http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/parkinson's/ Information on Parkinson's disease. Learn about Parkinson's disease treatments, symptoms, new research and medication. en-us Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:05:02 EST Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/parkinson's/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. 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/2012/01/120131093054.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/2012/01/120102180848.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/2011/12/111213144721.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/2011/11/111110191958.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/2011/11/111109161246.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/2011/11/111104102125.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/2011/10/111020024135.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/2011/10/111012113351.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/2011/09/110927124649.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/2011/09/110912143410.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/2011/08/110830213625.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 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110825105029.htm Physicians now have an objective test to evaluate patients for Parkinsonian syndromes, such as Parkinson's disease. DaTscan™ is the only FDA-approved imaging agent for assessment of movement disorders. Until now, there were no definitive tests to identify the disease, forcing physicians to rely on clinical examinations to make a diagnosis. This technology allows doctors to differentiate Parkinson's from other movement disorders. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 10:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110825105029.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823115157.htm Scientists have for the first time generated stem cells from one of the most rapidly progressing forms of Parkinson's disease. The development will help research into the condition as it will enable scientists to model the disease in the laboratory to shed light on why certain nerve cells die. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823115157.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822102101.htm While traumatic brain injury was known to be a risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD), no one knew why. Now scientists have found the mechanism for this elevated, long-term risk that is caused by TBI -- the loss of a specific type of neuron that is known to cause PD. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822102101.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110816112155.htm While deep brain stimulation has gained recognition by referring physicians as a treatment for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, just half of the patients they recommend are appropriate candidates to begin this relatively new therapy immediately, researchers say. Tue, 16 Aug 2011 11:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110816112155.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810163408.htm People with Parkinson's disease who go to a neurologist for their care are more likely to live longer, less likely to be placed in a nursing home and less likely to break a hip than people who go to a primary care physician, according to a new study. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 16:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810163408.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801111738.htm If you've ever wondered if nicotine offered society any benefit, a new study offers a surprising answer. Nicotine can protect the brain against Parkinson's disease, the research suggests, and the discovery of how nicotine does this may lead to entirely new types of treatments for the disease. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801111738.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175617.htm Up to 45 percent of patients suffering REM sleep behavior disorders develop Parkinson's disease, new research suggests. This work suggests brain SPECT, a neuro-imaging technique, is an effective tool for viewing the disease progression at an early stage. This discovery will allow the study of future neuroprotective drugs in very early stages, even before first Parkinson's disease symptoms appear. Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110729175617.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726092157.htm People who abused methamphetamine or other amphetamine-like stimulants are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those who do not, according to a new study. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 09:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726092157.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110719072715.htm Scientists have identified a mutation associated with a inherited form of late-onset Parkinson's disease. The mutation occurs in a gene that plays a role in intracellular protein sorting. Tue, 19 Jul 2011 07:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110719072715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714132116.htm Parkinson disease (PD) is a devastating incurable disease in which degeneration of dopamine neurons in the brainstem leads to tremors and problems with movement and coordination. An increasing proportion of patients appear to be genetically predisposed to disease. Now, two independent research groups have identified a mutation associated with an inherited form of PD. The papers provide new insight into the pathogenesis of late-onset PD and present compelling evidence that implicates a novel protein-recycling pathway in neurodegeneration. Thu, 14 Jul 2011 13:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110714132116.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623141327.htm Researchers have developed a novel iPhone application that may enable persons with Parkinson's disease and certain other neurological conditions to use the ubiquitous devices to collect data on hand and arm tremors and relay the results to medical personnel. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 14:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623141327.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623130125.htm Researchers appear to have found the mechanism behind a previously reported link between the rare genetic condition Gaucher disease and the common neurodegenerative disorder Parkinson's disease. Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110623130125.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110622162312.htm Scientists have taken some of the first steps toward unraveling the molecular dysfunction that occurs when proteins are exposed to environmental toxins. Their discovery helps further explain recent findings that demonstrate the link between Parkinson's disease and two particular pesticides -- rotenone and paraquat. Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110622162312.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110617110706.htm Researchers have uncovered structural clues about the protein linked to Parkinson's disease, which ultimately could lead to finding a cure for the degenerative neurological disorder. Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110617110706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615103228.htm Researchers have identified a potential cause for a severe sleep disorder that has been closely linked to Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615103228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615015057.htm Dopamine replacement therapy, which is used to manage motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, can, at times, adversely affect cognition. Now researchers have identified the reasons why. Wed, 15 Jun 2011 01:50:50 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110615015057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110614132038.htm Music and drama offers physical and emotional benefits for patients with Parkinson's. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110614132038.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110614100513.htm Researchers have figured out how copper induces misfolding in the protein associated with Parkinson's disease, leading to creation of the fibrillar plaques which characterize the disease. Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110614100513.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110609123336.htm Few treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD) restore function for extended periods. In a new study, an international group of researchers reports that platelet-derived growth factor-BB restored function in rodents and shows promise as a clinical candidate drug for treatment of PD. Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110609123336.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606161021.htm An analysis of several studies shows that people with Parkinson's disease have a significantly higher risk of melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer and the leading cause of death from skin diseases. Mon, 06 Jun 2011 16:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110606161021.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110522141547.htm The stomach bacteria responsible for ulcers could also play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease according to new research. Sun, 22 May 2011 14:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110522141547.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110512161938.htm New data offer hints to why Parkinson's disease so selectively harms brain cells that produce the chemical dopamine, say researchers. Thu, 12 May 2011 16:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/05/110512161938.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110428081417.htm In Parkinson’s disease, the human body generates antibodies to combat the amyloid-producing protein alpha synuclein early in the course of the disease. A simple blood test that measures these antibodies can facilitate early diagnosis of the disorder, according to researchers. Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110428081417.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110420112106.htm A needle-in-the-haystack search through nearly 390,000 chemical compounds had led scientists to a substance that can sneak through the protective barrier surrounding the brain with effects promising for new drugs for Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. The substance blocks the formation of cholesterol in the brain. Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110420112106.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110412162404.htm Researchers found that Parkinson's patients who walked on a treadmill at a comfortable speed for a longer duration (low-intensity exercise) improved their walking more than patients who walked for less time but at an increased speed and incline (high-intensity exercise). Tue, 12 Apr 2011 16:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110412162404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110412131917.htm Results of the first randomized, placebo-controlled long-term clinical trial show the investigational drug safinamide may reduce dyskinesia or involuntary movements in mid-to-late stage Parkinson's disease. Tue, 12 Apr 2011 13:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110412131917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110408075150.htm A study of the salamander brain has led researchers to discover a hitherto unknown function of the neurotransmitter dopamine. In a new study, they show how in acting as a kind of switch for stem cells, dopamine controls the formation of new neurons in the adult brain. Their findings may one day contribute to new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's. Fri, 08 Apr 2011 07:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110408075150.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110407101411.htm Deep brain stimulation, a surgical procedure to suppress faulty nerve signals, allowed most patients to stop the medications used to treat disabling essential tremors within one year following the surgery, researchers report. Thu, 07 Apr 2011 10:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110407101411.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406161035.htm Researchers have found compelling evidence that Parkinson's disease is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer and melanoma, and that this increased cancer risk also extends to close and distant relatives of individuals with Parkinson's disease. Wed, 06 Apr 2011 16:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110406161035.htm