Articles tagged with Parkinsons Disease
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.
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.
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 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.
A recent study found that REM sleep behavior disorder can be an early warning sign of dementia or Parkinson's disease, with some patients experiencing symptoms for up to 50 years before diagnosis. The research suggests that the brain may be actively affected by these disorders for an extended period.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a molecular pathway responsible for the death of key nerve cells whose loss causes Parkinson's disease. The study found that a genetic mutation linked to Parkinson's causes impaired activity of microRNAs, leading to premature cell death.
Researchers are investigating how parkin protein can rescue certain neurons from injury induced by Parkinson's disease. The study aims to understand the steps underlying parkin's ability to promote neuron recovery and identify targets for therapies.
Researchers discovered that specific brain circuits in the basal ganglia signal the start and stop of new actions, a process compromised in Parkinson's and Huntington's patients. Genetic manipulation of these circuits in mice impaired sequence learning, echoing human patients' struggles with movement initiation and termination.
Researchers are using induced pluripotent stem cells from skin tissue to grow dopamine neurons and study Parkinson's disease. The goal is to better understand the cause of the disease by comparing healthy cells with those affected by Parkinson's.
A 29-year follow-up study of Finnish men and women found that individuals with higher vitamin D levels had a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study suggests a potential link between chronic inadequacy of vitamin D and the development of Parkinson's disease.
A new study reveals that low vitamin D levels can predict the development of Parkinson's disease, with individuals having the lowest levels being three times more likely to develop the condition. Researchers are calling for public health authorities to consider raising the target vitamin D level above the current recommended level.
Researchers identify pedunculopontine nucleus as key brain region in Parkinson's disease-related gait disorders. Targeting acetylcholine-producing nerve cells may alleviate falls and improve walking abilities.
A study published in JCI Online found that targeting acetylcholine-producing nerve cells in the pedunculopontine nucleus may alleviate gait disorders and falls in Parkinson's disease patients. Meanwhile, another study suggests that blocking TIM-1 protein could provide therapeutic benefits for asthma patients.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes establish a connection between brain circuits and Parkinson's disease symptoms, identifying a potential treatment strategy. By activating specific pathways, they can mimic Parkinson's-like symptoms and even restore motor function in mice with dopamine deficiency.
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation has announced $1.2 million in research awards to support scientists studying the cause of and potential treatments for Parkinson's disease. Funding will go towards projects exploring dopamine regulation, tobacco compounds, and more.
A study published in Neuron reveals that the loss of Nna proteins causes mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to severe cell death in mice and fly models. Researchers believe this discovery could provide insights into human neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease.
A study published in Neurology found that a combination of tests can predict falls in people with Parkinson's disease. The tests evaluated overall symptoms, balance, and mobility, showing a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 84%. Implementing these tests can help identify those at risk of falling and prevent injuries.
Researchers found that Parkinson's patients with impulsive-compulsive spectrum behaviors have impaired self-control, but normal motivation. They prefer smaller immediate payments over larger delayed ones.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital tested spinal cord stimulation in a single patient with Parkinson's disease, finding that low-frequency SCS worsened symptoms while high-frequency SCS improved motor function. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore potential benefits of this approach for PD patients.
A study found that genetic mutations and pesticide exposure interact to increase men's risk for Parkinson's disease. Individuals with two variant alleles of the ABCB1 gene who were exposed to organochlorine insecticides had a stronger association with Parkinson's disease.
A major study found that patients with Parkinson's disease respond similarly to deep brain stimulation (DBS) at two different brain targets, challenging current beliefs. Motor symptoms such as tremor and stiffness improved equally in both groups.
A major study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for Parkinson's disease, with similar improvements in motor function regardless of the targeted region. The study also revealed small differences in non-motor effects such as mood and cognitive function.
Researchers have developed a real-time wireless monitoring system to track vital signs of patients with debilitating conditions like Parkinson's disease and COPD. The system uses wearable sensors and a web portal for medical personnel to receive alerts in case of life-threatening events.
Researchers identified a previously unknown brainstem pathway in vertebrates, which stimulates neural activity and locomotion. This finding suggests new research directions for treating Parkinson's disease, particularly targeting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
A randomized trial found that pramipexole significantly improved depressive symptoms and functioning in patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease. The study also showed that the antidepressant effect of pramipexole was largely independent of its effect on motor symptoms.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered that endometrial stem cells can repair brain cells damaged by Parkinson's disease, potentially treating women with the condition. The study, published in Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, found that these stem cells can differentiate into dopamine-producing nerve cells.
Researchers successfully transplanted endometrial stem cells into the brains of mice with a Parkinson-like condition, restoring partially dopamine levels. This finding raises the possibility of women serving as their own stem cell donors and banks being established for men and women with Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at UCSF have created a transgenic mouse model that displays the earliest signs of Parkinson's disease, including constipation and gastrointestinal problems. The model is significant as it validates a theory suggesting the neurological component of Parkinson's is a late-stage effect of a larger systemic problem.
A recent study published in The Lancet Neurology found that deep brain stimulation improves quality of life, mobility, and activities of daily living in advanced Parkinson's disease patients, while also reducing dyskinesia and off time. However, the procedure carried a higher risk of serious adverse events.
Researchers at the Genome Institute of Singapore have developed a zebrafish model to study Parkinson's disease, which can aid in drug development and screening. The model demonstrates that zebrafish can be used to study human diseases, including PD, and has potential for large-scale drug screening.
A new book by NASA climatologist Claire Parkinson examines the coming climate crisis, drawing on 4.6 billion years of Earth's climate history. The book highlights the limitations of computer models and warns of unintended consequences of geoengineering, instead advocating for alternative approaches to reduce climate change.
Parkin and PINK1 genes play a critical role in Parkinson's disease. The study found that PINK1 is rapidly degraded under healthy conditions, but its accumulation stabilizes at low membrane potential. Parkin is recruited to mitochondria with low potential to dispose of damaged organelles.
New data from the RECOVER study showed that Neupro (Rotigotine Transdermal System) effectively improved both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including sleep quality, mood, cognition, and pain. The treatment also translated into significant improvements in quality of life for patients.
New data presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting showed that patients with moderate to severe RLS using rotigotine achieved sustained improvements in symptoms over 5 years. The study confirmed the safety and efficacy of rotigotine, with over a third of patients remaining symptom-free after 5 years.