News

Virtual Reality Video Games May Be Helpful Exercise Tool

Virtual reality video gaming was helpful and useable as an exercise tool, and demonstrated positive patient satisfaction with no adverse effects among four people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease, a case study reported. While previous studies have found limitations with using video games among “more fragile groups,” such…

Parkinson’s Foundation Emphasizes Patient Role in Clinical Research

The Parkinson’s Foundation is making an effort to put patients at the center of clinical research, both through its Research Advocates program and more recently, patient advisory boards, funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). Since 2008, the foundation’s advocacy program has trained more than 300…

Ipsen Acquires Global Rights to Mesdopetam

Ipsen has entered into an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Integrative Research Laboratories (IRLAB) to develop and commercialize mesdopetam, an experimental therapy for reducing levodopa-induced dyskinesia, or involuntary movements, in people with Parkinson’s disease. “We are excited to enter this licensing agreement with IRLAB. By working in partnership,…

Worse Early Non-motor Symptoms Predict Faster Function Decline

The number and severity of non-motor symptoms increase during the early stages of Parkinson’s disease, and are significantly associated with age and motor symptoms, according to a study in China. The findings showed that a higher non-motor symptom burden in early Parkinson’s was significantly associated with a faster progression…

Turmeric Oil Derivatives May Help to Protect Dopaminergic Neurons

A compound naturally found in turmeric essential oil, called aromatic turmerone (ar-turmerone), and its derivatives were seen to protect dopaminergic neurons in a tissue culture model of Parkinson’s, researchers report. These findings support the already known role of ar-turmerone in reducing the inflammatory response caused by activated microglia —…

Hydrogel Device Hints at Better Option for Brain Stimulation

A flexible hydrogel-based device, implanted in the brains of mice, allowed scientists to stimulate and detect brain signals — in deep brain regions — in real time, a study reported. The hydrogel device functions for nearly six months, and triggers less of a reaction and lesser scarring than current electrodes,…

California Earmarks $8.4M for Parkinson’s Disease Registry

California has committed $8.4 million to the California Parkinson’s Disease Registry (CPDR) and efforts to expand it to other neurodegenerative diseases over the next four years. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) commended Gov. Gavin Newsom for signing the state’s fiscal year 2021–2022 budget,…