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Alpha-synuclein clumps may form in kidneys before traveling to brain

People with chronic kidney disease, a condition characterized by a progressive loss of kidney function, have alpha-synuclein protein deposits in their kidneys, a study in China has found. Alpha-synuclein is a key marker of Parkinson’s disease, suggesting a possible link between kidney function and the neurodegenerative condition. “These findings are…

Plant compound eases motor, cognitive symptoms in mice

Gardenin A, a compound found in a common South Asian shrub, lessened both cognitive and motor symptoms of Parkinson’s in a mouse model of the disease, according to a study. The compound reduced the loss of dopaminergic neurons — nerve cells that are gradually lost in Parkinson’s— and decreased…

Direct nose-to-brain delivery of dopamine is company’s goal

An Australian company announced that it is working on a direct, nose-to-brain way of delivering dopamine that might more effectively treat Parkinson’s disease. PreveCeutical anticipates that this approach, based on what it calls a sol-gel solution that turns into a gel once in contact with mucosa tissue…