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Certain amino acids — the building blocks of proteins — found in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid may be valuable biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease, according to a review study. The review, “Cerebrospinal and blood levels of amino acids as potential biomarkers for Parkinson’s Disease:…

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive but low-cost method to detect dopamine, which may help in the early diagnosis of several disorders characterized by abnormal dopamine levels such as Parkinson’s disease, a study has found.  For the first time, the new…

To support scientists at all phases of Parkinson’s investigation and discovery, the Parkinson’s Foundation has awarded 34 research grants totaling $3.4 million. Grant recipients represent a range of disciplines, and are working on multiple aspects of this neurodegenerative disorder. Their goal is to help patients better go about their…

The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is urging support for a landmark piece of U.S. legislation that would ban damaging pesticides, including the herbicide paraquat that has been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Introduced by Sen. Tom Udall and Rep. Joe…

Denali Therapeutics announced a partnership with Biogen to jointly develop and advance DNL151, an investigational small molecule treatment for Parkinson’s disease, to late-stage clinical testing following results from ongoing Phase 1/1b trials. The partnership also includes Biogen and Denali working to co-develop and, upon approval, jointly market this and…

A new behavioral test called the free-movement pattern Y-maze could be useful in assessing problems with working memory, both in animal models and people, a new study suggests. It may also help with research into neurological diseases like Parkinson’s. The study, “The Free-movement pattern Y-maze: A…

The nonprofit Parkinson’s UK announced an additional £1 million (about $1.3 million) award to NRG Therapeutics, advancing its work into potential treatments that can rescue damaged mitochrondria — the cellular component responsible for energy production — in brain cells. This funding is part of a £4 million annual investment…

Note: This story was updated Aug. 17, 2020, to correct that the Upper Valley Programs for Parkinson’s is in New Hampshire, not Ohio. The Parkinson’s Foundation has awarded more than $1.5 million in community health grants to about 100 programs that will benefit Parkinson’s disease patients in 37 states.

A considerable amount of effort is being put into finding therapeutic agents for Parkinson’s disease, with several symptomatic and disease-modifying therapies currently being evaluated in clinical trials, according to a recent comprehensive review. The review, “Parkinson’s Disease Drug Therapies in the Clinical Trial Pipeline: 2020,” was…

Remote coaching via telehealth could help people with Parkinson’s disease stay physically active, even when in-person events aren’t feasible, a study suggests. The study, “Promoting Physical Activity via Telehealth in People With Parkinson Disease: The Path Forward After the COVID-19 Pandemic?” was published in Physical Therapy.