Articles tagged with Parkinsons Disease
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 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.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine successfully derived neurons with symptoms of Parkinson's disease from a patient's skin cells. These neurons exhibit key features of the condition, including oxidative stress and Lewy body formation, in a short timeframe.
Researchers found that PARIS protein accumulates in brain cells with mutated parkin gene, leading to decreased PGC-1alpha levels and neurodegeneration. This discovery offers promising new drug targets to slow or stop Parkinson's disease progression.
Research suggests ibuprofen may protect against Parkinson's disease by targeting a specific receptor in the brain. Taking ibuprofen regularly reduced the risk of developing the disease by 38%, according to the study published in Neurology.
A new Harvard School of Public Health study found that adults who regularly take ibuprofen have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The researchers analyzed data from nearly 99,000 women and 37,000 men, finding that ibuprofen use was associated with a 38% reduced risk of Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at Iowa State University have discovered a protein pathway that may hold the key to understanding and treating Parkinson's disease. By modifying the production of a specific protein, they believe it is possible to inhibit the destructive effects on dopamine-producing cells.
Using amphetamines like Benzedrine and Dexedrine may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to a new study. The research, which followed 66,348 participants in northern California, found that those who used these drugs were nearly 60% more likely to develop the condition.
Researchers discovered a strong link between the use of pesticides rotenone and paraquat and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study found that people who used these pesticides developed the disease around 2.5 times more often than non-users.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found that a protein called MEF2D plays a key role inside mitochondria in brain cells, and its impairment is linked to Parkinson's disease progression. The study suggests that problems with MEF2D could represent one of the earliest steps in neurodegeneration.
A study published in Neurology found that men who eat berries regularly have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins from berries, were associated with a reduced risk in both men and women.
Researchers found that a naturally present brain chemical signal, CX3CL1, can suppress microglial activation and reduce inflammation in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. This suggests that the communication between neurons and glial cells may play a role in neurodegeneration.
A new compound has shown significant effectiveness in protecting brain cells directly affected by Parkinson's disease, a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. The compound, SR-3306, aims to inhibit JNK enzymes that play a key role in neuron survival.
Preladenant significantly reduces off time and increases on time without worsening dyskinesia in Parkinson's disease patients. The study found that preladenant may offer a new supplemental treatment option for patients experiencing 'wearing off' symptoms from levodopa therapy.
SLU researchers found that DOPAL kills healthy dopamine cells, leading to Parkinson's disease. The study provides a promising new avenue for preventing dopamine neuron loss and progression of the disease.
A groundbreaking study found that mesenchymal stem cells delivered through the nose improved motor function and increased dopamine levels in rats with Parkinson's disease. This non-invasive approach offers a safer alternative to surgical transplantation.
Researchers aim to replicate Parkinson's disease in lab cells and investigate inflammation to find new therapies. Led by Fred H. Gage, the team will use human induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patients to study neurodegeneration.
Researchers have identified five additional genetic variations that contribute significantly to Parkinson's disease risk, with 20% of patients carrying high-risk variants being two-and-a-half times more likely to develop PD. The study highlights the importance of common genetic variation in the development of this debilitating condition.
Loyola University Health System neurologists Dr. José Biller and Dr. Michael J. Schneck predict an 'explosive growth in potential medical therapies' for age-related neurological disorders. New treatments and diagnostic tests have led to an increased demand for neurologists and interest in the field.
A recent study suggests that damaged alpha-synuclein proteins can spread between cells in a 'prion-like' manner, contributing to Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. This cell-to-cell transfer mechanism may play a significant role in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study by Michele Tagliati and colleagues found that patients with deep brain stimulation experienced no significant progression of motor symptoms over five years. The research suggests that the therapy may actually stabilize these symptoms, challenging previous assumptions about Parkinson's disease progression.
Researchers identify a key process leading to brain cell death in Parkinson's disease, offering hope for slowing progression and diagnosis. Blocking this process preserves parkin function and spares neurons.
A recent study from the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that African American patients and those with lower socioeconomic status have more advanced Parkinson's disease and greater disability when seeking treatment from specialists. This disparity is associated with earlier loss of independence and greater disease severity.
A study found that African American patients with Parkinson's disease have more severe parkinsonism and greater disability compared to white patients. Lower socioeconomic status is also associated with increased disease severity and reduced access to effective treatments, such as newer dopaminergic medications.
Researchers at Southern Methodist University and The University of Texas at Dallas have discovered a family of small molecules that protect brain cells against nerve-degenerative diseases. The compounds, developed by SMU and UT Dallas scientists, showed promise in tissue culture models and animal models of neurodegeneration.
A study of 88 Parkinson's outpatients found that 72% experienced fatigue or excessive daytime sleepiness, with 60% of fatigued patients also experiencing EDS. Fatigue was more common in those without EDS, while EDS worsened with dopamine agonist treatment.
Researchers used a new brain imaging technique to test an investigational drug for Parkinson's disease, finding it may be effective when combined with levodopa. The study suggests the method could speed drug development and improve treatment outcomes.
A new tool has been developed to measure the quality of patient care for people with brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease. The tool evaluates non-motor symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, safety, and more, providing a comprehensive assessment of care.
The American Academy of Neurology has developed a new quality measures tool to help doctors gauge how well they are caring for people with Parkinson's disease, focusing on non-motor symptoms such as depression and falls. The measures aim to improve the quality of care for individuals with neurologic disorders like Parkinson's disease.
Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center presented findings on how a gene regulating dopamine affects communication between brain regions during memory tasks. They also explored the neural processing disrupted in neurological disorders like semantic dementia and stroke, as well as the mechanisms underlying tinnitus.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that stressed dopamine-releasing neurons in the brain die prematurely, triggering Parkinson's disease symptoms. The research suggests that controlling this stress with a drug already approved for high blood pressure may delay disease progression.
A new mouse model created by Japanese scientists confirms the link between mutated beta-synuclein protein and neurodegeneration in diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The discovery establishes B-synuclein as a potential target for developing new therapies.
Researchers at Concordia University have discovered how the brain chemical dopamine regulates daily sleeping and eating patterns by altering PER2 protein activity. The study, published in Journal of Neuroscience, may have implications for individuals with Parkinson's disease who experience disrupted 24-hour rhythms.
A new analysis suggests that Parkinson's disease can be understood in terms of damage to control circuits in the brain responsible for habits. Removing part of the brain can help patients regain smooth initiation of movements by reducing inhibitory signals from malfunctioning habitual control systems.
Research consensus establishes DBS as a treatment option for patients with severe Parkinson's symptoms, including tremors and motor fluctuations. The study provides guidelines for patient selection and surgical approach, emphasizing the importance of experienced teams and neurosurgeons.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation awarded $10.1 million for five new clinical studies and 14 pre-clinical therapeutic development projects. The funding aims to improve treatment regimens for Parkinson's patients, reduce complications, and develop novel therapies.
Researchers found that brain cells in Parkinson's patients abandon their energy-producing machinery, the mitochondria. Boosting the mitochondria with FDA-approved drugs may prevent or delay the onset of Parkinson's disease.
Researchers found that people with Parkinson's disease who developed symptoms earlier in life had a shorter survival time, averaging 16 years from symptom onset. Those with psychotic symptoms or dementia were also at higher risk of early death.
Researchers have discovered that over-activation of the c-Abl protein can shut down parkin's protective function, leading to a build-up of toxic proteins and neuron death. Inhibiting c-Abl with existing drugs like imatinib may provide a new treatment approach for Parkinson's disease.
Two new Udall Centers will advance Parkinson's disease research, focusing on genetic studies, brain circuit disruption, and novel treatments. The NINDS investment aims to accelerate basic, translational, and clinical research to find a cure for the devastating illness.
The Penn Medicine Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center is one of 18 official study sites for the PPMI, a $40 million, 5-year observational clinical study that aims to identify biomarkers of Parkinson's disease progression. The study will use advanced imaging, biologics sampling, and behavioral assessments to provide valuab...
Researchers at Florida State University found that people with Parkinson's disease alter their gait when asked to perform verbal tasks while walking, increasing the risk of falls. Even healthy adults without a neurological impairment demonstrated similar difficulties walking and talking, highlighting the need for healthcare professiona...
A study found that excess alpha-synuclein blocks the formation of autophagosome precursors and omegasomes, leading to impaired autophagy in neurons. This can result in the gradual accumulation of toxic proteins and dysfunctional mitochondria, sensitizing neurons to cell death.
Researchers have identified neuroimaging abnormalities in patients with rapid-eye-movement sleep behaviour disorder that predict the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The study found decreased striatal dopamine transporters uptake and midbrain hyperechogenicity to be risk factors for developing Parkinson's disease, dementia wi...
Researchers have identified neuroimaging techniques that can predict Parkinson's disease in patients with REM sleep disturbances, enabling early neuroprotective treatment strategies. A study found that 19% of patients developed a neurodegenerative disorder within two and a half years, with 5 cases of Parkinson's disease among those sho...
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified a novel molecular pathway underlying Parkinson's disease, which involves polyamines and toxic proteins in neurons. The study suggests that polyamine-lowering drugs may be able to slow the disease's progression and potentially lead to early detection tests.
Researchers are uncovering the molecular basis of Parkinson's disease by studying alpha-synuclein in yeast cells, which could lead to new therapeutic drugs. Small compounds found effective in preventing Parkinson's disease in worms and blocking toxic effects in rat neurons may form the basis of future treatments.
Parkinson's disease affects brain circuitry that impacts cognitive functions like planning and decision-making. Researchers discovered patients can perform automated tasks better than non-patients, yet struggle to adapt to changing behaviors.
Moussa B.H. Youdim, a renowned neuroscientist, receives the 2010 ECNP Lifetime Achievement Award for his groundbreaking work on neuroprotective therapies for Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. His research focuses on the role of monoamine oxidase enzymes in neurotransmitter metabolism and brain iron metabolism.
A genome-wide association study has revealed a strong link between a gene in the human leukocyte antigen region and Parkinson's disease, implicating the immune system. The study suggests that inflammation is involved in the origin of the disease, not just a symptom.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified two drugs that can protect nerve cells in mice from the lethal effects of Parkinson's disease by blocking the overactive LRRK2 protein. This finding suggests a promising target for developing treatments against Parkinson's disease.
A team of researchers has discovered a genetic link between the immune system and Parkinson's disease, finding a new association with the HLA region. The study, which analyzed over 2,000 patients and healthy volunteers, suggests that immune function may play a role in the development and progression of Parkinson's disease.
Individuals with Parkinson's disease who were told they had a higher chance of receiving an active drug showed a stronger neurochemical response to placebo. The expectation of symptom improvement is associated with the release of dopamine in patients with Parkinson's disease and can affect motor performance.
Researchers found that a gaseous molecule called nitric oxide can trigger brain cell death in neurodegenerative diseases. The study discovered a new molecular pathway that leads to cellular suicide, offering new potential for diagnosis and treatment.