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…

Scientists at the National Institutes of Health have developed an accurate test for the early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s. The new NIH test is a refinement of one that detects protein clumping involved in these disorders. It diagnosed Parkinson’s and dementia with Lewy bodies from 60 cerebral spinal…

Administering a naturally occurring protein directly to the brains of rats increased the amount of the neurotransmitter dopamine going to the animals’ nerve cells, suggesting it could be a way to treat Parkinson’s, a study reports. The findings further demonstrate the MANF protein’s potential to treat Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative disorders, according…

Goal-oriented cognitive rehabilitation was better than standard treatment or relaxation therapy at helping dementia patients achieve goals, a study reported. It also led to patients getting more satisfaction from attaining goals, researchers said. And it led to caregivers reporting less stress and a better quality of life. The study was based…

Defects in mitochondria, the cell’s microscopic powerhouses, might actually protect Parkinson’s disease patients, a Norwegian study suggests. The findings show that, contrary to all current theories, deficiencies in complex I — a key component of mitochondria — exist randomly throughout the brains of Parkinson’s patients, not only in affected regions. In…

An Axovant Sciences therapy for Parkinson’s disease showed signs of effectiveness, but an Alzheimer’s treatment did not, according to separate Phase 2 clinical trials. Nelotanserin, the therapy candidate for Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) associated with hallucinations and for Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), appeared safe as well as displaying signs of effectiveness,…

Psychosis is the term used when patients experience hallucinations and delusions. Hallucinations are more likely to occur in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease, but younger and newly diagnosed patients may also experience them. Delusions are less common and only affect around 8 percent of people living with the diseases. According…

Horizon Discovery, in a collaboration with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), has developed two new genetic rat models that may help scientists better understand alpha-synuclein‘s role in brain function and in the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Alpha-synuclein is the main molecular component of…