News

In a “world-first,” scientists in Australia report in detail what happens to the PINK1 protein when it is activated, helping to clear the “confusion” that has surrounded this support protein for cells that include dopamine-producing neurons. Since mutations in the PINK1 gene that codes for this protein are known to cause…

In the United States, the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease is higher in states with more lead pipes that carry water to households, according to a new study. The results add to a growing body of evidence that exposure to lead could increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s. The…

A Phase 3 clinical trial assessing P2B001 in people with early Parkinson’s disease met its primary and a key secondary goal, with the investigative therapy showing superior efficacy to either of its two components, the approved medicines pramipexole and rasagiline, its developer, Pharma Two B, announced. Top-line trial data also…

Low levels of the hormone serotonin in the bloodstream of people with Parkinson’s disease were associated with a buildup of iron in the substantia nigra — the brain region most damaged in this disorder, a study reveals for possibly the first time. Researchers found this serotonin-iron relationship was primarily…

A Parkinson’s UK effort to bring greater racial and ethnic inclusivity to research into Parkinson’s disease is moving forward with new collaborations and a diverse steering group. The organization announced its initiative in March, aiming to improve ethnic representation in Parkinson’s investigations and clinical trials — with an early focus on Black…

IRLAB has received approval from the Swedish Medical Products Agency (MPA) to conduct a Phase 2b trial for its investigational medication, pirepemat (previously known as IRL752), which is intended to treat impaired balance and prevent falls in patients with Parkinson’s disease. “Pirepemat has potential to be the first…

According to an online survey, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the caregivers of patients with Parkinson’s disease, with a large proportion of caregivers reporting feeling sadness and anxiety. The findings of the study, “COVID-19’s Impact on Burden and Nutrition for Family Caregivers of People With Parkinson’s Disease,”…

In Parkinson’s patients, greater nerve damage in the skin around the ankle is significantly associated with subsequent progression of motor symptoms, while the presence of such damage in neck skin is linked to progressive cognitive decline, a study shows. Notably, this nerve damage progression was not related to increased…

A commonly used measure of how motor symptoms are affecting daily life could also — for people in early stages of Parkinson’s disease — be taking into account the contribution of their non-motor symptoms, a study suggests. This is a likely reason for the discrepancies seen in evaluations made by patients…

Researchers have developed a highly-sensitive alpha-synuclein-based test that accurately distinguishes people with Parkinson’s from those without the disease and those with other alpha-synucleinopathies, which sometimes are difficult to distinguish based on symptoms alone. The test also was able to predict the future conversion to Parkinson’s among people with…