News

Measuring changes in the temperature of the hands after immersion in cold water could be useful in making an early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a small study suggests. The study, “A Non-Invasive IR Sensor Technique to Differentiate Parkinson’s Disease from Other Neurological Disorders Using Autonomic Dysfunction…

In treating Parkinson’s symptoms that aren’t being adequately controlled by levodopa, monoamine oxidase type B (MAO-B) inhibitors are better than catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors, according to patient-reported assessments in a clinical trial. The real-world study found no difference in effectiveness between MAO-B — like COMT, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor —…

Aerobic exercise stabilizes progression of motor symptoms and improves cognitive function in people with Parkinson’s disease, according to additional data from the Park-in-Shape clinical trial. Notably, these benefits were found to be associated with increased neuronal connectivity in brain areas controlling such functions and with reduced brain atrophy (shrinkage). These…

Early treatment with Gocovri (amantadine) may delay the onset of dyskinesia, the uncontrolled movements that are a common side effect of levodopa use, according to a new study. The study, “Amantadine Treatment and Delayed Onset of Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia in Patients with Early Parkinson’s Disease” was published…

All through 2021, Parkinson’s News Today brought you coverage of cutting-edge science and developments in treatment related to Parkinson’s disease. Here are the top 10 most-read Parkinson’s news stories of the year. We look forward to continuing to cover news for the Parkinson’s community in 2022. No. 10 – “…

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…