News

Small molecule blocking cell death may be used in Parkinson’s

A small molecule that blocks the interaction between two proteins could help protect nerve cells from premature death in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, a study found. Researchers at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) in Australia discovered that a newly identified small molecule, WEHI-3773, prevents the protein…

Sensors, machine learning used in movement disorder diagnosis

Integrating movement sensors and machine learning approaches may aid a correct diagnosis of movement disorders, including essential tremor and myoclonus, a study in the Netherlands suggests. Essential tremor is a progressive movement disorder marked by tremors, while myoclonus refers to brief, shock-like muscle jerks. Both can occur during voluntary movements…

Eye test can distinguish Parkinson’s from secondary parkinsonism

Imaging of nerves in the eyes may be used to differentiate between Parkinson’s disease and secondary forms of parkinsonism, a new study shows. The study, “Corneal confocal microscopy differentiates patients with secondary parkinsonism from idiopathic Parkinson’s disease,” was published in NPJ Parkinson’s Disease. Recommended…

Golf course pesticides may increase risk of Parkinson’s: Study

Living within three miles of a golf course may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, possibly due to pesticide exposure, a study reported. The risk decreased with distance, the researchers found. Areas with water systems vulnerable to pesticide pollution from golf courses had a higher prevalence of Parkinson’s,…

Distinct immune responses may detect Parkinson’s before symptoms

People in the presymptomatic stages of Parkinson’s disease have distinct patterns of stimulated immune responses relative to those with clinically diagnosed disease or individuals who do not have Parkinson’s, according to a new study. In particular, the release of certain immune signaling proteins from isolated and stimulated immune cells…

Parkinson’s Foundation names new accredited exercise providers

The Parkinson’s Foundation now recognizes Dance for PD and Parkinson’s Pointe as accredited exercise education providers, a designation reserved for programs and courses that meet its standards to ensure that those with Parkinson’s disease receive quality and safe exercise programming to help manage their symptoms…

Gene therapy AAV-GAD wins RMAT designation for Parkinson’s

The U.S. Food and Drug Administrated (FDA) has granted Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) status to AAV-GAD, MeiraGTx’s gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease, the company has announced. The designation was granted based on data from three clinical studies showing the treatment eased motor symptoms and improved the quality…