News

AI speech analysis detects subtle signs of Parkinson’s

Scientists at the University of Rochester have developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered screening tool that analyzes a person’s speech patterns to detect subtle signs of Parkinson’s disease. The algorithm could eventually be used to analyze speech patterns at home on mobile phones or household devices, helping to reach people…

Project exploring role of manganese in Parkinson’s awarded $3.4M grant

A five-year, $3.4 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is supporting research into how manganese exposure may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Manganese is an essential mineral the body needs in small amounts. However, high-level exposure, such as through certain pesticides, mining, or…

Stem cell therapy eases Parkinson’s motor symptoms in trial

S.Biomedics said its stem cell-based therapy A9-DPC was found safe and effective in improving motor function over a one-year follow-up in people with Parkinson’s disease. The results apply to all 12 adults diagnosed with Parkinson’s for at least five years, who were treated with a single brain transplant…

Canada considers approval of Parkinson’s therapy Crexont

Health Canada will review Knight Therapeutics’ application seeking approval of Crexont, an extended-release formulation of levodopa and carbidopa aimed at providing steady symptom control in Parkinson’s disease, the company said. The Parkinson’s therapy is designed to maintain consistent levels of levodopa and carbidopa in the body, prolonging…

Dogs can smell Parkinson’s signature on skin: Study

Two trained dogs detected Parkinson’s disease with high accuracy by smelling skin swabs of patients who had not yet received treatment, adding to growing evidence that scent carries a chemical signature that could help enable early, noninvasive diagnosis. Bumper, a golden retriever, and Peanut, a black Labrador, were trained…

MJFF funding novel study of anxiety mechanisms in Parkinson’s

A research grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) will support a new study that’s investigating the biological mechanisms underlying anxiety as a symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Titled “Investigating the Mechanisms of Alpha-synuclein-induced Anxiety in a Novel Preclinical Model of Parkinson’s Disease,” the…

Partnership to advance Infudopa SubC drug-device combination

Neuraxpharm is partnering with Dizlin Pharmaceuticals on Dizlin’s Infudopa SubC drug-device combination therapy, which allows for continuous levodopa-carbidopa delivery in people with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Infudopa SubC is a wearable device being developed for patients who experience fluctuations in their Parkinson’s motor symptoms despite treatment. “Our…

Theater-based therapy improves emotional well-being in Parkinson’s

An experimental theater program improved the emotional well-being of people with Parkinson’s disease, and eased their anxiety and depression, a study reports. “Arts-based interventions could offer a novel, efficient, and inexpensive tool to complement pharmacological therapy,” the study’s researchers wrote. The program outperformed an at-home memory and attention program at…