The accumulation of toxic clumps of the protein TDP-43 — rather than alpha-synuclein protein, considered the hallmark of Parkinson’s disease — likely was the cause of death of nerve cells in a 60-year-old Japanese man diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease, a case report shows. The findings suggest the need…
People with Parkinson’s disease have less variability in their heart rate than adults of a similar age, and this difference can be detected with noninvasive, wearable sensors, according to a new study. Because lesser heart rate variability is associated with a greater disease risk, its researchers proposed that measuring…
An increase in a type of cellular damage called oxidative stress in certain brain regions may be the reason dementia develops in people with Parkinson’s disease, according to a study in rat models. The study, “Investigating key factors underlying neurodegeneration linked to alpha-synuclein spread,” was published…
Labcorp has launched a test to detect the presence of a protein called neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the blood, a sign of nerve cell damage and death. The test will aid neurologists in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, according to the company’s press…
A $500,000 grant from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) to EpicentRx will support continuing work into the neuroprotective effects of RRx-001, its lead small molecule treatment for Parkinson’s disease. RRx-001 works by blocking the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, known to play a key role in promoting…
Changes in gene activity and protein production were seen in immune cells known as monocytes from Parkinson’s disease patients before and after treatment with sargramostim, an immune-modulating therapy, a small study found. Because these changes were associated with gains in motor function, the researchers suggested that profiling how an immune therapy…
PharmaTher has received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) covering use of the painkiller ketamine for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and motor disorders that cause uncontrolled, involuntary movements. A Notice of Allowance means the USPTO has decided to issue the…
EVER Pharma has launched a mobile app for the D-mine Pump, its portable micro-infusion pump designed to continuously deliver apomorphine under the skin (subcutaneously) to patients with Parkinson’s disease. The app was designed to train healthcare professionals and caregivers on how to use the pump and program the infusion device. It’s…
More co-existing health conditions in people with Parkinson’s disease is associated with a greater self-perception of stigma and a lower quality of life, a study has found. Thyroid disease, depression and anxiety each were linked to stigma and life quality, with demographic factors — including a younger age, less education…
Exposure to high concentrations of copper accelerates the formation of toxic clumps of the alpha-synuclein protein — a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease, a study shows. The study, “Single-Particle Resolution of Copper-Associated Annular α‑Synuclein Oligomers Reveals Potential Therapeutic Targets of Neurodegeneration,” was published in the journal…
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