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 Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 13:05:01 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/2012/05/120516115908.htm Scientists have shed new light on one of the great unanswered questions of neuroscience: How the brain initiates rhythmic movements like walking, running and swimming. Wed, 16 May 2012 11:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120516115908.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511101240.htm Neuroscientists have succeeded in undoing the effect of one of the genetic defects that leads to Parkinson's using vitamin K2. The discovery gives hope to Parkinson's patients. Fri, 11 May 2012 10:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511101240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510141401.htm Researchers have identified a major pathway leading to brain cell death in mice with neurodegenerative disease. They were able to block the pathway, preventing brain cell death and increasing survival in the mice. Thu, 10 May 2012 14:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510141401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502112933.htm Scientists have developed a peptide that protects dopamine-producing neurons, freezing neurodegeneration in its tracks in preclinical trials. This peptide could be easily delivered by daily injections or absorbed through the skin from an adhesive patch as a preventative therapy for Parkinson's disease, she says. Wed, 02 May 2012 11:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120502112933.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430101052.htm Scientists have determined how specific circuitry in the brain controls not only body movement but also motivation and learning, providing new insight into neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease -- and psychiatric disorders such as addiction and depression. Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120430101052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425115314.htm Scientists have used powerful computational tools and laboratory tests to discover new support for a once-marginalized theory about the underlying cause of Parkinson’s disease. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425115314.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419132606.htm In the 19th century, Jean-Martin Charcot, the celebrated neurologist, developed a "vibration chair," to relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Charcot reported improvements in his patients, but he died shortly thereafter and a more complete evaluation of the therapy was never conducted. Now, a group of neurological researchers have replicated his work in a study to see if Charcot's observation holds true against modern scientific testing. Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120419132606.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417143855.htm Researchers have shown that brain tissue from a Parkinson's disease mouse model, as well as synthetically produced disease protein fibrils, injected into young, symptom-free PD mice led to spreading of PD pathology. Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120417143855.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416113007.htm A major 12-year study based on a Taiwanese population cohort has demonstrated that not only does diabetes increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease more than twofold, the use of sulfonylureas, commonly used as treatment for diabetes, increases the risk further by about 57 percent. This study also found that by including metformin in the therapy, no increased risk in developing Parkinson's disease was recorded. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416113007.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416095057.htm Injection of a small amount of clumped protein triggers a cascade of events leading to a Parkinson’s-like disease in mice, according to a new article. Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120416095057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131427.htm Researchers show in detail how three genes within human embryonic stem cells regulate development, a finding that increases understanding of how to grow these cells for therapeutic purposes. Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405131427.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404161939.htm Men who eat flavonoid-rich foods such as berries, tea, apples and red wine significantly reduce their risk of developing Parkinson's disease, according to new research. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404161939.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319111831.htm Researchers may make it easier to recover after spinal cord injury or to study neurological disorders. His research can greatly improve animal and human health by developing technology to advance cellular therapy and regenerative medicine. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319111831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319095017.htm Scientists have developed a novel technique that tracks diseased proteins behaving badly by forming clusters in brain diseases such as Huntington's and Alzheimer's. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319095017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314101240.htm People with symptoms suggesting rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, or RBD, have twice the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or Parkinson's disease within four years of diagnosis with the sleep problem, compared with people without the disorder, a new study has found. Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120314101240.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120302101417.htm Researchers have used specific molecular “tweezers” they developed to break-up aggregates of toxic proteins that are thought to cause Parkinson’s disease. For the first time, they stopped progression of the disease in a living animal model. Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120302101417.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207202306.htm Researchers have identified how a specific gene protects dopamine-producing neurons from dying in both animal models and in cultures of human neurons. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207202306.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207121812.htm Parkinson’s disease researchers have discovered how mutations in the parkin gene cause the disease, which afflicts at least 500,000 Americans and for which there is no cure. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207121812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203180905.htm One of the big mysteries in biology is why cells age. Now scientists report that they have discovered a weakness in a component of brain cells that may explain how the aging process occurs in the brain. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120203180905.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131093054.htm In the US alone, at least 500,000 people suffer from Parkinson's disease, a neurological disorder that affects a person's ability to control his or her movement. New technology lets researchers observe the development of the brain cells responsible for the disease. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131093054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132603.htm Scientists have identified a protein that exacerbates symptoms of Parkinson's disease -- a discovery that could one day lead to new treatments for people who suffer from this devastating neurodegenerative illness. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132603.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116154324.htm Scientists have made a significant step forward in isolating the cause of Parkinson’s disease in younger adults. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:43:43 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116154324.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111104056.htm Deep brain stimulation -- also known as DBS -- is effective at improving motor symptoms and quality of life in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, according to new research. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120111104056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104153739.htm While studying a brain protein related to the involuntary body movements that are side effects of drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia, a pharmacy professor discovered that the protein also plays a role in regulating body weight. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104153739.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103134915.htm The loss of manganese could mean that calcium does not stick to bones and could cause osteoporosis. This is the new theory put forward after studying deer antlers. The hypothesis still needs to be confirmed by the scientific community. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 13:49:49 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120103134915.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120102180848.htm Demographics and clinical factors appear to be associated with survival in patients with Parkinson disease (PD), and the presence of dementia is associated with a significant increase in mortality, according to a new report. Mon, 02 Jan 2012 18:08:08 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120102180848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216174436.htm Scientists have identified the gene that causes a rare childhood neurological disorder called PKD/IC, or "paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia with infantile convulsions," a cause of epilepsy in babies and movement disorders in older children. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:44:44 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216174436.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213144721.htm In efforts to find new treatments for Parkinson's Disease (PD), researchers have directly reprogrammed astrocytes, the most plentiful cell type in the central nervous system, into dopamine-producing neurons. PD is marked by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213144721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213110529.htm People with Parkinson's disease swing their arms asymmetrically -- one arm swings less than the other -- when walking. This unusual movement is easily detected early when drugs and other interventions may help slow the disease, according to researchers who used inexpensive accelerometers on the arms of Parkinson's disease patients to measure arm swing. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111213110529.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212221022.htm Atrophy in the hippocampus, the region of the brain known for memory formation and storage, is evident in Parkinson's disease patients with cognitive impairment, including early decline known as mild cognitive impairment, according to a new study. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212221022.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124713.htm A method of classifying brain atrophy patterns in Alzheimer's disease patients using MRIs can also detect cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease, according to a new study. Researchers also found that higher baseline Alzheimer's patterns of atrophy predicted long-term cognitive decline in cognitively normal Parkinson's patients. The study is published online in Brain. Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111212124713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130120104.htm A new research report shows how scientists from the United Kingdom have developed a simple blood test to detect Parkinson's disease even at the earliest stages. The test is possible because scientists found a substance in the blood, called "phosphorylated alpha-synuclein," which is common in people with Parkinson's disease, and then developed a way to identify its presence in our blood. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130120104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129142015.htm A new study demonstrates a connection between a common solvent chemical and Parkinson's disease. The study looked at a cohort of human twins wherein one twin had been occupationally exposed to trichloroethylene (TCE) and other chemicals believed to be linked to development of Parkinson's. Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129142015.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121194039.htm Following a breakthrough identifying a common converging point for all forms of Lou Gehrig's disease, a new finding from the same scientists shines more light on the broken recycling pathway of the brain and spinal cord cells, which leads to the paralysis of ALS. The new study reveals a second faulty gene in the same pathway, offering a clear target for drug therapy. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:40:40 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121194039.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110191958.htm Researchers have devised a simple test, using dopamine-deficient worms, for identifying drugs that may help people with Parkinson's disease. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110191958.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110142104.htm Current thinking about Parkinson's disease is that it's a disorder of mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles inside cells, causing neurons in the brain's substantia nigra to die or become impaired. A study now shows that genetic mutations causing a hereditary form of Parkinson's disease cause mitochondria to run amok inside the cell, leaving the cell without a brake to stop them. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110142104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109161246.htm People with Parkinson's disease may be more likely to have a movement disorder called leg motor restlessness, but not true restless legs syndrome as previous studies have suggested, according to a new study. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109161246.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109131823.htm In a new paper, researchers describe in deeper detail the pathology of a devastating neurological disorder, but also reveal new cellular targets for possibly slowing its development. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:18:18 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109131823.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111104102125.htm A research group from the University of Leeds has shown that infection by the brain parasite Toxoplasma gondii, found in 10-20 percent of the UK's population, directly affects the production of dopamine, a key chemical messenger in the brain. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 10:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111104102125.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101095306.htm Scientists have shown that the 'oscillatory' nature of electrical signals in subcortical nuclei, the basal ganglia, causes severe motor deficits in Parkinson's disease, by disturbing the information flow of motor commands. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101095306.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024113140.htm Researchers have produced and determined the structure of alpha-synuclein, a key protein associated with Parkinson's disease. Information may someday be used to produce a new kind of treatment. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024113140.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024339.htm Scientists have described a new and more effective DBS paradigm that makes real-time adjustments in response to disease dynamics and progression and may be better for managing symptoms of advanced PD. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024339.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024135.htm An updated guideline on how to best treat essential tremor, which is the most common type of tremor disorder and is often confused with other movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, has just been published. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024135.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111019180024.htm Playing computer-based physical therapy games can help people with Parkinson's disease improve their gait and balance, according to a new pilot study. More than half the subjects in the three-month research project showed small improvements in walking speed, balance and stride length. Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111019180024.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012124205.htm By reprogramming skin cells from patients with mental disorders, scientists are creating brain cells that are now providing extraordinary insights into afflictions like schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012124205.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012113351.htm A new study has analyzed the results of an exercise program to prevent falls in those with Parkinson's disease. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012113351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010173025.htm Biologists have discovered that under stressful conditions, such as neurodegeneration due to Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, synapses grow excessively, potentially contributing to dysfunction. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010173025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006184206.htm A new study shows for the first time the effects of alpha-Synuclein gene multiplication on mitochondrial function and susceptibility to oxidative stress in human tissue. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been frequently implicated in the neurodegenerative process that underlies Parkinson's disease, but the basis for this has not been fully understood. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006184206.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006184204.htm Researchers report that the ability to ride a bike can differentiate between atypical parkinsonism and Parkinson's disease, regardless of the environment or situations for bicycling. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006184204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927124649.htm Researchers have developed a mathematical model of the brain's neural circuitry that may provide a better understanding of how and why information is not transmitted correctly in the brains of Parkinson's disease patients. This knowledge may eventually help scientists and clinicians correct these misfires. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927124649.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921172847.htm After reviewing the most frequently watched YouTube videos about movement disorders, a group of neurologists found that the people in the videos often do not have a movement disorder. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921172847.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920080351.htm Through a clinical product called NurOwn, researchers in Israel are turning bone marrow stem cells into astrocyte-like cells which are responsible for the well-being of the brain's neurons. Trials for the technology, which has the potential to treat a broad range of neurodegenerative conditions, are now planned for Massachusetts General Hospital. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 08:03:03 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920080351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912143410.htm Researchers have created a mathematical model that captures the intermittent nature of synchronization in neural networks, lending insight into the mechanisms behind diseases such as Parkinson's. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912143410.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908124154.htm Scientists have discovered a new gene responsible for Parkinson's disease. The mutation, a single "spelling mistake" among three billion nucleotides in DNA, regulates the mechanism for converting a cell's genetic code into proteins. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908124154.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908124148.htm A large team of international researchers have identified a new genetic cause of inherited Parkinson's disease that they say may be related to the inability of brain cells to handle biological stress. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908124148.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908081242.htm A scientist has identified how the lack of a brain chemical known as dopamine can rewire the interaction between two groups of brain cells and lead to symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This discovery offers new hope for treating those suffering from this devastating neurodegenerative disease. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 08:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908081242.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907075755.htm Deep brain stimulation stops limb tremors in Parkinson's patients. But positioning the stimulation electrode in the brain must be done very precisely to avoid undesired side-effects. To make this possible, a researcher in the Netherlands has developed a method for precise, external localization of the right part of the brain: the motor area of the subthalamic nucleus. She has found an ingenious way to localize this 'magic area': by using MRI to visualize the pathways in the brain that lead to it. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 07:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907075755.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110901163918.htm Tiny blocked brain vessels may be the cause of many common signs associated with older age, according to new research. Brain autopsies showed more lesions in those with the most pronounced difficulty walking. Thirty percent of small brain lesions could only be seen under a microscope after study participants died. The lesions couldn't be detected by current scans. Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110901163918.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830213625.htm Neuroscientists have found a genetic variation they say protects against Parkinson's disease. The study also reports the discovery of different variants of the same gene, LRRK2 -- the most important Parkinson's risk gene found to date -- that double Parkinson's risk in Caucasians and Asians. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 21:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830213625.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110825123811.htm Researchers have found that Parkin, an important protein linked with some cases of early-onset Parkinson's disease, regulates how cells in our bodies take up and process dietary fats. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110825123811.htm