News

A molecule associated with oxidative stress, called allantoin, is found at higher levels in the blood of people with Parkinson’s disease relative to their peers without the neurodegenerative disorder, according to a new study. Allantoin and its ratio to uric acid (UA) — the antioxidant molecule from which it’s…

NeuroPoint Alliance’s (NPA) registry for people with Parkinson’s disease eligible for deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery announced that it has completed its initial pilot phase, collecting information on more than 170 patients who underwent the treatment. Called the Registry for the Advancement of DBS in Parkinson’s Disease, or…

Heavier coffee drinkers, based on the number of cups consumed daily, have a lower volume of the striatum, a brain region affected in Parkinson’s disease, whether or not they have Parkinson’s, a study from China using MRI data reported. Regular coffee consumption, without an emphasis on cups per day,…

Mutations associated with a rare genetic neurological disorder called neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) do not appear to be risk factors for Parkinson’s disease, a study reported. NBIA refers to a group of extremely rare genetic conditions characterized by a buildup of iron in the brain, damaging and…

People with Parkinson’s disease who smoke cigarettes are less likely to die of neurological problems than non-smokers, a new study shows — though Parkinson’s smokers were found to have a higher risk of death due to related smoking-related complications such as lung cancer. The findings support the idea that…

Women with Parkinson’s disease are less likely to be referred for deep brain stimulation (DBS) evaluation than men, a study has found. Moreover, women with essential tremor, a disease that shares symptoms with Parkinson’s and can also be treated with DBS, were more likely to decline surgery, once approved.

The Van Andel Institute has awarded scientist Virginia M.Y. Lee the 2023 Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Parkinson’s Disease Research. in recognition of her pioneering work in Parkinson’s disease. “It is an absolute honor to present Dr. Lee with the Jay Van Andel Award for…

A test called the alpha-synuclein seed amplification assay, or alphaSyn-SAA, can detect Parkinson’s disease with high accuracy, a new study reveals. The research was conducted as part of the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), an international study led by the The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research…

In preparation for the World Parkinson Congress taking place in Barcelona in July, the World Parkinson Coalition (WPC) is making the city more accessible and accommodating for people with Parkinson’s disease. “A significant challenge for people living with PD [Parkinson’s disease] is traveling comfortably and safely. PD is…

People with Parkinson’s disease facing anxiety, depression, apathy, and other mental health challenges when diagnosed are more likely to experience a decline in their cognitive abilities with disease progression, a study reported. “Considering the importance of cognitive dysfunction … it is critical to identify factors that could predict a…