Tiny bleeds in the brain are associated with cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease and risk of Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), a Japanese study has found. The research, “The presence of cerebral microbleeds is associated with cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease,” was published in the Journal of…
The levels of specific protein biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord — can distinguish patients with Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) from those with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) regardless of dementia stage, according to a new study. The research, “…
Researchers have developed a new way to make miniature 3D versions of the brain by using human stem cells. These new “mini-brains” will allow scientists to observe brain development, test promising new therapies, and study neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Findings were published in the study, “Induction of…
An investigational compound called ITI-214, which is being investigated in clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease, may also be effective in strengthening the heart, according to an animal study recently published in the journal Circulation. ITI-214, being developed by Intra-Cellular Therapies, is a potent and selective inhibitor of an enzyme known…
Machine learning identifies individuals with reduced odor and taste sensitivity as people at risk for developing Parkinson’s disease, researchers from Italy report. The approach could be part of a noninvasive method to study early-onset Parkinson’s, the findings suggest. The study, “Comparative Motor Pre-clinical Assessment in Parkinson’s…
A type of immune cell called Th17 may be a key a promoter of neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease by producing the pro-inflammatory molecule interleukin-17 (IL-17), according to a study. Researchers also found that the common anti-inflammatory medication Cosentyx (secukinumab), an antibody against IL-17, seems to prevent this mechanism and the…
Voyager Therapeutics announced likely plans to request approval of VY-AADC as a Parkinson’s gene therapy, based on feedback it received from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and eventual outcomes of a newly opened Phase 2 trial. The company also reported that its Phase 1 trial of VY-AADC showed improvements in patients’ motor…
Parkinson’s is less prevalent in individuals with artistic occupations than in those with more conventional jobs, suggesting that brain degeneration may influence job choices even before a Parkinson’s diagnosis, a study shows. Conducted by scientists in the Netherlands, the study, “Professional occupation and the risk of…
Motor fluctuations, treatment with antidepressants, disease severity, and deep brain stimulation (DBS) are among the risk factors that contribute to frequent falls in patients with Parkinson’s, a large-scale study reports. According to researchers, identifying predictors that put Parkinson’s patients at the greatest risk for falls can aid…
Tiny crystals known as quantum dots can block the formation of Parkinson’s hallmark protein clumps, lowering nerve cell death and motor deficits, a mouse study has found. The research, “Graphene quantum dots prevent α-synucleinopathy in Parkinson’s disease,” was published in Nature Nanotechnology. Quantum dots are very…
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