Articles tagged with Parkinsons Disease
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a protein called CHIP that binds to the mutated protein LRRK2, promoting its breakdown. This finding provides a potential therapeutic target for treatments to halt the action of the mutated protein.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has received a two-year, $412,500 federal stimulus grant to support research on developing a therapeutic vaccine for Parkinson's disease. Researchers aim to target alpha-synuclein, a protein associated with the disease, and potentially slow its progression.
A genetically engineered mouse reproduces many of the non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, including digestive problems and loss of sense of smell. The mice have delayed emptying of the stomach, fall asleep more quickly, and display signs of depression in tests.
Four University of Miami Marine Biology and Fisheries students have received recognition from the National Science Foundation for their research on coral reefs. Ross Cunning and John Parkinson were awarded fellowships, while Sean Bignami and Kevin V. Brix received Honorable Mentions.
A telemedicine project at the University of Rochester Medical Center has improved quality of life and motor function for Parkinson's patients in nursing homes. The system, utilizing a laptop, software, and web camera, enables specialists to conduct virtual visits with trained nurses, reducing travel burden and costs.
Researchers found significant improvements in rigidity, movement, fine motor skills, and energy levels among Parkinson's patients playing Wii games. Most participants experienced a decrease in depression levels to zero.
Researchers have identified the protein ILK as promoting growth of aggressive rhabdomyosarcoma cells and suppressing ERMS cell growth. A therapy targeting ILK may provide a tailored approach for treating the lethal form of RMS, ARMS.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet are making rapid progress in stem cell therapy, with a first-in-human study initiated for Parkinson's disease. The study uses the drug product sNN0031, which has shown long-lasting recovery and new cell formation in animal models. Additionally, a treatment for ALS entered clinical trials last year.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified a protein called oct3 that plays a critical role in both Parkinson's disease and addictive drugs. The protein helps toxic chemicals reach dopamine neurons, leading to cell death in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Researchers discover organic cation transporter 3 (oct3) plays a critical role in both Parkinson's disease and drug addiction by transporting toxic chemicals into brain cells that die in patients with the condition. Oct3 helps astrocytes remove excess dopamine, leading to feelings of euphoria but also potential brain damage.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found that dopamine, a calcium channel, and alpha-synuclein act together to kill brain cells in Parkinson's disease. The discovery gives hope for saving neurons and stopping the progression of the disease by targeting just one of the three factors.
Researchers found a 75% increased risk of Parkinson's disease among Central Valley residents exposed to maneb and paraquat between 1974 and 1999. Earlier exposure, particularly in childhood or adolescence, significantly increased the risk, especially for those diagnosed at age 60 or younger.
A study by Dr. Nicolas Bazan at LSU Health Sciences Center has found that an omega three fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) protects brain cells from misfolding proteins associated with Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers have identified a group of cells as direct targets of deep brain stimulation (DBS) using optogenetics, which reduces disease symptoms by preferentially activating neurons linked to the subthalamic nucleus region. The technique allows precise stimulation and measurement of treatment effects simultaneously in animals with Par...
A new study at the Mayo Clinic found that one in six patients taking therapeutic doses of dopamine agonist medications for Parkinson's disease developed new-onset compulsive gambling or hypersexuality. Researchers analyzed medical records of patients and found no such cases in those taking low doses or other treatments.
Researchers found that a gene called Nurr1 limits pro-inflammatory neurotoxic mediators in microglia and astrocytes, suggesting a link between inflammation and Parkinson's disease progression. The study may point to new avenues for therapy and anti-inflammatory treatments to combat the disease.
A study published in Physical Therapy found that directing attention to external effects of movement improves postural stability in patients with Parkinson's disease. This strategy may help reduce falls and improve mobility for those affected.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive brain scanning technique that may help diagnose Parkinson's disease and track its progression. The technique uses diffusion tensor imaging to examine the substantia nigra region of the brain, which produces dopamine.
Researchers discovered that GDNF delivery to specific brain areas can cause unwanted weight loss in Parkinson patients. The finding suggests that gene therapy techniques in the brain potentially could control obesity and highlights the importance of placing therapy in the correct region.
Researchers developed a prosthetic device that applies electrical stimulation to the dorsal column in the spinal cord, improving movement in dopamine-depleted animals. The device was found to be effective and less invasive than other alternatives to medication, with potential for widespread use.
A Stanford study found that stimulating neural wires rather than cells in the subthalamic nucleus can improve Parkinson's symptoms, offering new insights into the disease and possible treatments. The researchers used optogenetics to activate specific types of cells in rodents, revealing a key role for axons in transmitting signals.
Researchers use single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer to observe alpha-synuclein proteins changing shape in response to different binding partners, revealing unprecedented twists and turns. This ability could play a significant role in regulating disease-related aggregates.
Researchers found that DBS in either brain target effectively treated motor symptoms, but produced unique effects on mood and mental sharpness. The discovery may impact the selection of DBS patients, especially those with pre-existing memory or cognitive disabilities.
Patients with early Parkinson's disease show similar overall levels of disability after six years of levodopa or dopamine agonist treatment. Persistent differences are seen in motor symptoms, fluid build-up, and sleepiness.
A study compared two common drugs used to treat early-stage Parkinson's disease and found that their long-term impact is similar. The research showed that patients on different treatment regimens experience roughly the same level of disability and quality of life over time.
Scientists at Whitehead Institute have successfully removed cancer-causing genes from human skin cells reprogrammed into embryonic-stem-cell-like state, creating patient-specific stem cells. These cells can be matured into dopamine-producing neurons, which degenerate in Parkinson's disease patients.
A new study found that women with a longer fertile lifespan, resulting in higher levels of naturally produced estrogen, had a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. However, hormone therapy did not offer protection against the disease, and may even have harmful neurological effects.
Researchers at McGill University found that Parkinson's patients who develop addictions have elevated dopamine levels, promoting addictive behaviours. Adjusting medication dosage resolved symptoms, suggesting hereditary factors contribute to addiction vulnerability.
A new study found that women with a longer fertile lifespan and more years of exposure to their own sex hormones may be protected from Parkinson's disease. Women with four or more pregnancies were at greater risk of developing the disease compared to those with fewer pregnancies.
Claire Parkinson, Marc Kuchner, and Neil Gehrels received recognition for their leadership in understanding sea-ice changes through satellite measurements and detecting extra-solar planets. The scientists' research has greatly advanced astronomers' understanding of climate change, exoplanet formation, and gamma-ray bursts.
Researchers have created an algorithm that analyzes gene expression and protein production to identify genes and pathways that can affect cell survival. The new method, ResponseNet, has led to new insights into the connection between alpha-synuclein toxicity and basic cell processes.
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation has awarded $300,000 in emergency bridge funding to four leading scientists working on novel research projects. The grants will support studies focused on improving gastrointestinal motility and targeting alpha-synuclein protein misfolding, among others.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center are developing a vaccine targeting alpha-synuclein to prevent Parkinson's disease progression. The vaccine has the potential to slow symptom onset, a current challenge in treatment.
A study of nearly 157,000 people found that those with a family history of melanoma were nearly twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease. Researchers suggest that the two diseases may share common genetic components.
Researchers at Diamond Light Source have developed a new technique using X-ray eyes to map metal distribution in brain tissue, which could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's disease. By studying the distribution of metal ions in affected regions, scientists hope to improve MRI detection and diagnosis.
Researchers discovered that adding extra copies of a gene makes a protective protein neutralize toxic chemicals in the brain, preventing cell death. This breakthrough could offer profound protection against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS.
A Penn study found a genetic link between Parkinson's disease genes and manganese poisoning, with the PARK9 protein protecting cells from toxic effects. Manganese poisoning is an environmental risk factor for a Parkinson's-like syndrome.
Researchers at MIT have identified two genes that are altered in the brains of animals with L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias. The study found that regulating these CalDAG-GEF molecules could have therapeutic value for treating the involuntary movements associated with Parkinson's disease.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are developing new imaging technologies to help accurately pinpoint deep-brain stimulation electrodes in patients with Parkinson's disease. The study aims to reduce complications and improve patient outcomes by utilizing advanced MRI sequences and diffusion tensor imaging.
A new study found that patients starting rasagiline earlier experienced less progression of Parkinson's disease symptoms and signs, including rigidity and activities of daily living. The long-term study showed a 16% less progression in the early-start group compared to those who delayed treatment for six months.
A Mayo Clinic-led international consortium discovered a genetic defect in the dynactin complex that may help explain neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The mechanism implicated in Perry syndrome, a rare disorder, may also shed light on common depression and sleep disorders.
Patients with advanced Parkinson's disease who received deep brain stimulation treatment had significant improvements in movement skills and quality of life after six months. However, the treatment was also associated with a higher risk of serious adverse events, including surgical site infections and nervous system disorders.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine have discovered that the protein alpha-synuclein interferes with the cell's recycling of MEF2D, leading to cell death. The study suggests that targeting MEF2D could be a potential way to regulate brain cells' response to toxic stresses.
A study published in Neurology found that people with REM sleep behavior disorder have an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Parkinson's. The five-year risk was estimated to be 18%, while the 10-year and 12-year risks were 41% and 52%, respectively.
Researchers developed a method to analyze genetic variations in HCV-infected patients, predicting their response to antiviral therapy. This approach may lead to a test that identifies targets for new antiviral drugs.
Researchers found that CD4+ T cells play a significant role in Parkinson's disease progression. Infiltration of these immune cells in the brain contributes to neurodegeneration. Targeting the immune system might offer a new therapeutic approach.
A recent study found that older antidepressants targeting both serotonin and norepinephrine are more effective in treating depression in people with Parkinson's disease. This is a significant finding, as depression affects up to 50% of individuals with the condition.
Researchers are investigating the correlation between a fading sense of smell and the onset of Parkinson's disease. The study, which draws from research demonstrating that first-degree family members have a slight increase in risk, will monitor relatives 50 years or older for early detection.
Levodopa is recommended for treating both early and advanced stages of Parkinson's disease, improving motor skills, speech, and gait. The treatment can also confirm a suspected diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, providing relief from tremors and other symptoms.
Parkin protein prompts neuronal survival by clearing damaged mitochondria. Researchers found that Parkin translocates to mitochondria upon damage, sending them to autophagosomes for degradation. This process prevents damaged mitochondria from triggering cell death.
Researchers at Southern Methodist University identified four potent chemical compounds that slow neuron degeneration, a key cause of old-age diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The compounds, called 3-substituted indolin-2-one derivatives, are non-toxic even at high doses, offering hope for halting neurodegenerative diseases.
A recent clinical trial has shown remarkable results for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with 7 out of 10 participants experiencing a substantial reduction in symptoms after deep cerebral stimulation. The treatment, which involves targeting the subthalamic nucleus in the brain, offers a promising alternative to tradi...
Researchers will investigate new ways of developing clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The study aims to improve the speed, cost-effectiveness, and relevance of treatments, benefiting patients and their carers.
The Parkinson's Disease Foundation has awarded $150,000 to study the potential of individualized stem cell therapy for treating Parkinson's disease. Researchers will investigate using transformed adult skin cells to replace damaged dopamine neurons in the brains of people with Parkinson's.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that individuals with Parkinson's disease are more likely to be vitamin D deficient compared to healthy adults and those with Alzheimer's disease. The average vitamin D concentration in the group with Parkinson's disease was lower than both groups.
A new study from Emory University School of Medicine found that 55 percent of Parkinson's disease patients had insufficient levels of vitamin D. The study also showed a higher fraction of patients with the lowest levels of vitamin D, described as deficiency, in the Parkinson's group compared to Alzheimer's and healthy groups.
Stuart A. Lipton will lead a center studying potential environmental causes of Parkinson's disease, examining chemical reactions that alter protein function and screening compounds to prevent disease progression. The center represents a collaborative effort between scientists at Burnham and other institutions.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is awarding three new grants to investigate the role of environmental factors in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The research will focus on identifying mechanisms that link pesticide exposure, mitochondrial damage, and altered dopamine storage to the dev...
A study of 402 Parkinson's disease patients found that 69.9% experienced pain, compared to 62.8% in healthy controls. Pain types included cramping and central neuropathic pain, suggesting a link between brain structures and pain processing.
Researchers have discovered unique hybrid protein complexes that form when Abeta amyloid and a-synuclein interact, altering neuronal activity. This study provides a model for developing new drugs to treat these devastating neurological diseases.