News

The olfactory bulb is significantly smaller in Parkinson’s disease patients compared to healthy individuals, a new study found, providing an anatomical explanation for the loss of the sense of smell in the early stages of the disease. The discovery, “A ventral glomerular deficit…

Recent research shows that the Parkinson’s disease (PD) protein, alpha-synuclein, blocks pro-survival signals from an important brain growth factor. These findings provide new reasons why neurons degenerate and are lost in patients with PD. The finding, “TrkB neurotrophic activities are blocked by α-synuclein, triggering dopaminergic celldeath in Parkinson’s…

Infection with the brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii may increase the likelihood for certain brain disorders, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, a systematic analysis suggests. The study, “Toxoplasma Modulates Signature Pathways of Human Epilepsy, Neurodegeneration & Cancer,” was published in the journal Scientific Reports. Over two…

Scientists have linked the clumping of alpha-synuclein protein to Parkinson’s disease, and a study in mice indicates that the clumps accumulate and spread by interacting with the protein responsible for mad cow disease. What scientists call the cellular prion protein, or PrPc, is associated with the development of a number…

Commonly used in household products, the antimicrobial agents known as quaternary ammonium compounds, or “quats,” were found to inhibit mitochondria function and to impair estrogen signaling. The findings raise serious questions regarding the safety of these products, which include toothpastes, shampoos, and lotions, among many others, as exposure to other mitochondrial-inhibiting…

A new algorithm can accurately predict cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease patients within 10 years of disease onset, a study shows. The study, “Prediction of cognition in Parkinson’s disease with a clinical–genetic score: a longitudinal analysis of nine cohorts,” was published in the journal…

AC Immune has developed antibodies against two proteins that are key players in the neurodegeneration underlying Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases. The Swiss biopharmaceutical company used its proprietary SupraAntigen platform to create the next-generation antibodies, which target abnormal versions of the alpha-synuclein and TDP-43 proteins. AC Immune has already used the platform to produce…

The antidepressant drug nortriptyline — approved more than 50 years ago for depression and nerve pain — may also slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease by halting the formation of toxic alpha-synuclein aggregates, say researchers at Michigan State University (MSU). Their study, “Nortriptyline inhibits aggregation and neurotoxicity of alpha-synuclein…

Researchers at Australia’s RMIT University have developed the first tool capable of diagnosing early signs of Parkinson’s disease even before symptoms are visible — offering new prospects for more effective treatments. Their study, Distinguishing Different Stages of Parkinson’s Disease Using Composite Index of Speed and Pen-Pressure of Sketching a Spiral,” appeared…

GeneFo, an internet resource on genetic diseases, is offering a free online lecture featuring humorist and author Yvonne deSousa, who has a neurodegenerative illness. The topic of the Sept. 27 discussion is how humor and laughter can help you to improve well-being and quality of life and to better manage…