Marisa Wexler, MS,  senior science writer—

Treatment with UB-312, a vaccine designed to trigger an immune response against toxic clumps of the alpha-synuclein protein, reduced these damaging aggregations in people with Parkinson’s disease in a Phase 1 trial. The findings, announced by UB-312’s developer Vaxxinity and presented at the at the AD/PD 2024…

By activating an enzyme known as beta-glucocerebrosidase, or GCase, the experimental therapy GT-02287 is able to improve nerve survival and reduce the dysfunction of lysosomes — structures that work like cellular garbage disposal systems and clear away molecular debris — in cell models of Parkinson’s disease. The Gain…

Dosing has begun in the second part of a Phase 1 clinical trial of GT-02287, an experimental oral therapy that Gain Therapeutics is developing as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease associated with mutations in the GBA1 gene. “Our Phase 1 clinical trial of GT-02287 remains on track…

Participating in high-intensity exercise can help protect the brain from progressive damage in Parkinson’s disease, a proof-of-concept imaging study suggests. “This is the first time imaging has been used to confirm that the biology of the brain in those suffering with Parkinson’s disease is changed by intense exercise,” Evan…

By mapping neurological circuits in the brain, an international team of researchers created a model of brain dysfunction that could help to better guide a surgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease and other brain disorders. Findings were published in Nature Nuroscience, in the study “Mapping dysfunctional circuits…

Using machine learning to analyze speech from speakers of different languages could help distinguish between Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor, two neurological disorders that can cause similar symptoms. That’s according to the study, “Automatic speech-based assessment to discriminate Parkinson’s disease from essential tremor with a…

Scientists in Denmark have identified the specific nerve signaling pathway that runs from the brain to the spinal cord in mice to control whether the body makes right or left turns — findings that ultimately may help to treat problems with turning ability in people with Parkinson’s disease. Modulating…

Apathy is frequently found in people with Parkinson’s disease who also experience problems with impulse control, although the two might seem to be polar opposites, a study shows. “Clinicians should be aware that [impulse control behaviors] and apathy cannot be simply considered as independent and opposite ends of each…

A machine learning tool that analyzes voice recordings collected by telephone can accurately identify people with Parkinson’s disease, scientists in the U.S. report. This noninvasive and easy to use approach could allow for an earlier disease diagnosis and start with Parkinson’s treatments, which is “essential … as…

In a new policy paper, the Movement Disorders Policy Coalition — an advocacy group for people living with movement disorders — highlights barriers to care that prevent Parkinson’s disease patients from receiving optimal treatment. Now, the goal of the umbrella advocacy organization is to bring attention to these…