Switching actions and stopping movements involve two distinct cognitive motor processes, according to a study that combined computer modeling with tasks performed by healthy people. The findings have implications for people with Parkinson’s disease, who experience longer reaction times and delays when they want to start, stop, or switch…
A newly developed test was able to distinguish — with an accuracy of 95% — between individuals with and without Parkinson’s disease, using samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the liquid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, according to a new study from Germany. The researchers noted that Parkinson’s often…
Different types of exercise can have different effects on Parkinson’s disease, a study suggests. For instance, tai chi or at-home bodyweight strength training can improve motor function, while tai chi or strength training with elastic bands and dumbbells can help ease freezing of gait. At the same time, home-based…
Adults with Parkinson’s disease treated with the cell therapy bemdaneprocel spent less time in off periods, when symptoms were not adequately controlled despite medication use. That’s according to final published data from the exPDite Phase 1 trial (NCT04802733), which also showed that the cell therapy boosted the time…
Performing cognitive tasks while walking may help distinguish between early Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy (MSA), a neurodegenerative disorder with similar symptoms, a study suggests. MSA patients had more walking impairments alongside higher brain activity during cognitive tasks while walking than Parkinson’s patients, the research shows. “We…
Age-related declines in speech processes do not appear to contribute to the voice disturbances perceived by people with Parkinson’s disease, and are more likely due to disease processes themselves, a study reports. “Reduced self-voice perception in [Parkinson’s] is likely due to [Parkinson’s]-specific sensory feedback deficits, rather than age per…
Vestibular-oriented balance training during the middle stages of Parkinson’s disease can improve postural control and reduce the risk of falls in people with mild to moderate disease, a new study found. Unlike standard balance training, which typically focuses on stretches and strengthening practices, vestibular-based exercises are designed to enhance…
AB-1005, AskBio’s investigational gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease, has been granted regenerative medicine advanced therapy (RMAT) designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). RMAT designation is intended to speed the development and review of therapies that have shown potential to treat serious or life-threatening conditions. Benefits…
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have developed prototypes of wearable devices that use pressure sensors and vibrations to address freezing of gait, a hallmark symptom of Parkinson’s disease. One such device is a specialized shoe sole equipped with sensors. These sensors detect changes in pressure as the wearer takes…
The prevalence of early-onset Parkinson’s disease is six times higher among adults with a genetic condition called 22q11.2 deletion syndrome compared with the general population, an international study reported. Previously known as DiGeorge syndrome, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is caused by a deletion of a small piece of chromosome 22…
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