José Lopes, PhD, managing science editor —

Dopaminergic treatment normalizes cognitive motivation in patients with Parkinson’s disease, making them more likely to choose a higher reward option in a computer-based task, a study reports. The study, “Dopamine restores cognitive motivation in Parkinson’s disease,” was published in the journal Brain. Approximately 40 percent…

A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is associated with greater Medicare costs and out-of-pocket spending, according to a population-based study in the U.S. These findings also revealed substantial geographic variation in prevalence and health service use and spending among Medicare beneficiaries. The study, “State-level prevalence, health service…

Physical activity and participation in competitive sports, as well as coffee, caffeinated tea or moderate alcohol consumption before diagnosis, protect against worsening motor and cognitive function in Parkinson’s patients, according to a new population-based study. In contrast, smoking and heavy alcohol consumption — or never consuming alcohol — correlated…

Using a parameter called interleaving stimulation (ILS) in deep brain stimulation (DBS) eased dyskinesia — involuntary, jerky movements — in patients with Parkinson’s, according to a new study. In contrast, the benefits in people with tremor or dystonia — abnormal muscle tone — or in mitigating DBS-induced adverse side effects were not…

A collaboration between Theracycle and Virginian Outpatient Therapy will replicate a forced exercise regimen on a motorized bicycle with evidence of easing Parkinson’s symptoms, including rigidity, loss of balance and tremor. In a 2009 study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, an eight-week program of forced…

Using Azilect (rasagiline) as an add-on therapy to levodopa was safe and improved motor function over one year in Parkinson’s patients with off periods, according to a Phase 3 trial in Japan. The study, “Long-term safety and efficacy of adjunctive rasagiline in levodopa-treated Japanese…

A smartphone application using a touch-based model is able to accurately identify early signs of motor disorders, according to a new study. The app, developed for patients with Huntington’s disease, is also intended for people with Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders. The study, “A…

Sirion Biotech and Denali Therapeutics have agreed to partner on the development of gene therapies for Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders. According to the license and collaboration agreement, the two companies will pursue the development of harmless, next-generation adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) able to cross the blood-brain barrier…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Inbrija (levodopa inhalation powder)‎ for the treatment of Parkinson’s off periods in patients on a carbidopa/levodopa regimen. Acorda Therapeutics’ therapy is expected to be available by prescription in the first quarter of 2019. It will be distributed through a…

The ongoing Phase 2 study of the gene therapy VY-AADC will enroll more Parkinson’s disease patients than originally planned, Voyager Therapeutics announced. The company’s revised trial protocol will include more patients — up from 75 to 100 — in the RESTORE-1 Phase 2 clinical trial (NCT03562494). Voyager…