News

Non-invasive ‘Smell’ Test May Speed Diagnosis

A non-invasive test that measures signals from the olfactory bulb — the part of the brain responsible for scent-perception — may aid in the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent study. The test, called an electrobulbogram, also also can inform about disease duration, severity, and the…

Electrical Stimulation of Brain via Scalp May Ease Bradykinesia

Electrical stimulation given through the scalp to a brain region called the supplementary motor area may ease certain aspects of upper limb bradykinesia in people with Parkinson’s disease, a small study suggests. The study, “Transcranial direct current stimulation of supplementary motor area improves upper limb kinematics…

Excess Alpha-synuclein Directly Linked to Mitochondrial Problems

Higher-than-normal levels of alpha-synuclein — the protein that accumulates in toxic clumps in Parkinson’s disease — affect the shape, dynamics, and health of mitochondria, which are the powerhouses of the body’s cells, according to a study in a fruit fly model. “When fruit fly larvae expressed alpha-synuclein at elevated…

Clinical Trials of Parkinson’s Therapies Robust Despite COVID-19

Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, investment and interest in clinical trials of potential new treatments for Parkinson’s disease remains strong, according to a report. The study suggests that the landscape of developmental Parkinson’s treatments has changed little over the last year, with researchers noting a slight increase…

Worse GI Symptoms Predict Anxiety, Depression, and Vice-versa

Worse gastrointestinal symptoms predict more severe anxiety and depression, and vice-versa, within the same year and in the following year in people with Parkinson’s disease, a study shows. This bidirectional link between gut and mental health suggests a potential cyclical relationship, in which gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms increase the risk…