Interim results from the ongoing Phase 3 HARMONY study show that treatment with Nuplazid (pimavanserin) significantly delays time to a psychosis relapse in patients with dementia-related disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Evaluation by an independent data monitoring committee recommended an early stop to this placebo-controlled…

Although it may be protective against infections, a specific mutation in the LRRK2 gene — the gene linked to most inheritable mutations that can cause Parkinson’s disease — may increase Parkinson’s risk by promoting inflammation in the brain, according to new research. The study, “Lrrk2 alleles…

In a recent review, scientists highlight the potential of gene editing technologies like CRISPR/Cas9 to not only understand the molecular mechanisms behind Parkinson’s disease, but also identify new targets for treatment. The review study, “Interrogating Parkinson’s disease associated redox targets: Potential application of CRISPR editing,” was published in…

The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) is offering a new guide to help people better understand Parkinson’s cognitive symptoms and ways of dealing with them. The 33-page guide, “Navigating Cognitive Changes in Parkinson’s Disease,” was developed by the MJFF’s Patient Council — which includes caregivers, social workers,…

Explosions that cause even mild traumatic brain injury can trigger molecular changes that, later in life, lead to neuroinflammation and degeneration, and a greater risk of Parkinson’s disease. But work by researchers at Purdue University also found that analyzing urine levels of a compound called acrolein may help within days of…

New experimental evidence collected from rats shows that alpha-synuclein — the protein that causes Parkinson’s disease — can travel from the intestines to other organs, such as the heart and brain. These findings, reported in the study “Evidence for bidirectional and trans-synaptic parasympathetic and sympathetic…

A Phase 1b clinical trial exploring the oral LRRK2 inhibitor DNL151 has started dosing Parkinson’s patients, the therapy’s developer Denali Therapeutics announced. The 28-day, multicenter, and double-blind study (NCT04056689) is testing two doses of DNL151 against placebo in people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease, and with or…

Mutations in the SNCA and CTSB genes — among the many known to increase the likelihood of Parkinson’s disease — also contribute to the risk associated with mutations in the GBA gene, one of this disease’s most common and significant genetic risk factors, a study shows. Its results further…

High levels of corticosterone — a hormone that regulates energy, immune, and stress responses — is a risk factor for the development and progression of Parkinson’s disease, according to a mouse study. The study, “Chronic corticosterone aggravates behavioural and neuronal symptomatology in a mouse model of alpha-synuclein…

Alpha-synuclein in saliva may be a potential biomarker for Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent review article, but more research is necessary to determine its reliability as a possible screening approach. The study with that finding, “Salivary alpha‑synuclein as a biomarker for Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review,” was…