Research on Parkinson's disease and its treatment. Covers mitochondrial protection, genetic progression markers, antibody therapies, and disease costs.
Two genes, Lmx1a and Msx1, play a critical role in forming cerebral dopamine cells. This discovery can be used to control the formation of dopamine-producing cells from stem cells in a highly effective manner, representing an important step towards a stem-cell-based treatment for Parkinson's Disease.
A study led by scientists at Einstein and Beth Israel found a significant link between the G2019S LRRK2 gene mutation and Parkinson's disease in Ashkenazi Jewish patients. The mutation was detected in 18.3% of patients, highlighting the importance of genetic counseling for early detection and diagnosis.
A study found nearly 78% of test subjects had neurofibrillary tangles in the substantia nigra, linked to increased gait impairment. The relationship was independent of dementia status and only affected gait.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a gene therapy that turns off the alpha-synuclein protein, a key player in Parkinson's disease. The therapy uses RNA interference to selectively disable the gene, leaving other genes unaffected, and has shown promising results in rat models.
A major gene therapy advance for treating Parkinson's disease has been funded by the Fox Foundation grant, with RheoGene Inc. developing a technology to manage gene expression. The therapy uses a patented small-molecule mediator to turn genes on or off, offering a potential solution to replacing lost dopamine in the brain.
Scientists have identified 570 genes associated with Parkinson's disease, which could lead to the development of new treatments. The study analyzed brains from 23 patients and found that limiting the activity of these genes may help control or even stop the progression of the disease.
Scientists have engineered human brain progenitor cells to produce a growth factor that has shown clinical promise for treating Parkinson's disease. The cells were transplanted into rats and monkeys, delivering the drug where it is needed, promoting nerve fiber growth and improving survival of defective cells.
Researchers evaluated the effect of unilateral implantation of human RPE cells attached to gelatin microcarriers in six patients with advanced Parkinson disease. The study showed a 48% average improvement in motor symptoms at 12 months, sustained through 24 months, with no off-state dyskinesias observed.
A new guidance system automates electrode placement in DBS surgery, reducing operating times by up to 80% and improving patient outcomes. The system uses a 3D brain atlas to predict target locations, allowing neurosurgeons to hit the mark on their first try.
Researchers found highest increase in Parkinson's risk among highly educated individuals (9+ years of education), while physicians had the greatest increased risk compared to the general population. The study suggests that physical activity may protect against Parkinson's disease, but further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
David Eidelberg receives the prestigious Fred Springer Award for his work on mapping brain pathways and developing new diagnostic techniques. The award recognizes his pioneering efforts in viewing the brain at work, early diagnosis, and predicting treatment responses.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered a protein called LRRK2 that could be the best new target in the fight against Parkinson's disease. The study found that LRRK2 is involved in controlling other proteins' activities and may play a role in the death of brain cells that produce dopamine.
Researchers at OHSU found that mice consuming fewer calories experienced a boost in essential neurochemical glutamate, which reversed a Parkinson's-induced drop. The study suggests dietary restriction may be beneficial in early-stage Parkinson's disease.
Researchers discovered that alpha-synuclein, a disease-causing protein, has a protective effect against nerve damage in Parkinson's disease. This finding was made by studying mutant mice that were bred to have different levels of alpha-synuclein and cysteine-string-protein-alpha, a co-chaperone.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older men with Parkinson's disease have significantly lower bone density at the spine and hip, increasing their risk for bone fractures. The study also revealed a nearly three times greater risk of multiple future falls among those with PD.
A woman's fear of falling led to a psychological disorder affecting her ability to walk, but treatment helped improve her bearing and mobility. After discovering the condition was not physically related, she began walking again after six months of physical therapy and reduced medication.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new lithium battery technology that can make batteries smaller, last longer, and accept external charging without surgery. This breakthrough technology uses organosilicon compounds to improve battery lifespan, enabling implantable devices such as pacemakers and microst...
The Phase I trial demonstrated the treatment's safety and efficacy in advanced Parkinson's disease, with statistically significant improvements in motor function and activities of daily living. The gene therapy approach offers a simpler alternative to deep brain stimulation, avoiding devices and requiring local anesthesia.
OHSU neurologists offer reliable strategies for diagnosing and managing Parkinson's disease. The article highlights the importance of non-pharmacological therapies such as exercise, nutrition, and emotional health in addition to pharmacological care.
The research provides a comprehensive whole genome map of genetic variability in Parkinson's disease, highlighting 12 potential 'susceptibility' genes. The findings may lead to new insights into the causes of Parkinson's disease and inform future research efforts.
Researchers created an animal model of Parkinson's disease using fruit flies with deleted DJ-1 genes, finding increased sensitivity to oxidative damage from common agricultural agents. The study suggests that DJ-1 plays a critical role in protecting dopaminergic neurons from oxidative stress.
Researchers discover that amphetamines can alter movement independently of dopamine, opening up new directions in the search for anti-Parkinsonian drugs. The findings suggest that drugs with similar chemical attributes might offer useful alternatives to current therapies.
Researchers have found that amphetamine-related drugs, such as MDMA, can effectively alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease in a mouse model. By eliminating dopamine recycling and production, these drugs bypass the usual limitations of L-DOPA treatment, offering new hope for patients with the debilitating condition.
Researchers report a link between dopamine agonist therapy and pathological gambling in Parkinson's disease patients. Treatment discontinuation resolves symptoms, suggesting dopamine D3 receptors may be responsible for the behavior.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found a rare link between dopamine agonist drugs and pathological gambling in Parkinson's patients. The behavior can be reversed by stopping the medication, but it affects only a small number of patients.
Researchers have discovered that an experimental drug can reverse the loss of nerve fibres in Parkinson's Disease. The study found that dopamine-containing nerve fibres had sprouted back in the brain, leading to improved motor function and sustained benefits even after treatment cessation.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a vicious cycle of protein formation involving alpha-synuclein, leading to fibril formation and further protein clumping. The study suggests that inhibiting the malicious form of an enzyme could potentially lead to new treatment avenues for Parkinson's disease.
Scientists at UCSD and Elan Pharmaceuticals have successfully vaccinated mice with a combination of human alpha-synuclein protein and adjuvant, reducing abnormal alpha-synuclein accumulation and promoting nerve cell survival.
Researchers made significant findings on the risk factors for Parkinson's disease, including active duty military service and ibuprofen use. Additionally, donepezil showed promise in slowing cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients, while essential tremor was linked to increased dementia risk.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology suggests that long-term use of ibuprofen may lower the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The research found a 35% lower risk among ibuprofen users compared to non-users, with risks decreasing depending on weekly dosage.
A study at Mayo Clinic found an association between anxious and pessimistic personality types and the future development of Parkinson's disease. Individuals with these personality traits have a higher risk of developing the disease, but the exact reason for this link remains unclear.
A study published by Mayo Clinic researchers found that removing the ovaries elevates the risk of Parkinson's disease and parkinsonism in women. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,500 women, suggested that a reduction in estrogen levels after ovary removal may contribute to this increased risk.
Rufinamide shows promise in reducing seizures for patients with treatment-resistant Lennox-Gastaut epilepsy. A new gene mutation in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and a common mutation in Parkinson's disease were also identified, offering potential new avenues for research.
A study found that deep brain stimulation with STN and GPi targets improves off-medication motor scores and levodopa-induced dyskinesia for at least one year. STN stimulation may be better for younger patients with prominent bradykinesia, while GPi stimulation is better suited for dose-limiting dyskinesia.
Researchers have created a mouse model of multiple system atrophy, showing symptoms similar to human MSA, including protein accumulation in oligodendrocytes and progressive motor skill problems. The study points to potential new treatment targets for brain diseases and opens up possibilities for testing therapies.
A study published in The Lancet found that rasagiline significantly reduces disability and motor fluctuations in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, improving their motor function. Rasagiline was well-tolerated and convenient to administer, making it a promising treatment option for Parkinson's patients.
A recent study found that the LRRK2 gene mutation is associated with Parkinson's disease in several families, indicating a genetic component of the disease. The mutation was identified in 22 out of 42 family members who carried the G2019S mutation, and all shared a common ancestral pattern.
Men who were most physically active at start of study cut their risk by 50 percent, while strenuous activity in early adult life reduced risk by 60 percent. Physical activity was also linked to lower risk in women, although this relationship was not statistically significant.
A study published in NeuroToxicology reveals that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and low levels of maneb, a fungicide, can disrupt dopamine neurons and oxidative stress responses in the brain. This research aims to better understand Parkinson's disease and develop therapies to prevent or slow its progression.
Scientists prevented brain damage by producing therapeutic levels of GDNF, a protein that helps nourish brain cells, in small monkeys. The gene therapy approach aims to halt Parkinson's disease at its onset and treat devastating side effects.
Researchers at UCL discovered a new method to improve Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) that can produce effects on the brain for more than an hour. By adjusting stimulation patterns, they achieved rapid and consistent changes in the motor cortex area, outlasting conventional TMS.
A recent study found that the LRRK2 mutation is the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease, affecting approximately 5% of patients. This mutation is linked to slower disease progression, while symptoms are less severe compared to other mutations in the gene.
Researchers can submit study information to a new patient website, www.PDtrials.org, designed to improve access to Parkinson's clinical trial information. The site currently lists over 30 studies recruiting patients in the US and aims to educate patient communities on the value of clinical research.
A single gene mutation in the LRRK2 gene has been identified as a cause of around one in 25 cases of Parkinson's disease worldwide. The mutation is associated with both inherited and sporadic forms of the disease, suggesting new diagnostic and treatment options on the horizon.
A new genetic mutation on the LRRK2 gene is responsible for 5% of inherited Parkinson's disease cases, with patients having longer disease duration but less severe symptoms. The discovery has a broad implication for genetic screening for the disease, highlighting the need to include studies of the LRRK2 gene in future testing.
A study found that a mutation in the LRRK2 gene appears in at least one of every 60 people with Parkinson's disease. The mutation may account for 1½ to 2 percent of cases, particularly those without a family history, and could lead to earlier detection of the disease.
Researchers successfully transplanted monkey embryonic stem cells to reverse Parkinson's disease symptoms in primates. The study demonstrated the potential of this approach to treat neurodegenerative diseases, despite low survival rates of transplanted neurons.
Researchers identified a novel oncogene in Chernobyl residents with papillary thyroid cancer, resulting from the fusion of the AKAP9 and BRAF genes. This study provides evidence that chromosomal inversions are a common molecular lesion in post-Chernobyl thyroid cancers.
A recent study published in NEJM found that levodopa did not accelerate Parkinson's disease progression but may actually slow it. The multi-center trial involved 361 newly diagnosed patients and showed a clear-cut benefit of levodopa, with higher dosages producing more beneficial results.
Researchers found that brain surface stimulation significantly reduced Parkinson's symptoms in animals, restoring normal activity in the striatum and motor cortex. The study suggests that this method could be an effective alternative to deep-brain stimulation with major advantages in simplicity and safety.
Researchers found that rifampicin stabilizes alpha-synuclein in a soluble form, preventing fibril formation and disaggregating existing fibrils. This finding suggests potential therapeutic benefits for Parkinson's disease when administered early in the disease process.
Researchers found that viral delivery of a parkin gene protected dopamine-producing neurons from degeneration, offering new hope for treating Parkinson's disease. The study demonstrates the feasibility of gene therapy in a genetic model of the disease.
Researchers found a mutation in the LRRK2 gene that plays a central role in developing Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. The discovery has major implications for understanding mechanisms of these diseases and potentially leading to curative treatments.
A study in rats found that exercising limbs can protect brain cells from degeneration caused by Parkinson's disease. Exercise was shown to increase the production of key proteins that promote neuronal survival, such as glial cell line-derived neurotropic factor (GDNF), which may help offset cell vulnerability to oxidative stress.
Chronic exposure to pesticides like rotenone has been linked to Parkinson's disease pathology in monkeys. Exercise has shown potential in protecting against dopamine neuron loss and slowing disease progression in rats. Rotigotine, a new drug, may also offer neuroprotective properties.
Researchers pinpointed a specific gene, dardarin, causing PARK8-linked Parkinson's disease, affecting approximately 8% of Basque people with PD. The mutation is expressed throughout the brain and has characteristics of a molecular switch, suggesting a potential role in protein phosphorylation.
Scientists have identified two genetic mutations in the PARK8 gene that contribute to Parkinson's disease, a condition characterized by tremors and motor impairments. The discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease and may lead to targeted interventions.
A study by Johannes Schwarz and colleagues tracked molecular changes in brains of Parkinson's patients over 7.5 years using SPECT to measure dopamine transporter binding, revealing a single exponential decline rather than linear loss. This advancement enables the development of individualized treatment for advanced Parkinson's patients.
Researchers found that bilateral motor performance improvements were seen in patients with Parkinson's disease, regardless of where the stimulation was applied. The study suggests that unilateral deep brain stimulation could be a more effective and lower-risk treatment option for some patients.
Research by FSU scientist Cathy Levenson reveals that dietary iron imbalances trigger a chain of cellular events increasing the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Excessive iron levels precipitate symptoms in healthy mice, while low levels delay onset and slow disease progression in those already infected.