José Lopes, PhD, managing science editor —

Targeting specific calcium channels in dopamine-producing neurons may be a therapeutic target for Parkinson’s disease, according to research involving cells derived from Parkinson’s patients. The study, “T-type calcium channels determine the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons to mitochondrial stress in familial Parkinson’s disease,” was published in Stem Cell…

A new method called DART ensures a compound injected into a region of the brain will affect only specific cell types. This approach was able to reverse Parkinson’s-related motor impairments in mice, and may hold the potential to provide more effective treatments. Although current research techniques such as gene editing and pharmacology…

A better understanding of how Parkinson’s disease affects the laryngopharyngeal muscles of the esophagus could help identify those patients at risk for obstructive sleep apnea, according to a new study. The research, “Laryngopharyngeal motor dysfunction and obstructive sleep apnea in Parkinson’s disease,” was published in the journal Sleep and…

The Linked Clinical Trials (LCT) Initiative, a repurposing program that aims to identify existing medicines which can slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease, has resulted in a growing number of clinical trials. The partnership’s history, purpose and activities are the focus of an article, “The Linked Clinical…

Parkinson’s researchers need to focus on human cells and tissues, implement modern computer modeling approaches, and shift away from animal models, according to a recent study. Earlier transition from preclinical studies to clinical trials also could be beneficial, the study authors suggest. The study, “Parkinson’s disease…

Eradicating Helicobacter pylori infections could improve motor function, ease gut symptoms and increase levodopa’s effectiveness in Parkinson’s patients, according to a review study. The research, “Stomaching the Possibility of a Pathogenic Role for Helicobacter pylori in Parkinson’s Disease,” was published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease.

Treatment with Nuplazid (pimavanserin) does not lead to a different mortality risk compared to the antipsychotic medication Seroquel (quetiapine), or to combination treatment with both medications, in patients with Parkinson’s psychosis, according to results from a large study. The study, “Mortality in patients with Parkinson…

A newly discovered inhibitor of the immune protein IRAK4, known as the “master switch” in the development of several diseases, could lead to treatments for autoimmune diseases and neuroinflammatory disorders such as Parkinson’s, according to developer Noxopharm and its majority-owned subsidiary Nyrada. Pre-clinical studies are ongoing to find the…

Depression in newly diagnosed Parkinson’s patients is associated with initial motor deficits and worse cognitive function, unrelated to dopamine loss, a study suggests. These patients also require higher doses of medications at follow-up. The study, “The presence of depression in de novo Parkinson’s disease reflects poor motor…

Chronic pain is prevalent in Parkinson’s disease patients and its severity considerably impacts their daily life, work, and social relationships, a  study aiming to guide physicians in better managing this symptom reports. It also links chronic pain to such psychological ills as depression, low self-esteem, frustration and sleep deprivation. The…