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Study probes contact sports, CTE, parkinsonism links

Nearly one-quarter of deceased athletes with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease associated with repetitive head impacts, experienced Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms during their lives, according to a study researchers said is the largest to date exploring the links among contact sports, CTE, and parkinsonism. The researchers found that…

Brenig raises $65M to advance LRRK2 inhibitor BT-267 to trials

Brenig Therapeutics has raised $65 million to advance its lead candidate, LRRK inhibitor BT-267, into human clinical trials as a possible treatment for idiopathic (of unknown cause) and LRRK2-associated Parkinson’s disease. The funds will be used to test BT-267 in healthy volunteers in a first-in-human study, Brenig said.

Home exercise helps Parkinson’s motor symptoms: Analysis

Home-based exercise, such as aerobic, strength, or balance exercises, helps relieve overall motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, according to a meta-analysis. But benefits were only seen when patients exercised for a minimum of eight weeks, and no less than 30 times. The findings provide “clinicians and patients with clear…

$6M grant aids work into calcium channel blocker to protect neurons

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) has awarded a $6 million grant to Lario Therapeutics to advance early studies into CaV2.3 calcium channel inhibitors as a potential disease-modifying therapy for Parkinson’s disease. Lario’s preclinical program is being developed in collaboration with the Oxford…

Alpha-synuclein process may be therapeutic target in Parkinson’s

Clumps of alpha-synuclein, the protein responsible for nerve cell death in Parkinson’s disease, initially form under medium salt conditions. However, over time, these clumps, or aggregates, transform into droplets through a process called liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), effectively preventing further clumping, or aggregation, of alpha-synuclein, a study has shown.

Gene mutation linked to movement disorder, Parkinson’s symptoms

Scientists have discovered a link between a mutation in the CARS gene and late-onset neurological disorders with symptoms, such as movement disorder, similar to those seen in Parkinson’s disease patients. The mutation, known as CARS E795V, was identified as the cause of a neurological condition affecting nine people…

EEG patterns put to AI review may aid in early Parkinson’s diagnosis

A model that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze electroencephalography (EEG)-based patterns of brain activity showed a potential to accurately diagnose Parkinson’s disease at early stages, according to a recent study from Australia. EEG, a non-invasive way of studying the brain’s electrical activity, is used to detect patterns of…