News

Swallowing Difficulties Linked to Autonomic Nerve Dysfunction

Swallowing difficulties in people with Parkinson’s disease are associated with the dysfunction of nerves that supply the heart muscle as part of the autonomic, or involuntary, nervous system, a study revealed. The noninvasive method to measure this dysfunction, called cardiac MIBG scintigraphy, could help identify Parkinson’s patients who may…

Robotic Device Helps Diagnose, Treat Brain Diseases

Scientists in the United Kingdom have developed a robotic device to aid the diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders, such as Parkinson’s. The device — a soft, flexible catheter and an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled robotic arm — could help neurosurgeons see deep brain structures and deliver treatments without damaging…

Gut Inflammation Helps Drive Disease, Mouse Study Indicates

In a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease animals show signs of inflammation in the gut, and treatment with cell therapies that reduce this inflammation help to ease symptoms of Parkinson’s, according to a new study. These results suggest that inflammatory conditions in the gut may contribute to the development…

FDA Clears NeuroOne Evo sEEG Device for Use Up to 30 Days

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted NeuroOne Medical Technologies clearance to market its Evo stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG) electrode technology for temporary use of less than 30 days. The device — previously cleared by the FDA for use of less than one day — is used to measure…

Human Embryonic Stem Cell Therapies Viewed Favorably: Survey

People with Parkinson’s disease have generally positive attitudes toward using therapies derived from human embryos, according to a new study based on interviews with patients in Sweden. The study, “Patients’ views on using human embryonic stem cells to treat Parkinson’s disease: an interview study,” was published in BMC Medical Ethics.

MJFF Expands Fellowship Program for Movement Disorder Specialists

To better care for the growing number of people with Parkinson’s disease and their families, the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is expanding the size and reach of its global Edmond J. Safra Fellowship in Movement Disorders program. The two-year fellowship supports medical centers in training a new generation of…

Neurorehabilitation Seen to Ease Disease Symptoms, Protect Neurons

A therapeutic mix of exercise, cognitive stimulation and social activity — known as environmental enrichment — eased Parkinson’s disease symptoms and protected brain cells in a mouse model, though to a greater extent in early disease stages, a study reported. Benefits were notably less potent in animals with more advanced…