Blood levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), an inflammatory molecule, and phosphorylated alpha-synuclein, a Parkinson’s disease biomarker, could be used to distinguish Parkinson’s patients with or without fatigue. Those findings from a recent study suggest the two markers may be  “promising biomarkers in discriminating PD [Parkinson’s disease] with…
Recent research in mice has revealed possible mechanisms by which alpha-synuclein protein is transported from blood cells in circulation to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, where the protein is then thought to travel to the brain to drive Parkinson’s disease. Cellular carriers called extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from red blood…
Gender norms and stereotypes substantially can impact the well-being of men and women living with Parkinson’s disease, highlighting a need for more gender-sensitive care, according to a small study into patients’ views. People with Parkinson’s in the Netherlands indicated that their behaviors and experiences were affected both by masculine…
Botulinum toxin was found to be relatively safe and effective for treating excessive drooling in people with Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent systematic review and meta-analysis of previous clinical trials. While side effects usually were mild, the researchers believe larger and longer studies are needed to establish the…
Damage to the genetic material in mitochondria, cells’ energy production centers, may trigger the spread of nerve cell death in Parkinson’s disease, according to recent research. Faulty mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) was observed in patient tissues and mouse models. In lab studies, the damaged mtDNA was found to be released…
A year of treatment with levodopa plus benserazide led to greater clinical improvements among Parkinson’s disease patients who were also using add-on Azilect (rasagiline), according to a small Chinese study. The use of Azilect was also associated with greater reductions in homocysteine (Hcy), a biomarker associated with…
Cognition tests given virtually showed results similar to in-person evaluations for Parkinson’s disease patients with no or mild cognitive impairments, but more work clearly is needed to overcome their technical limitations and improve their reliability, according to a recent study. “In-person cognitive testing with a neuropsychologist remains the gold…
Scientists have discovered that long-term changes in a biomarker of nerve damage, called neurofilament light chain (NfL), could be used to predict cognitive decline in people with Parkinson’s disease due to certain mutations. They found that a slower progression of dementia in people with LRRK2-associated Parkinson’s compared with those…
Motor abilities assessed via multiple sensors on a smartwatch correlated well with motor function as rated by clinicians, and could distinguish between “on” and “off” medication states for Parkinson’s disease patients, according to a study in Japan. “This study has shown that wearable devices can provide reliable and objective…
Michael J. Fox has received the 2023 Elevate Prize Catalyst Award in recognition of his work with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), an organization dedicated to developing better treatments, and eventually, finding a cure for the Parkinson’s disease. Granted by the Elevate Prize…
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