News

Low Oxygen Levels, Poor Exercise Endurance Are Common

Low oxygen levels during sleep and while exercising — resulting in poor endurance — are very common among Parkinson’s disease patients, despite dopaminergic treatment, an Italian study suggests. The findings indicate a need for combining motor and respiratory rehabilitation, particularly for patients with severe Parkinson’s, who show the lowest…

Molecule Safely Eases Dyskinesia Tied to Levodopa in Primate Model

A newly discovered oral molecule, called PD13R, significantly lessened levodopa-induced dyskinesia, its involuntary and jerky movements, while maintaining the therapy’s benefits in a non-human primate model of Parkinson’s disease. Notably, in contrast to Gocovri (amantadine) — an approved therapy to treat levodopa-induced dyskinesia — PD13R did not affect the…

Study: DaT-SPECT Imaging Likely of Little Use in Trial Recruitment

Nearly all participants in the SPARK clinical trial had evidence of abnormal dopamine activity on a brain scan known as DaT-SPECT, for dopamine transporter single-photon emission computed tomography, according to a new study. Thus, these results suggest that DaT-SPECT — sometimes used as a biomarker in recruiting participants for clinical…

Gains in Life Quality Evident With Duodopa Use by Advanced Patients

Duodopa (levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel) reduces motor and non-motor symptoms and improves well-being and quality of life in adults with advanced Parkinson’s disease, according to six-month data from an observational study in Spain. These real-world findings add to previous clinical trial data showing an easing of symptoms and a better quality…

Parkinson’s Foundation Expanding Its Global Care Network for Patients

To expand access to quality care, the Parkinson’s Foundation is expanding to 60 the Centers of Excellence within its Global Care Network for Parkinson’s disease, and adding a new level of recognized excellence, called Comprehensive Care Centers. A total of 15 medical centers found to be providing “outstanding” and specialized clinical care and resources…