Research on Parkinson's disease and its treatment. Covers mitochondrial protection, genetic progression markers, antibody therapies, and disease costs.
A study funded by NIH found that individuals with higher urate levels in their blood and cerebrospinal fluid have a slower rate of disease progression. A clinical trial is underway to examine the safety and benefits of supplemental urate elevation for recently diagnosed patients.
A driving simulation test involving 67 people with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease and 51 healthy individuals found that those with Parkinson's were more likely to crash in foggy conditions. Their reaction time was also longer, averaging 2.7 seconds compared to 2.1 seconds for healthy drivers.
A large-scale clinical trial aims to determine if high doses of coenzyme Q10 can slow Parkinson's disease progression. Studies have shown that Parkinson's patients have impaired mitochondrial function and low levels of coenzyme Q10, which can be protected by the enzyme.
A new study found that occupational pesticide exposure is associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study, published in Archives of Neurology, investigated the link between pesticide use and parkinsonism, and found that certain pesticides more than doubled the risk of the disease.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a single gene promoting development of essential tremor in some patients and Parkinson's disease in others. The study found a significant association between the LINGO1 gene variant identified in Iceland to both disorders, with mutations potentially responsible for five percent of patients.
Researchers have identified a new nerve growth factor, MANF, that can halt the progress of Parkinson's disease and restore damaged cells in rats. The study shows promising results, suggesting that MANF may be a highly significant finding in respect to growth factor therapy for PD.
Researchers have discovered a way to regulate gene therapy for Parkinson's disease by introducing an 'off switch' using the antibiotic doxycycline. This breakthrough addresses safety concerns and paves the way for safer treatment options.
Researchers developed a new technology using ambient sound to aid Parkinson's patients speaking louder and more clearly. The system, which plays background babble noise when the patient begins to speak, shows significant improvement in speech changes after eight weeks of training.
Parkinson-associated genes PINK1 and Parkin functionally interact to maintain mitochondrial function, impairing neuron loss
A landmark study will follow 200 people with PD for at least two years to examine the impact of disease progression on day-to-day function and quality of life. The research aims to advance understanding of how interventions like exercise affect changes in quality of life and mobility over time.
Researchers found that H5N1 flu infection causes a 17% loss of dopamine-producing cells and accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein, key findings linked to Parkinson's disease. The study suggests the virus primes the brain for further damage from environmental toxins or other infections.
A study published in Cortex found that Parkinson's patients struggle with grammatically complex sentences due to degeneration of dopamine-secreting neurons. Eye-tracking data revealed slower response times when processing relative clauses, but not at the end of sentences.
Researchers created a fly model to study Parkinson's-associated dementia, finding that sleep loss caused long-lasting cognitive impairments. Curcumin blocked this effect, restoring normal learning abilities in genetically modified flies.
The study reveals that alpha-synuclein aggregates can pass to new, healthy cells, contributing to the progression of Parkinson's disease. The researchers found that cell-to-cell transmission of alpha-synuclein occurs through endocytosis and is linked to impaired quality-control systems in recipient cells.
Individuals with higher levels of education and significant impairment by Parkinson's disease require treatment earlier than others. Higher education is independently associated with an increased need for symptomatic treatment.
Researchers have developed a novel drug discovery tool that uses baker's yeast to rapidly search for drugs to treat Parkinson's disease. The tool identifies cyclic peptides with protective effects on yeast cells and neurons in an animal model of the disease, offering new hope for treatment breakthroughs.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found people with Parkinson's disease have significantly higher blood levels of a particular pesticide than healthy individuals. The study may provide the basis for a beta-HCH blood test to identify those at risk for developing the disease.
Researchers at Queen's University have created eye movement tests to aid in understanding childhood brain development, healthy aging, and the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Parkinson's disease. The study found that children scored low on these tests, while those with ADHD showed decreased normal brain ...
A rapid and inexpensive drug-screening method developed by Whitehead Institute scientists uses baker's yeast to synthesize and screen molecules, cutting testing time to weeks. The technique targets protein-protein interactions found in cellular processes, offering new potential for treating diseases like Parkinson's.
Researchers present findings on stimulating metabotropic glutamate receptors to stop glutamate release in brain cells, potentially reversing Parkinson's disease symptoms. Current treatments only alleviate symptoms, but new approach aims to protect and repair dying cells.
A new class of pulsars detected by NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope reveals the existence of a large population of radio-quiet gamma-ray pulsars. The study identifies 16 pulsars using computational techniques developed to analyze data from the Fermi Large Area Telescope.
Researchers found that Parkinson's patients exhibit a selective impairment in learning from reward, but not from negative outcomes. Treatment with dopamine agonists improves learning from positive outcomes, but impairs learning from negative outcomes.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.