Steve Bryson, PhD,  science writer—

Enhanced ultrasound signals in the substantia nigra, the area of the brain impacted by Parkinson’s disease, are associated with increased motor disability and gait disturbances, a study concluded. The researchers noted that these ultrasound signals, called hyperechogenicity, may be useful a biomarker that reflects disease severity. “Our results may…

The change in motor symptoms after deep brain stimulation (DBS) in people with Parkinson’s disease did not differ regardless of whether microelectrode recording was used during their surgery to guide electrode placement, a pooled analysis of published studies suggest. However, the analysis found that a reduction in the…

Nanomaterials with potent antioxidant properties called carbon quantum dots prevented Parkinson’s disease-related neurodegeneration in nerve cells and a worm model, a study reported. These antioxidants, especially those derived from citric acid — a common and nontoxic biochemical — may represent a new treatment approach for Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases,…

A more extensive biopsy involving larger tissue samples taken from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of people with Parkinson’s disease improves the ability to identify alpha-synuclein protein clumping, researchers in a small study reported. These findings support more extensive GI biopsies as a diagnostic tool for Parkinson’s and other…

Changes in gene activity and protein production were seen in immune cells known as monocytes from Parkinson’s disease patients before and after treatment with sargramostim, an immune-modulating therapy, a small study found. Because these changes were associated with gains in motor function, the researchers suggested that profiling how an immune therapy…

Vitamin C may help to stabilize levodopa and carbidopa levels in the bloodstream of Parkinson’s disease patients who take laxatives containing magnesium oxide (MgO), which is thought to break down this common Parkinson’s treatment, a study suggested. Larger studies are needed to validate the benefits of vitamin C…

Placing sensors on the lower leg to measure acceleration and orientation with movement was the best way to detect freezing of gait symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease, a small study suggested. These findings could be helpful for screening and treating freezing gait at early stages, the researchers noted.

Proteins involved in nerve cell communication — via the release of signaling molecules such as dopamine, which is abnormally low in people with Parkinson’s disease — are “spring-loaded” in advance of a triggering signal by calcium, supercomputer simulations showed. These findings, which were consistent with current experimental data, may help…

A four-week, task-specific exercise program done at home can improve turning ability and balance, and ease disease severity for people with early- to mid-stage Parkinson’s, a small study suggested. This Parkinson’s exercise program focuses explicitly on rotating those parts of the body most involved in turning. It may be…

Impairment due to Parkinson’s disease of the involuntary nervous system, which controls heart rate, among other bodily functions, was associated with worse outcomes after five years — particularly relative to dementia, daily motor activities, and quality of life, a study suggested. In fact, worse cardiovascular assessment scores were linked to…