News

Some people with Parkinson’s disease have a characteristic genetic signature in a type of immune cell called memory T-cells, a new study suggests. “Parkinson’s disease is not usually seen as an autoimmune disease, but all of our work points toward T cells having a role in the disease,” Cecilia…

A form of the alpha-synuclein protein that can build up in the skin could help distinguish Parkinson’s disease from other neurodegenerative disorders, a study has found. Skin biopsy samples taken from Parkinson’s disease patients all showed a buildup of phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (p-syn), which is alpha-synuclein with an added phosphate…

A positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for the alpha-synuclein protein, whose damaging clumps mark Parkinson’s, captured its toxic aggregates in a living brain for a first time — instead of in post-mortem tissue as is done to date, scientists reported. The tracer, called ACI-12589, is a diagnostic tool designed to…

Combining a 12-week program of virtual reality (VR) training and motor imagery exercises with standard physical therapy (PT) significantly lessened motor symptoms — including tremors, slow movements (bradykinesia), and postural instability — among people with Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent study. “To the best of our knowledge, this…

A Phase 4 clinical trial called OCEAN is testing whether Ongentys (opicapone), an add-on therapy for “off” periods, can ease pain in people with Parkinson’s disease. The placebo-controlled trial (NCT04986982), which opened in February 2021, is evaluating Ongentys’ effectiveness in up to 140 adults with idiopathic (non-familial)…

JOGO-Gx, a device powered by an artificial intelligence-driven mobile app and wearable sensors, has shown early positive signs as a method to lessen motor symptoms in people with Parkinson’s disease. According to JOGO Health, the company that owns JOGO-Gx, using the device at least twice a week led…

Early results from the Phase 2 clinical trial of oral SAGE-718 showed the investigative therapy’s use was associated with cognitive gains in people with mild impairment due to Parkinson’s disease. These findings were presented at the AD/PD 2022 Advances in Science & Therapy International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s…

Anavex 2-73 (blarcamesine), an investigational oral therapy for Parkinson’s disease dementia, led to clinically meaningful improvements within all four MDS-UPDRS assessments for patients treated daily at high dose, according to new data from a completed Phase 2 trial. These benefits, in both motor and non-motor Parkinson’s…

Nurses emphasize the importance of developing relationships with Parkinson’s patients in their care and getting to know these people as individuals for effective communication in healthcare settings, a study from Australia reports. The study, “Communication strategies used by Parkinson’s nurse specialists during healthcare interactions: A qualitative descriptive study,” was published…

People who consume more coffee and fish are less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, according to a new study from Italy. Results also indicate that exposure to agricultural chemicals may increase the risk of Parkinson’s. The study, “Relationships of Nutritional Factors and Agrochemical Exposure with Parkinson’s…