic risk factor for Parkinson's and the hallmark accumulation of alpha-synuclein in the brains of people with Parkinson's. The GBA mutation increases the risk of developing Parkinson's symptoms four to five years earlier than those without it.
The discovery of the Skywalker enzyme reveals a crucial step in vesicle recycling, leading to improved signal transmission and potentially new diagnostics and therapies for Parkinson's disease. Understanding this process may help maintain optimal communication balance between brain cells.
Earlier deep brain therapy shows better, quicker results for patients with potentially crippling dystonia. A study found that those treated earlier have better general outcomes, while age at surgery influences the time necessary to achieve optimal benefit.
Researchers found that Parkinson's sufferers exhibited work and health indications eight years before diagnosis, highlighting REM sleep behavior disorder as a potential early marker. The study suggests that intervening earlier could lead to improved treatment outcomes.
A double-blind gene therapy trial has demonstrated safety and significant improvement in motor function for patients with Parkinson's disease. The study found that injecting the glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) gene directly into the brain improved motor scores by 23.1% compared to a placebo group.
A gene therapy called NLX-P101 significantly reduces movement impairment in Parkinson's patients, with half achieving dramatic symptom improvements. The treatment introduces a gene to normalize chemical signaling, correcting dysfunction in brain circuitry responsible for coordinating movement.
A new study found that gene therapy NLX-P101 improved motor performance and control of Parkinsonism symptoms in half of patients, offering hope for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. The therapy has been safe and well-tolerated over a six-month period.
A double-blind trial demonstrated a 23% improvement in motor symptoms among patients receiving gene therapy for advanced Parkinson's disease, compared to a 12% improvement in those receiving sham surgery. The study suggests a potential breakthrough in treating this progressive movement disorder.
A recent study published in Archives of Neurology reveals a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency among patients with early Parkinson's disease. Contrary to expectations, the researchers found that vitamin D concentrations remained stable over time, suggesting a potential role for long-term insufficiency in the pathogenesis of PD.
Researchers found that eliminating caspase-2 prolongs the life of neurons stressed by pesticide chemicals, a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Neurons lacking caspase-2 increase autophagy to survive.
Abnormal neural activity was recorded from the deep brain of Parkinson's disease and dystonia patients, confirming previous animal study results. The findings suggest that cortically evoked neural responses in the basal ganglia can be used to determine target locations for deep brain stimulation electrodes.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center are testing a gene therapy product called CERE-120 to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The treatment involves delivering the human gene for neuturin directly to degenerating dopamine neurons in the brain.
Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have discovered a drug that turns on a protective gene, protecting brain cells from degeneration. The drug, phenylbutyrate, has been shown to prevent the progression of Parkinson's disease in mice and is now being tested in humans.