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Parkinson’s disease has typically been classified as a neurodegenerative disease with much of treatment focused on managing symptoms. However, recent connections between the brain and gut microbiome as it is influenced by nutrition, oxidative stress, and the environment has been gaining interest. In a 2015 article…

Altered forms of the alpha-synuclein protein travel along the vagus nerve from the gut to the brain where they accumulate, according to a study in mice. It also suggests that blocking this transport could prevent the progression of Parkinson’s disease. The work lends support to theories that Parkinson’s begins…

High levels of a protein called SIRT2 in the blood may serve as a diagnostic biomarker to differentiate between Parkinson’s patients and those with atypical Parkinson syndromes, a study finds. Levels of this marker also may aid in diagnosing Parkinson’s at early stages. The study, “Elevated Serum SIRT 2…

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help to alleviate some urinary symptoms — such as urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence — in Parkinson’s patients, and is particularly helpful to women, a large study reports. The study, “Clinical study of the effects of deep brain stimulation on urinary dysfunctions in…

A saliva test to detect oral microbes may offer an accurate way of detecting Parkinson’s in its early stages and further understanding of the disease, a study reports. The findings, “The oral microbiome of early stage Parkinson’s disease and its relationship with functional measures of motor and non-motor function,”…

Insoluble alpha-synuclein protein has long been thought to be the main component of Parkinson’s hallmark Lewy bodies, but researchers have now reported these abnormal aggregates are also made of cell membrane fragments, fat-like substances, and other cellular components. This finding was reported in a study, “Lewy pathology in…

Delivering a compound called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide to the striatum, a key brain region involved in motor control, can ease Parkinson’s symptoms and reduce dopamine-producing neuronal loss in a mouse model of the disease, a study finds. The study, “Protective effects of β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide against motor…

Scientist Kim Tieu, PhD has received a $6.6 million grant to investigate the environmental factors that may trigger the death of brain cells in Parkinson’s disease, and to develop therapies that prevent their loss. The grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) is part of its Revolutionizing Innovative, Visionary…

Oral treatment with Accordion Pill-Carbidopa/Levodopa (AP-CD/LD) lessened the variability of levodopa plasma levels and eased motor fluctuations in people with advanced Parkinson’s, according to results of a Phase 2 trial. The study, “Pharmacokinetics and efficacy of a novel formulation of carbidopa-levodopa (Accordion Pill®) in Parkinson’s disease”…

A new nationwide event series aims to empower people with Parkinson’s (PD) and their caregivers to manage the disease, learn about research participation, and plug into local resources. Called “Parkinson’s IQ + You,” the effort is presented by The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF). The events seek…