News

Monocytes May Reflect Parkinson’s Response to Immune Therapy

Changes in gene activity and protein production were seen in immune cells known as monocytes from Parkinson’s disease patients before and after treatment with sargramostim, an immune-modulating therapy, a small study found. Because these changes were associated with gains in motor function, the researchers suggested that profiling how an immune therapy…

PharmaTher Granted US Patent Protection for Ketamine

PharmaTher has received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) covering use of the painkiller ketamine for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and motor disorders that cause uncontrolled, involuntary movements. A Notice of Allowance means the USPTO has decided to issue the…

Stigma of Parkinson’s Influenced by Other Conditions

More co-existing health conditions in people with Parkinson’s disease is associated with a greater self-perception of stigma and a lower quality of life, a study has found. Thyroid disease, depression and anxiety each were linked to stigma and life quality, with demographic factors — including a younger age, less education…

High Copper Exposure May Promote Disease-driving Protein Clumping

Exposure to high concentrations of copper accelerates the formation of toxic clumps of the alpha-synuclein protein — a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease, a study shows. The study, “Single-Particle Resolution of Copper-Associated Annular α‑Synuclein Oligomers Reveals Potential Therapeutic Targets of Neurodegeneration,” was published in the journal…

Introns in DNA, Largely Ignored, May Be Parkinson Determinants

Researchers have identified distinct changes to introns — a historically understudied component of genes — associated with the presence and progression of Parkinson’s disease. Learning more about these changes and the signaling pathways they impact may help in identifying biomarkers and treatment targets for the neurodegenerative disease, the researchers…