Using a personalized “virtual brain” could help in determining the optimal configuration of deep brain stimulation for people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders, a study suggests. “We offer a computational model that holds the potential to be easily translated towards the individual patient level and used as…
Inhibition of a DNA-destroying enzyme called PAAN protected against nerve cell death and lessened motor symptoms in mouse models of Parkinson’s disease, a study found. The findings overall demonstrate an important role for PAAN in Parkinson’s disease mechanisms and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting this enzyme as a…
The female hormone known as chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) protects nerve cells in the brain that are lost in people with Parkinson’s disease, a mouse model study showed, reportedly for the first time. These findings suggest that hCG may be an effective therapeutic agent to slow Parkinson’s progression, its researchers…
A blood test that assesses how the activity of a group of enzymes, called P450s, changes when they are blocked could be useful for diagnosing Parkinson’s disease in early stages, according to a new study. “Effective diagnostic systems and biomarkers for patients without subjective motor symptoms have not yet been…
Iron buildup in the region of the brain largely affected in Parkinson’s disease did not contribute to disease development or progression, an MRI study has found. In contrast, iron accumulation was related to disease duration and the use of levodopa, a standard Parkinson’s therapy, a finding that needs…
Using a wrist-worn device that continuously monitors body movements, a U.S. study has found 85% of people with Parkinson’s disease experience  bradykinesia — abnormally slow movements — in the morning. Even after the first daily dose of levodopa, a standard Parkinson’s therapy, 64% had continued morning bradykinesia. Moreover,…
A Phase 2b clinical trial evaluating the investigational oral therapy BIIB122/DNL151 for the treatment of people with Parkinson’s disease has started dosing patients. The LUMA study (NCT05348785), led by Biogen in collaboration with Denali Therapeutics, is one of two late-stage trials planned for this year to further evaluate BIIB122/DNL151…
Electroconductive hydrogels prevented the loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells (neurons) and motor function when injected into the brain, a study in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease showed. The gels were also able to promote neuronal growth and prevent inflammation in cell cultures. “Our work is the first to…
BlueRock Therapeutics has completed full enrollment in its open-label Phase 1 study evaluating the safety and preliminary efficacy of its investigational cell-based therapy BRT-DA01 for advanced Parkinson’s disease. The therapy is designed to ease motor symptoms in Parkinson’s patients who do not fully respond to regular medications. The…
A team of researchers has designed nanoparticles able to restore the function of mitochondria — cells’ energy production centers — and improve motor behavior in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Experiments in cell cultures revealed that the nanoparticles could restore function of reversibly damaged mitochondria and promote the…
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