About 1 in 3 Parkinson’s disease patients in two Phase 3 trials experienced an “off” episode before going to sleep, and most of those who woke up during the night were in an “off” state upon awakening, researchers reported. These findings were pulled from a new analysis of data obtained…
A soft, stretchable sensor called NeuroString could be used for measuring the activity of neurotransmitters — chemical messengers that nerve cells use to communicate — in the bodies of living animals. The novel sensor, which may have potential in Parkinson’s disease research, was described in the study, “…
Levels of antibodies against synuclein proteins are lower in people with Parkinson’s disease than in heathy individuals, but these antibody levels cannot be used to distinguish Parkinson’s from other neurological disorders, a new study suggests. “Considering the degree of variation within the levels of all synuclein [antibodies] in controls…
Voice therapy using resonance tubes — glass cylinders partially submerged in water — improved loudness and other vocal parameters in people with Parkinson’s disease, according to results of a small clinical trial from Brazil. “Resonance tube voice therapy has positive effects on the vocal aspects in individuals with” Parkinson’s,…
Men who have distressing dreams more than once a week are at more than two times higher risk of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a new study suggests. “This study provides evidence for the first time that frequent distressing dreams in community-dwelling older adults, may be associated with an…
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…
Get regular updates to your inbox.
