News

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…

A first study in patients of an intranasal-delivered  therapy for Parkinson’s disease is now complete, and early findings support the treatment being safe and leading to improvements in motor function, Zhittya Genesis Medical, the therapy’s developer, announced. Zhittya is offering a first look at the trial data via a…

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…

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]…

StrivePD, a Rune Labs‘ app that collects motor symptom data for people with Parkinson’s disease via measurements recorded by an Apple Watch, has been cleared for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “When people with Parkinson’s are prescribed new medications, adjusting how much to take and…

Biogen and Alectos Therapeutics have signed an exclusive license and collaboration agreement to further develop and commercialize AL01811, a small molecule therapy, as a potential treatment for Parkinson’s disease. “Through this collaboration with Alectos, we hope to improve the lives of people living with Parkinson’s disease by advancing…

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,…