Steve Bryson, PhD, science writer —

Exposing a molecule called PAI to light altered its shape, triggering an interaction with protein receptors — ones also associated with Parkinson’s disease — that control brain function, a study in mice demonstrated. The findings support the development of light-sensitive methods to understand the underlying impact of Parkinson’s on the…

Gut inflammation could play a critical role in the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease, a preclinical study shows. Specifically, this type of inflammation triggered the accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein clumps in the nerves lining the colon of a mouse model of…

Workplace exposure to the herbicide paraquat during its manufacture does not lead to a greater risk of dying of Parkinson’s disease or of developing the disorder, an analysis of death certificates in the U.K. found. Certificates, examined through December 2017, covered more than 950 people who had worked at four sites…

Scientists have discovered how misfolded proteins in brain cells — those carrying mutations associated with Parkinson’s disease — spread to nearby healthy cells, a study reported.  These findings support the development of therapies that may prevent Parkinson’s progression, the researchers noted.

Known to ease motor fluctuations due to “off periods” in Parkinson’s disease, daily use of Xadago (safinamide) at low dose also appears to significantly decrease such non-motor symptoms as apathy, while improving patients’ sense of motivation and interest over six months, a real-life study reported. The…

New exercise recommendations have been released by the Parkinson’s Foundation and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) to provide effective and safe guidelines about physical activity for people with Parkinson’s disease and…

Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) to trigger muscle contractions, improved upper and lower body strength, endurance, and hand-eye coordination in a small group of people with early Parkinson’s disease who did not engage in regular exercise programs. The study with that finding, “…

Computer algorithms used to analyze large medical databases found an early diagnosis of walking difficulties or tremors best predicted a future diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a study found.  The study, “Accelerating diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease through…

A review of current literature by Parkinson’s disease researchers worldwide found studies that attempted to classify the disease into a limited number of subtypes fall short in both methods and clinical applications.  New approaches are needed in re-evaluating Parkinson’s disease subtypes, and should include those…

A new model of alpha-synuclein in Parkinson’s development, addressing both where aggregates first appear and their spread through the nervous system, may explain the variety of early symptoms, asymmetry in motor symptoms, and variability of disease progression seen in patients, a study reported. The study,…