Genetic variations that influence the size of specific brain regions are associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, a study reports. “Our findings suggest that genetic influences that underpin individual differences in brain structure may be fundamental to understanding the underlying causes of brain-related disorders,” Miguel RenterÃa,…
Hearing loss may be a risk factor for later developing Parkinson’s disease, and the risk may be higher for people with more severe impairment, according to a recent study of U.S. military veterans data. However, the use of hearing aids within two years after the diagnosis of hearing difficulties…
Therapeutic nanocapsules designed to simultaneously increase dopamine levels and decrease neuroinflammation were able to improve motor and cognitive function in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease, a study found. The scientists who developed the nanodrug, which was also engineered to have enhanced brain delivery, said they believe that simultaneously…
Integrating wearable sensors and machine learning has enabled researchers to develop a simplified method to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. The technology was described in the study, “Simplification of Mobility Tests and Data Processing to Increase Applicability of Wearable Sensors as Diagnostic Tools for Parkinson’s Disease,” published in…
Providing emotional support is a key part of a genetic counselor’s role — but many people with Parkinson’s disease are not aware of this and don’t expect emotional support from genetic counselors, even if this kind of assistance would be welcome. That’s according to a new study from the…
Adding Cerevance’s investigational oral therapy solengepras (CVN424) to standard Parkinson’s disease treatment significantly decreased off time, when symptoms return or worsen, according to the data from a completed Phase 2 trial. The trial met its main efficacy goal, with a reduction in average off time at the…
A rapid release of the chemical messenger dopamine in the brain is not needed for initiating movement, while it’s important for motivation and reward-seeking behaviors, according to a study in mice. If these findings hold true in patients, they may help in explaining why levodopa or L-DOPA, a mainstay treatment,…
A process known as SUMOylation plays an important role in the so-called waking up of neural stem cells, a type of cell in the brain that can self-renew and mature into nerve cells, according to a new study in fruit flies by an international team of researchers led by Duke-NUS…
A specific population of nerve cells in the brain that helps to regulate REM sleep may be a key target for treating Parkinson’s disease, a study demonstrates. REM (rapid eye movement) is the stage of sleep where the most dreaming occurs, with its other three stages classified as either…
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) announced an initiative to accelerate the identification of biomarkers and the development of new therapies targeting the LRRK2 gene, one of the most common causes of inherited Parkinson’s disease. The program, LRRK2 Investigative Therapeutics Exchange, or LITE, provides “tens…
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