While attempting to transform a type of brain cell into neurons, researchers instead discovered they can turn mature neurons — which were previously believed to be unchangeable — into neurons that produce dopamine, the neurotransmitter that is lost in Parkinson’s disease. The incidental discovery has therapeutic implications for Parkinson’s and other…
A new online exercise training program for professionals working with Parkinson’s disease patients has been launched by the Brian Grant Foundation (BGF). This free program is geared toward physical therapists, personal trainers, and group fitness instructors to assist them in developing safe and effective training classes for those…
Getting the perspective of Parkinson’s disease patients on their motivations and experiences participating in clinical trials can help increase recruitment and retention of future studies, a report suggests. Although preventable, one of the most common reasons Phase 2 or 3 trials fail is because not enough patients participate.
New research projects focused on better ways to monitor and treat Parkinson’s disease were awarded funding recently by the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF). From more than 200 funding proposals submitted to its 2018 spring funding program, 39 projects were funded. Selected projects primarily come from the United States…
Recent research shows that the Parkinson’s disease (PD) protein, alpha-synuclein, blocks pro-survival signals from an important brain growth factor. These findings provide new reasons why neurons degenerate and are lost in patients with PD. The finding, “TrkB neurotrophic activities are blocked by α-synuclein, triggering dopaminergic celldeath in Parkinson’s…
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