Margarida Maia, PhD, science writer —

Toxic clumping of the alpha-synuclein protein, a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease, may lead to a calcium imbalance in which the mineral builds up to harmful levels in neurons early in the course of the neurodegenerative condition, according to a study in mouse and human cells. Single molecules of alpha-synuclein…

For people with Parkinson’s disease associated with mutations in the GBA gene, deep brain stimulation (DBS) may offer lasting motor benefits and help manage impulsive-compulsive behaviors, a study suggests. Despite experiencing faster cognitive decline following DBS when compared to patients with these mutations, most patients had not developed dementia…

Being diagnosed with depression or having symptoms of the condition significantly increases the risk for developing Parkinson’s disease, according to a study of nearly 100,000 elderly people in South Korea. The association was the greatest for people with a diagnosis of depression and subjective depressive symptoms. Their risk nearly…

Regularly practicing the Chinese martial art tai chi may slow the progression of motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and delay needing to increase the dosage of medication over time, a study suggests. The benefits of one-year of tai chi extended to an overall reduction in complications linked…

Parkinson’s UK is funding two new basic research projects at the University of Edinburgh, in Scotland, that have as their goal uncovering clues to the causes of Parkinson’s disease, with a focus on genetic involvement. According to the charity organization, such basic research provides the groundwork for understanding…

It may be possible to spot telltale signs of Parkinson’s disease on positron emission tomography (PET) scans as early as 20 to 30 years before symptoms become evident and a definite clinical diagnosis can be made, a study suggests. PET scans that track a protein called vesicular…

Cure Parkinson’s is funding preclinical research that intends to provide the evidence needed to determine whether three existing compounds are ready to move forward into clinical trials in people with Parkinson’s disease, the U.K. charity announced. The funding comes as part of the recently launched Pipeline Research…

A once-daily 200 mg dose of Inhibikase Therapeutics’ risvodetinib — an oral medication previously called IkT-148009, now undergoing Phase 2 clinical testing — is safe, and can improve motor function and ease activities of daily living in people with previously untreated Parkinson’s disease. That’s according to now…

IRLAB Therapeutics is taking steps in preparation for a Phase 3 clinical program of mesdopetam, an experimental medicine for the treatment of levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease. The Swedish company is consulting with two advisors, Clintrex and ProPharma Group, to gather the documentation needed to request…

Loneliness raises a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease within 15 years, a long-term study of nearly half a million U.K. residents found, supporting calls into the therapeutic benefits of personally significant social bonds. This work adds to evidence “that loneliness is a substantial psychosocial determinant of health,” the…