Researchers have generated a new mouse model that can be used for in-depth studies of disease mechanisms and new therapeutic possibilities for Parkinson’s disease. Although the function of the protein α-synuclein is unknown, its accumulation in clumps known as Lewy bodies, hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease, suggests this protein plays a…

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) has launched an educational suite called “Parkinson’s Clinical Trial Companion” to increase patients’ participation in clinical trials. The new resource educates patients and families about the benefits of participating in research, and provides teams conducting clinical trials with high-quality…

The most common gene mutation in Parkinson’s triggers disease outside the brain by changing the body’s immune response to common infections, a study in mice reports. The research, “Mutant LRRK2 mediates peripheral and central immune responses leading to neurodegeneration in vivo,” was published in the journal Brain.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) announced a new $7 million funding program to support Parkinson’s disease research and accelerate development of new therapeutic targets and biomarkers. Through the program, researchers can request project funding in four major research areas. The organization is now accepting pre-proposals through May 2018,…

There still are no reliable biomarkers for early detection, or to characterize and predict risk of dementia, in Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent analysis. Several studies on the cognitive deficits, progression to dementia, potential biomarkers and the mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI)…

People with Parkinson’s disease are being recruited for a new clinical trial testing nilotinib, an FDA-approved leukemia treatment, in a range of patients. The two-part Phase 2 trial (NCT03205488), called NILO-PD, is a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study taking place at 25 sites across the U.S. Part one will evaluate the…

Tears may be used to diagnose Parkinson’s disease, according to preliminary findings of a study that will be presented at the 2018 American Academy of Neurology’s (AAN) Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, California, April 21-27. “We believe our research is the first to show that tears may be a reliable, inexpensive…

Excessive levels of calcium in the brain may trigger the formation of toxic protein clumps that typify Parkinson’s disease. This finding could be a new treatment target for researchers working to understand how and why people develop the neurodegenerative disease. The research, “C-terminal calcium binding of α-synuclein modulates synaptic vesicle…

Key proteins involved in neuron communication are potential targets that could aid in early diagnosis and prediction of disease progression in patients with different types of dementias, including Parkinson’s disease, a study suggests. The study, “Synaptic markers of cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases: a proteomic approach,” was…

While the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is currently unknown, scientists have come up with four possible theories according to the Mayo Clinic. 1. Genetics There are certain genes which, when they become mutated, cause Parkinson’s disease. However, these mutated genes are very rare, except in cases where…