Inhibiting the activity of LRRK2 kinase — an enzyme whose mutated form is one of the most common genetic causes of Parkinson’s disease — may benefit patients both with and without this disease-related mutation, a study finds. Molecules that block the activity of the LRRK2 kinase —…

Researchers have developed a new compound, called S-181, that can improve nerve cell function and decrease the build-up of disease-related harmful molecules by boosting the activity levels of the enzyme beta-glucocerebrosidase. That enzyme’s function is known to be compromised in Parkinson’s disease. The findings, “A modulator of…

The levels of calprotectin — a protein whose levels increase in response to tissue inflammation — in the stool may be used as a marker of bowel inflammation in patients with Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent study. The results, “Fecal Calprotectin as a Marker of the Gut…

A detailed analysis of alpha-synuclein — a key protein involved in Parkinson’s — revealed how variants of this protein change over time, allowing researchers to identify the initial stages of protein aggregation involved in early onset disease. These findings provide new insights into how genetic mutations — especially…

Yumanity Therapeutics announced the start of a Phase 1 clinical study in healthy volunteers that will assess the safety and tolerability of YTX-7739, a potential disease-modifying therapy for Parkinson’s disease. Trial results are expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2020. YTX-7739 is designed to cross the blood-brain-barrier…

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…