http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/parkinson's_disease/ Latest medical research on Parkinson's disease. Learn about Parkinson's disease treatments, symptoms, medication and more. en-us Sun, 19 May 2013 08:12:12 EDT Sun, 19 May 2013 08:12:12 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/parkinson's_disease/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130516123804.htm Neuroscientists have shown for the first time that dysfunctional mitochondria in brain cells can lead to learning disabilities. The link between dysfunctional mitochondria and Parkinson's disease is known, but this new research shows that it is also present in other brain disorders. Thu, 16 May 2013 12:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130516123804.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130510075623.htm Researchers have used tiny doses of a leukemia drug to halt accumulation of toxic proteins in the brains of mice. They say their study offers a unique and exciting strategy to treat neurodegenerative diseases that feature abnormal buildup of proteins in Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, Huntington's disease and Lewy body dementia, among others. Fri, 10 May 2013 07:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130510075623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130509154556.htm Researchers have unlocked a new door to developing drugs to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. Thu, 09 May 2013 15:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130509154556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130509091215.htm New research reveals that Solanaceae -- a flowering plant family with some species producing foods that are edible sources of nicotine -- may provide a protective effect against Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that eating foods that contain even a small amount of nicotine, such as peppers and tomatoes, may reduce risk of developing Parkinson's. Thu, 09 May 2013 09:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130509091215.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130506181619.htm Biologists have identified a gene, previously implicated in Parkinson's disease, that can delay the onset of aging and extend the healthy life span of fruit flies. This research has important potential implications for aging and disease in humans. The gene, Parkin, serves at least two vital functions. By increasing Parkin activity, the scientists extended the lifespan of the flies by more than 25 percent. Mon, 06 May 2013 18:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130506181619.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130506095253.htm Scientists have discovered that immune cells in the brain can produce a substance that prevents bacterial growth: namely itaconic acid. Until now, biologists had assumed that only certain fungi produced itaconic acid.Scientists have now shown that even so-called microglial cells in mammals are also capable of producing this acid. Mon, 06 May 2013 09:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/05/130506095253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130429175904.htm The precise cause(s) of Parkinson’s Disease is unknown, but there is consensus that an inflammatory event or episode is involved in the initiation of neurodegeneration. A new study has brought the understanding of inflammation’s role a step further. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130429175904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130425213758.htm A protein known to be a key player in the development of Parkinson’s disease is able to enter and harm cells in the same way that viruses do, according to a new study. Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130425213758.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130425142357.htm Researchers have described a missing link in understanding how damage to the body's cellular power plants leads to Parkinson's disease and, perhaps surprisingly, to some forms of heart failure. Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130425142357.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130422111147.htm The earliest signs of Parkinson's disease can be deceptively mild. The first thing that movie star Michael J. Fox noticed was twitching of the little finger of his left hand. For years, he made light of the apparently harmless tic. But such tremors typically spread, while muscles stiffen up and directed movements take longer to carry out. Research groups have developed a chemical compound that slows down the onset and progression of Parkinson's disease in mice. The scientists hope that this approach will give them a way to treat the cause of Parkinson's and so arrest its progress. Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130422111147.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130421153831.htm Researchers have developed a gene therapy approach that may one day stop Parkinson's disease in it tracks, preventing disease progression and reversing its symptoms. The novelty of the approach lies in the nasal route of administration and nanoparticles containing a gene capable of rescuing dying neurons in the brain. Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130421153831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410131219.htm A significant breakthrough has been made towards developing an effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington's, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Researchers have detailed how an enzyme in the brain interacts with a promising drug-like lead compound for Huntington's disease to inhibit its activity. Their findings demonstrate that it can be developed as an effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410131219.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410082415.htm The very serious hereditary disease HDLS was discovered in 1984 in Sweden. Many HDLS patients are still incorrectly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, MS or Parkinson’s disease, but researchers have now developed a more certain diagnosis method - and are seeking to find a treatment for the "unknown" neurological disorder. Wed, 10 Apr 2013 08:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130410082415.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130409144316.htm Research suggests a new immunology frontier with evidence that blood contains thousands of autoantibodies that bind specifically to antigens from all over the body, clear cellular debris from injury and disease and vary by age, gender and disease state. Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130409144316.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130408103336.htm In a recent study in mice, researchers have pinpointed an enzyme that keeps neurons' fat levels under control, and may be implicated in human neurological diseases. Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130408103336.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130401111638.htm Clumps of proteins that accumulate in brain cells are a hallmark of neurological diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Over the past several years, there has been much controversy over the structure of one of those proteins, known as alpha synuclein. Computational scientists have now modeled the structure of that protein, most commonly associated with Parkinson's, and found that it can take on either of two proposed states -- floppy or rigid. Mon, 01 Apr 2013 11:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130401111638.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130328125232.htm With a new neuron model system of Parkinson's disease pathologies, researchers have demonstrated that these aberrant clumps in cells resist degradation as well as impair the function of the macroautophagy system, one of the major garbage disposal systems within the cell. Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130328125232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130325183821.htm Mild cognitive impairment at the time of Parkinson disease (PD) diagnosis appears to be associated with an increased risk for early dementia in a Norwegian study, according to a new report. Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130325183821.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130320212617.htm Researchers have completed a small study that shows genetic and clinical evidence that therapies targeting the expression of alpha-synuclein -- a gene whose function is involved in the development and progression of Parkinson’s disease -- may accelerate disease progression and increase the risk of physical incapacitation and dementia. If replicated, the findings will have profound implications for therapies under development for Parkinson’s disease. Wed, 20 Mar 2013 21:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130320212617.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130315150819.htm Injecting synthetic tau fibrils into animal models induces Alzheimer's-like tau tangles and imitates the spread of tau pathology, according to new research. Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130315150819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130314180142.htm Scientists have released new results on the structure and molecular details of the neurodegenerative disease-associated protein Ataxin-1. Mutations in Ataxin-1 cause the neurological disease, Spinocerebella Ataxia Type 1, which is characterized by a loss of muscular coordination and balance, as is seen in Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 18:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130314180142.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130314175707.htm Three new studies present possible positive news for people with Parkinson’s disease. The studies report on treatments for blood pressure problems, the wearing-off that can occur when people have taken the main drug for Parkinson’s for a long time, and for people early in the disease whose symptoms are not well-controlled by their main drugs. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130314175707.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130314124605.htm For the first time, scientists have transplanted neural cells derived from a monkey's skin into its brain and watched the cells develop into several types of mature brain cells, according to a new study. After six months, the cells looked entirely normal, and were only detectable because they initially were tagged with a fluorescent protein. Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130314124605.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130304151809.htm Scientists have discovered how to detect abnormal brain rhythms associated with Parkinson's by implanting electrodes within the brains of people with the disease. Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130304151809.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130303154850.htm Researchers have discovered how the most common genetic mutations in familial Parkinson’s disease damage brain cells. Sun, 03 Mar 2013 15:48:48 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130303154850.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130301122507.htm Researchers have identified a novel signal transduction pathway, which activates the parkin gene and prevents stress-induced neuronal cell death. Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/03/130301122507.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130224142915.htm Scientists have identified several genes linked to human neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury, in the sea lamprey, a vertebrate fish whose whole-genome sequence. Sun, 24 Feb 2013 14:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130224142915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130217134212.htm Mini, ultra-flexible electrodes could improve treatment of Parkinson's and other health issues. Sun, 17 Feb 2013 13:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130217134212.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130206130946.htm Researchers have identified a protein trafficking defect within brain cells that may underlie the common form of Parkinson's disease. The defect is at a point of convergence for the action of at least three different genes that had been implicated in prior studies of Parkinson's disease. Whereas most molecular studies focus on mutations associated with rare familial forms of the disease, these findings relate directly to the common non-familial form of Parkinson’s. Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130206130946.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130204184537.htm A new study found no evidence to support concerns that abnormal neurodegenerative disease proteins are "infectious" or transmitted from animals to humans or from one person to another. Mon, 04 Feb 2013 18:45:45 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/02/130204184537.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130131144343.htm A team from the Basque Country came across a mutation of the LRRK2 gene, which is particularly prevalent among the population of Gipuzkoa. It is the R1441G mutation and is known as the Basque mutation. Now a doctor on the same team has submitted a thesis in which he has studied this mutation. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130131144343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130120145842.htm Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition. At present, it is usually diagnosed only when motor features are present. Hence, there is a need to develop objective and measurable biomarkers to improve PD diagnostics during its earlier stage, prior to its motor onset. In this pilot study, researchers identified and tested the first blood-based circulating microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers for PD. Sun, 20 Jan 2013 14:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130120145842.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130118172337.htm With a new insight into a model of Parkinson's disease, researchers have identified a novel target for mitigating some of the disease's toll on the brain. Fri, 18 Jan 2013 17:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130118172337.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130114161321.htm While movement problems are the main symptom of Parkinson’s disease, a new study shows that even early in the course of disease people frequently experience many non-motor symptoms such as drooling, anxiety and constipation. Mon, 14 Jan 2013 16:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130114161321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130110161348.htm New research suggests that testing a portion of a person's saliva gland may be a way to diagnose Parkinson's disease. Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130110161348.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130110152630.htm Oxidative stress is a primary villain in a host of diseases that range from cancer and heart failure to Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Now, scientists have found that blocking the interaction of a critical enzyme may counteract the destruction of neurons associated with these neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting a potential new target for drug development. Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130110152630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130107161355.htm Parkinson's disease itself does not increase the risk of impulse control problems such as compulsive gambling and shopping that have been seen in people taking certain drugs for Parkinson’s disease, according to new research. Mon, 07 Jan 2013 16:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130107161355.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130104101427.htm Researchers have found a link between Parkinson's disease and the pesticide Benomyl, whose toxicological effects still linger in the environment, 10 years after it was banned by the EPA. More important, the research suggests the way this pesticide does its damage may occur in other people with Parkinson's, even for those who were not exposed to this pesticide. Fri, 04 Jan 2013 10:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130104101427.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121223152435.htm Scientists have identified two molecules that play an important role in the survival and production of nerve cells in the brain, including nerve cells that produce dopamine. The discovery may be significant in the long term for the treatment of several diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease. Sun, 23 Dec 2012 15:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121223152435.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121219174322.htm Researchers have found that the ability of a protein made by a gene called FUS to bind to RNA is essential to the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This discovery identifies a possible therapeutic target for the fatal neurological disease. Wed, 19 Dec 2012 17:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121219174322.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121218111921.htm Scientists have for the first time identified why a patient who appears outwardly healthy may develop Parkinson's disease. Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121218111921.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121217152643.htm Investigators report that mice with a genetic mutation increasing urate levels were protected against the kind of neurodegeneration that underlies Parkinson's disease, while the damage was worse in animals with abnormally low urate. Their findings add further support to the possibility that increasing levels of urate may protect against Parkinson's disease. Mon, 17 Dec 2012 15:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121217152643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121217140633.htm Scientists discover a new molecular probe to track aggregated fibroids inside living cells that cause Parkinson's disease. Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:06:06 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121217140633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121203125256.htm Newly developed antibodies have been found to be unusually effective at preventing the formation of toxic protein particles linked to Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, as well as Type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121203125256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121203121632.htm Researchers have derived dopaminergic neurons from bone marrow stem cells in monkeys. Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121203121632.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121129173852.htm Treating Parkinson's disease patients with the experimental drug GM1 ganglioside improved symptoms and slowed their progression during a two and a half-year trial. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 17:38:38 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121129173852.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121126164306.htm A new imaging technique developed at MIT offers the first glimpse of the degeneration of two brain structures affected by Parkinson's disease. Mon, 26 Nov 2012 16:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121126164306.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121126110921.htm People with Parkinson's disease benefit from exercise programs on stationary bicycles, with the greatest effect for those who pedal faster, according to a new study. Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121126110921.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121120152408.htm Health professionals may soon have a new method of diagnosing Parkinson's disease, one that is noninvasive and inexpensive, and, in early testing, has proved to be effective more than 90 percent of the time. Tue, 20 Nov 2012 15:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121120152408.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121119163659.htm Scientists have pinpointed a key factor controlling damage to brain cells in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. The discovery could lead to new targets for Parkinson's that may be useful in preventing the actual condition. Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:36:36 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121119163659.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121119151220.htm Hsp104, an enzyme from yeast, breaks up both amyloid fibrils and disordered clumps. For stable amyloid-type structures, Hsp104 needs all six of its subunits, which together make a hexamer, to pull the clumps apart. By contrast, for amorphous, non-amyloid clumps, Hsp104 required only one of its six subunits. Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121119151220.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115152550.htm Understanding how any disease progresses is one of the first and most important steps towards finding treatments to stop it. This has been the case for such brain-degenerating conditions as Alzheimer's disease. Now, after several years of incremental study, researchers have been able to piece together important steps in how Parkinson’s disease (PD) spreads from cell to cell and leads to nerve cell death. Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121115152550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112171223.htm New research from the University of North Carolina provides a neurological justification for this therapeutic approach, but researchers caution there could be unanticipated effects. Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112171223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112171050.htm A new study shows that people who have had a head injury and have lived or worked near areas where the pesticide paraquat was used may be three times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease. Mon, 12 Nov 2012 17:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112171050.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112135404.htm New evidence indicates that Parkinson's disease is preceded by a period during which healthy regions of the brain take over the functions of damaged ones. Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121112135404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121109111509.htm Levels of the protein appoptosin in the brain skyrocket in Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury. Appoptosin is known for helping the body make heme, the molecule that carries iron in the blood. Researchers discovered that excess heme leads to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species and triggers apoptosis, causing neurons to die. Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:15:15 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121109111509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121105161351.htm Physical exercise, including treadmill, stretching and resistance exercises, appears to improve gait speed, muscle strength and fitness for patients with Parkinson's disease. Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:13:13 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121105161351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121030161418.htm Two proteins have a unique bond that enables brain receptors essential to learning and memory to not only get and stay where they're needed, but to be hauled off when they aren't, researchers say. NMDA receptors increase the activity and communication of brain cells and are strategically placed, much like a welcome center, at the receiving end of the communication highway connecting two cells. They also are targets in brain-degenerating conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Tue, 30 Oct 2012 16:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121030161418.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121026143315.htm New research demonstrates the role of the investigational compound IRX4204 in alleviating cognitive decline in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. Fri, 26 Oct 2012 14:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121026143315.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121026084356.htm Introducing a light-sensitive protein in transgenic nerve cells ... transplanting nerve cells into the brains of laboratory animals ... inserting an optic fibre in the brain and using it to light up the nerve cells and stimulate them into releasing more dopamine to combat Parkinson's disease. These things may sound like science fiction, but they are soon to become a reality in a research laboratory in Sweden. Fri, 26 Oct 2012 08:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121026084356.htm