News

Gut Microbiome of Patients Favors Inflammation, Study Suggests

People with Parkinson’s disease appear to have a gut microbiome — the population of microorganisms living in the intestines — that is shifted toward a pro-inflammatory state, a small study suggests. Looking particularly at a pro-inflammatory gut bacterial metabolite called trimethylamine (TMA), its researchers found significantly higher…

Study Planned to Assess Severity of Speech Symptoms

The healthcare technology company Koneksa and Northwestern University plan to begin recruiting patients in the third quarter of this year for a study aimed at measuring the severity of vocal abnormalities that can occur in Parkinson’s disease. The clinical trial, which is expected to be completed in 2024, will…

Scientists Discover How to Turn Stem Cells Into Dopaminergic Neurons

A new method for turning specific human stem cells, called pluripotent stem cells, into neurons that can produce dopamine — the signaling molecule, essential for controlling movement, that is missing in patients with Parkinson’s disease — has now been developed by researchers in the U.S. “Scientists have been trying…

New Role for Alpha-synuclein Uncovered by Researchers

The buildup of alpha-synuclein in cells and brain tissue in Parkinson’s disease patients is linked to the disruption of processes involved in degrading RNA, the template used for protein production, a study has found. The findings uncover a new biological role for the alpha-synuclein protein, its researchers said. “Our…

Trial to Test Wearable ‘Exoskeleton’ as Training Aid for Gait Problems

A clinical trial will evaluate how well a wearable “exoskeleton” device aids rehabilitation training to improve walking mechanics and neuromuscular function in people with Parkinson’s disease. “Findings linked with the proposed study will likely give substantial solutions to the management of gait and postural disorders (posture, balance, and gait) in [Parkinson’s]…