Research on Parkinson's disease and its treatment. Covers mitochondrial protection, genetic progression markers, antibody therapies, and disease costs.
Researchers at the University of Birmingham discovered a link between dopamine and mentalising abilities in healthy individuals. They found that altering dopamine levels affected participants' ability to accurately attribute mental states, with implications for treating conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have developed a study using smartwatches to monitor Parkinson's symptoms over time in early-stage patients. The study found significant declines in gait and tremor, as well as changes in speech, with the smartwatch detecting these changes more effectively than traditional tools.
Dr. Jeetain Mittal's NIH grant will support multiscale computational models investigating phase separation in biology, particularly heterochromatin formation and its role in neurodegenerative diseases. The research aims to elucidate the molecular origins of phase separation using innovative models and methods.
Researchers at University of Dundee uncovered inner relay of a molecular switch that protects the brain against Parkinson's disease. The study provides new potential strategies to develop drugs targeting PINK1 pathway.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham created an algorithm to generate personalized DBS treatment plans based on four major PD symptoms. The algorithm improved patients' symptoms in four of five cases, demonstrating its potential to improve treatment beyond standard-of-care approaches.
Patients with Parkinson's disease exhibiting sympathetic denervation in major salivary glands and the heart tend to have more advanced non-motor symptoms as they age. Autonomic nerve dysfunction may progress independently of nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration, suggesting a potential contribution of age to PD progression.
A study led by the University of Turku has identified the brain network responsible for stuttering, which may lead to effective treatments. The research found that stuttering is associated with structural changes in a specific brain network involving the putamen, amygdala, and claustrum.
A study by the University of Turku found that regular caffeine consumption reduces dopamine transporter binding in Parkinson's disease patients, but has no impact on symptoms or motor function. High caffeine intake may also complicate brain imaging results, suggesting a 24-hour caffeine-free period before diagnosis is recommended.
A new study at the University of Copenhagen reveals that urolithin A, a naturally occurring substance in pomegranates, can alleviate memory problems and other consequences of dementia. The substance shows promise in improving brain function by removing damaged mitochondria.
Researchers found that boosting mitochondrial health can combat protein clumping linked to both aging and Alzheimer's. The study identifies a core insoluble proteome enriched with numerous proteins not previously considered, offering new targets for exploration.
FutureNeuro, a leading SFI Research Centre, is expanding its research programme with a focus on diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital health. The centre aims to develop precision diagnostics, future treatments, and systems using real-time health data.
Researchers at Mount Sinai identified genetic connections between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), highlighting potential for joint therapeutic strategies. The study found mutations in the LRRK2 gene as a common element linking both conditions, with implications for innovative treatments.
A region in alpha-synuclein protein aggregates has been identified as a potential therapeutic target to prevent conversion into toxic amyloid fibrils, which accumulate in the brains of people suffering from Parkinson's disease. The discovery opens the door to developing new therapeutic strategies for inactivating these toxic forms.
Researchers found a shared triple network of long noncoding RNAs, microRNAs, and messenger RNAs that exacerbates Parkinson's disease symptoms in the context of COVID-19 infection. The study identified key genes and lncRNAs as potential biomarkers for PD diagnosis and progression.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have found a way to better control the preclinical generation of key neurons depleted in Parkinson's disease. They developed an efficient method for stimulating stem cell differentiation to produce neural cells in the midbrain, which closely resemble dopaminergic neurons of natural origin.
A new study found that genetic variants in lysosomal genes may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease in individuals exposed to high levels of pesticides. The research suggests a potential gene-environment interaction, where minor changes in these genes can lead to increased disease risk under stress.
Researchers found that older adults tend to conserve energy by modifying their movements under certain circumstances. The findings suggest that the effort costs of reaching are a determining factor in slowing movement with age. This research may lead to new tools for diagnosing diseases, including Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge used AI to identify compounds that block alpha-synuclein aggregation, a key step in treating Parkinson's disease. This breakthrough could lead to faster development of new treatments for the condition, which affects over six million people worldwide.
Scientists at Salk Institute explore the clinical potential of cannabinol (CBN) in treating traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. They identify four CBN analogs with improved neuroprotective ability and drug-like efficacy.
Researchers at Van Andel Institute have identified a gene expression pattern, akin to a disease-related fingerprint, in brain cells with Lewy bodies. This finding sheds light on the molecular changes that occur in these cells, which are key pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease and some dementias.
Research finds Parkinson's disease alters bodily sensations associated with basic emotions, shifting focus from chest to abdominal area. The study highlights the significance of non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease, raising new perspectives for treatment and research.
A recent study has linked the subthalamic nucleus to attention control, revealing that this brain region also plays a role in thoughts and impulse control. The findings suggest that deep brain stimulation, used to treat Parkinson's disease, may have adverse effects on attentional processes.
Researchers from the University of Cincinnati presented findings on the effectiveness of a two-component enzyme replacement therapy for late-onset Pompe disease. The study showed that patients treated with this regimen experienced improvement or stability in motor function, pulmonary function, and muscle strength. Additionally, experts...
A new hypothesis paper proposes that Parkinson's disease starts in either the brain's smell center or the body's intestinal tract, tied to environmental factors. The study suggests that exposure to pesticides, air pollution, and tainted food may predispose to the disease.
A groundbreaking clinical study demonstrates the potential of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to improve symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. After 12 months, participants who received healthy donor stool transplants showed significant improvement in motor symptoms and reduced constipation.
The study found that crowding and salt enhance the aggregation of alpha-synuclein, while also stabilizing the resulting aggregates. The simulations revealed that certain amino acids exist to prevent aggregation and that proteins orient themselves to minimize interactions between these residues.
A Rice University research project aims to provide new insights into biological fibrillar nanostructures with potential implications for the treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Researchers discovered Lewy body disease changes in 9% of people over 50 without a clinical diagnosis, suggesting the disease may be more common than thought. Further studies are needed to confirm the results, but early detection is crucial for effective therapies.
A team of researchers has developed the world's first 3D-printed brain phantom, which can be imaged using dMRI. The brain model is made up of microchannels that mimic nerve cells in the brain, allowing for more accurate analysis and research into neurodegenerative diseases.
Research finds that supplementing propionate suppresses neurodegeneration in animal models of Parkinson's disease by regulating interorgan signalling. Increasing propionate levels rescues transcriptional aberration and enhances energy production, promoting neuronal health without protein aggregate dispersal.
A skin biopsy test detects abnormal alpha-synuclein protein in patients with Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and related disorders. The test showed high accuracy rates, validating its reliability for early diagnosis and clinical drug development.
Researchers at the University of Galway have developed a new method for improving stem cell-based brain repair therapy for Parkinson's disease, which shows promising results in enhancing survival and maturation of cells in the brain. The technique uses a collagen hydrogel to support and protect the cells after transplantation.
A new study by researchers at the University of Minnesota reveals that non-invasive brain stimulation can change a specific brain mechanism related to human behavior. The technique, called transcranial alternating current stimulation, modulates brain activity by shifting when brain cells are active.
A phase 3 trial co-led by a University of Cincinnati researcher found that subcutaneous levodopa delivery through an infusion pump is safe and effective in reducing symptoms for longer periods. The study resulted in almost two hours of additional 'on time' compared to traditional oral medication, paving the way for potential FDA approval.
Cells use autophagy as a recycling system to transport and break down damaged organelles, including mitochondria. A recent study reveals the molecular details of how an enzyme called TBK1 participates in mitophagy, a disease-relevant process linked to Parkinson's disease.
Researchers found that people with Parkinson's disease who experience presence hallucinations overestimate the number of people in a room due to a perceptual disorder. The study used virtual reality and robotics to induce presence hallucinations and measure susceptibility, developing an online test for early detection.
The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies is open to media registration for its 2024 event. Journalists can access the latest research discoveries in neuroscience fields such as dementia, addiction and depression.
Researchers found a correlation between Parkinson's disease and freezing of gait in 20 studies, noting similar brain injury causes both symptoms. Sleep quality deteriorates when dopaminergic medication is stopped, suggesting treatment potential for freezing of gait.
Researchers found that patients with impulse control disorder (ICD) are less affected by the consequences of their actions, particularly when on medication. This suggests that ICD patients may experience positive feelings from taking risky actions based on expectations, rather than processing negative feedback.
Researchers discovered rapid calcium influx into mitochondria upon autophagy induction, coinciding with fluctuations in ER membrane calcium concentrations. Mitochondrial calcium transport may regulate mitophagy velocity, shedding light on disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic avenues for Parkinson's disease.
A small study found that tandem cycling paired with virtual reality improves the physical and emotional well-being of both participants. Care partners also showed significant improvements in resiliency and depression scores after the intervention.
A study has found a strong link between pesticide use and Parkinson's disease in the Rocky Mountain and Great Plains region. The research identified 14 pesticides, including simazine, atrazine, and lindane, that were associated with an increased risk of developing the disease.
A team of researchers used deep brain stimulation to localize disrupted neural pathways in patients with Parkinson's disease, dystonia, OCD, and Tourette's syndrome. The study identified specific brain circuits associated with each disorder, revealing overlapping malfunctions that suggest a complex network of brain dysfunctions.
Researchers discover dopamine signals affect movement sequence length, shedding light on Parkinson's Disease symptoms and potential therapeutic targets. The study's findings suggest a complex role of dopamine neurons in movement, with distinct effects on movement-related and reward-related dopamine neurons.
Researchers developed protein-like polymers to disrupt the Keap1/Nrf2 protein-protein interaction, preventing cellular damage and oxidative stress. This approach holds promise for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS.
Post-translational modifications on alpha-synuclein slow amyloid aggregation and protect neurons, potentially slowing disease progression. The study's findings suggest that targeting these modifications could lead to new treatments for Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have identified a network of neurons controlling right-left movements in the brain, which may help treat Parkinson's disease. The discovery provides insight into how essential movements are produced by the brain.
The Medical University of South Carolina will be one of four sites exploring the genetic basis of Parkinson’s disease in the Black community. The study, known as BLAAC PD, aims to genotype over 150,000 people worldwide and develop targeted treatments for this subtype of PD.
Researchers discuss recent advances in brain mapping, emphasizing the need to establish precise neuromodulation paradigms based on individual characteristics. Individualized brain mapping methods have evolved from manual labeling to staining techniques across multiple subjects.
Indiana University researchers have found that nicotinamide nucleotide adenylyl transferase 2 (NMNAT2) plays a critical role in protecting the brain from aging and neurodegenerative diseases. The enzyme provides energy to axons, enabling them to carry out nerve impulses and maintain healthy function.
Researchers discovered that fasting raises arachidonic acid levels, which inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome and reduce chronic inflammation. This finding may explain how calorie restriction protects against diseases linked to Western diets.
Researchers at McGill University propose a new biological classification system for Parkinson's disease, considering alpha-synuclein, neurodegeneration, and genetics. This shift in thinking aims to diagnose the disease earlier, targeting specific patient groups with more common biology, improving treatment development success.
A new biological classification system for Parkinson's disease, known as SynNeurGe (S-N-G system), has been introduced. This classification considers three key components: pathological α-synuclein in tissues or cerebrospinal fluid, neuroimaging techniques, and pathogenic gene variants. The S-N-G system offers a detailed framework for u...
Researchers at Duke University developed an adaptive deep brain stimulation therapy for Parkinson's disease, targeting two key brain structures and using a novel self-adjusting device. The study found that this approach improved motor symptoms and reduced medication doses in six patients.
A nonrandomized controlled trial found that deep brain stimulation in advanced Parkinson disease improved mobility and maintained quality of life at 5-year follow-up. In contrast, standard-of-care medication worsened quality of life mainly due to its unfavorable effect on mobility.
Researchers developed a wireless method to effectively reduce motor dysfunction in people with Parkinson's disease using magnetogenetics. The treatment showed improved motor function and no significant damage in and around the brain, suggesting it could be a safer alternative to traditional implanted DBS systems.
The CACHE Challenge series has identified seven promising molecules with potential for new, more effective drugs for familial Parkinson's disease. The open science competition, funded by The Michael J. Fox Foundation and Conscience, used AI to predict hits and validated experimental results.
Researchers from Aarhus University discovered a newly found receptor called CD163 that appears to protect against Parkinson's disease in females. The protein is involved in the immune response and seems to exert a neuroprotective role particularly relevant in females.
Researchers discovered a previously unreported neuron type with vulnerability in Parkinson's disease, shedding light on the complexity of the disease and potential therapeutic targets. The study identified distinct transcriptomic signatures of this neuron type and found reduced RIT2 expression in Parkinson's disease patients.
A potential Parkinson's medicine, Syn-RiboTAC, targets RNA to slow or stop disease progression by preventing the buildup of toxic protein alpha-synuclein. In early studies, reducing alpha-synuclein levels by even 25% or more is therapeutically beneficial, with the compound showing good selectivity and improved brain-barrier penetration.