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 Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:05:01 EST Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:05:01 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/2009/11/091117102034.htm Researchers have identified a gene that tells embryonic stem cells in the brain when to stop producing nerve cells called neurons. The research is a significant advance in understanding the development of the nervous system, which is essential to addressing conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091117102034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091118101357.htm Scientists have significantly advanced our understanding of dopamine release from nerve cells, findings that should speed the development of more effective drugs for treating Parkinson's disease. People with Parkinson's disease suffer from muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement and, in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement. These primary symptoms are caused by the loss of dopamine producing nerve cells in the brain. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091118101357.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029211647.htm Simvastatin, a commonly used, cholesterol-lowering drug, may prevent Parkinson's disease from progressing further. Neurological researchers conducted a study examining the use of the FDA-approved medication in mice with Parkinson's disease and found that the drug successfully reverses the biochemical, cellular and anatomical changes caused by the disease. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029211647.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111111301.htm A unique microchip with microscopic nail structures enable close communication between the electronics and biological cells. The new chip is a mass-producible, easy-to-use tool in electrophysiology research, for example for fundamental research on the functioning and dysfunctioning of the brain. Each micronail structure serves as a close contact-point for one cell, and contains an electrode that can very accurately record and trigger in real-time the electrical activity of an individual electrogenic cell in a network. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091111111301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103102359.htm Researchers have found an essential key to possibly cure Parkinson's disease. They have discovered that a novel protein -- known as protein kinase-C -- kills dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091103102359.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013105324.htm Researchers have taken a snapshot of proteins changing shape, sticking together and creating structures that are believed to trigger deadly processes in the nervous system. The discovery opens the possibility of designing drugs for a devastating neurological disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013105324.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121504.htm Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) offers a less invasive way to eliminate tremors caused by Parkinson's disease and essential tremor than deep brain stimulation (DBS) and radiofrequency (RF) treatments, and is as effective, according to a long-term study. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121504.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027161524.htm Deep brain stimulation may be a safe and effective treatment for Tourette's syndrome, according to new research. The first symptoms of Tourette syndrome are almost always noticed in childhood and some common tics include eye blinking, facial grimacing, shoulder shrugging and head or shoulder jerking. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027161524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019162921.htm Researchers have identified populations of neurons that code time with extreme precision in the primate brain. These neurons are found in two interconnected brain regions, the prefrontal cortex and the striatum, both of which are known to play critical roles in learning, movement, and thought control. Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019162921.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021172651.htm An international team has found that carriers of a rare, genetic condition called Gaucher disease face a risk of developing Parkinson's disease more than five times greater than the general public. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021172651.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806080345.htm A new advanced method for nano-scale imaging of vesicle-fusion could add to our understanding of diseases of the nervous system and viral infections. In the long term, this could be useful in developing a cure for neurological diseases and mental disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, depression, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease). Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090806080345.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007131212.htm Researchers have identified genes which may influence the onset age of Parkinson's disease. The findings are the first to identify genes contributing to the variation in onset age and may help identify mechanisms and therapeutic targets capable of delaying symptoms. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007131212.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181214.htm Drivers with mild to moderate Parkinson's disease may be at higher risk of crashes on foggy days and other times of low visibility, according to new research. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005181214.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006155905.htm A Michigan hospital is embarking on a research study for advanced Parkinson's disease using a state-of-the-art treatment called gene transfer. The clinical trial will test whether gene transfer therapy is able to restore better mobility in Parkinson's patients who have lost responsiveness to drug therapy. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006155905.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002093757.htm A derivative of cholesterol is necessary for the formation of brain cells, according to a new study. The results can help scientists to cultivate dopamine-producing cells outside the body. Sun, 04 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002093757.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923173950.htm Following one of the largest studies ever conducted in Parkinson's disease (PD), researchers report that rasagiline, a drug currently used to treat the symptoms of PD, may also slow the rate of disease progression. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090923173950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921143147.htm A large-scale, multi-center clinical trial is under way in the US and Canada to determine whether a vitamin-like substance called coenzyme Q10, in high doses, can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921143147.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909122052.htm Ever wonder why former smokers miss lighting up most when they are in a bar or after a meal with friends? Researchers say nicotine, the addictive component in cigarettes, "tricks" the brain into creating memory associations between environmental cues and smoking behavior. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090909122052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901164044.htm Researchers have discovered that a single gene promotes development of essential tremor in some patients and Parkinson's disease in others. These are two common but distinct neurological disorders. Notably, patients with essential tremor shake when they move, and Parkinson's disease patients shake when they are at rest. Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901164044.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090828103924.htm Scientists Finland have reported promising new results with potential implications for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. They have been studying the impacts of nerve growth factors in the treatment of PD, and their latest results show that a certain growth factor can be used to halt the progress of damage brought on by a nerve poison and possibly even restore the function of damaged cells. Sun, 30 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090828103924.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090828145707.htm Addressing safety concerns related to potential gene therapies for Parkinson's disease, researchers at the have constructed a gene transfer therapy that can be inhibited with a common antibiotic. Experiments in rats show that the gene therapy product can be completely shut off, indicating for the first time that genes that have been irrevocably delivered to the brain to treat Parkinson's can be regulated. Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090828145707.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825151006.htm Researchers have developed a new technology that helps Parkinson's patients overcome the tendency to speak too quietly by playing a recording of ambient sound, which resembles the noisy chatter of a restaurant full of patrons. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090825151006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824115756.htm Insights into the function of Parkinson's genes can help to understand the causes of this neurodegenerative disease -- and to develop new therapies. Researchers have now discovered that two Parkinson's genes ensure the energy supply of neurons involved in Parkinson's disease. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090824115756.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819153931.htm Researchers have been able to track mesenchymal stem cells through the human brain using in-vivo MRI, which gives new information on the viability of these cells and their benefits to damaged tissue. Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090819153931.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090807165836.htm Medical researchers have completed a pilot study using transcranial MR-guided focused ultrasound to treat 10 patients with neuropathic pain. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090807165836.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810162146.htm At least one strain of the H5N1 avian influenza virus leaves survivors at significantly increased risk for Parkinson's disease and possibly other neurological problems later in life, according to new research. Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810162146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804174725.htm Specific changes in brain pathways may counteract genetic mutations for the movement disorder dystonia, according to new research. Few people who inherit dystonia genes display symptoms -- namely sustained muscle contractions and involuntary gestures -- and the study provides a possible explanation. This result could lead to new treatments for the estimated 500,000 North Americans diagnosed with dystonia. Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804174725.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090801092731.htm Researchers have modeled Parkinson's-associated dementia for the first time. Scientists showed that a single night of sleep loss in genetically altered fruit flies caused long-lasting disruptions in the flies' cognitive abilities comparable to aspects of Parkinson's-associated dementia. They then blocked this effect by feeding the flies large doses of the spice curcumin. Sun, 02 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090801092731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727191914.htm Accumulation of the synaptic protein alpha-synuclein, resulting in the formation of aggregates called Lewy bodies in the brain, is a hallmark of Parkinson's and other related neurodegenerative diseases. This pathology appears to spread throughout the brain as the disease progresses. Now, researchers have described how this mechanism works. Wed, 29 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727191914.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090724124138.htm A new report from the Institute of Medicine finds suggestive but limited evidence that exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides used during the Vietnam War is associated with an increased chance of developing ischemic heart disease and Parkinson's disease for Vietnam veterans. The report is the latest in a congressionally mandated series by the IOM that every two years reviews the evidence about the health effects of these herbicides and a type of dioxin -- TCDD -- that contaminated some of the defoliants. Sun, 26 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090724124138.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717104614.htm A team of scientists has identified no less than 3,600 molecular switches in the human body. These switches, which regulate protein functions, may prove to be a crucial factor in human aging and the onset and treatment of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Sat, 18 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717104614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713131600.htm Researchers have turned simple baker's yeast into a virtual army of medicinal chemists capable of rapidly searching for drugs to treat Parkinson's disease. Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713131600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713170705.htm Individuals who have higher levels of education and who are more impaired by Parkinson's disease appear to require treatment for their symptoms earlier than do other patients. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713170705.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626091133.htm An enzyme that naturally occurs in the brain helps destroy the mutated protein that is the most common cause of inherited Parkinson's disease, researchers have found. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626091133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707201222.htm A new way to 'turn off the taps' in the brain and stop a chemical being released in excess amounts -- which can lead to Parkinson's Disease -- has been developed. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090707201222.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630163148.htm A new neuropsychological memory test is helping to uncover how Parkinson's disease can alter people's ability to learn about the consequences of the choices they make. Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630163148.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623091123.htm Nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson's include digestive and sleep problems, loss of sense of smell and depression. A mouse with a mutation in a gene responsible for packaging neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine reproduces the major non-motor symptoms as well as motor symptoms. The finding sheds light on nonmotor symptoms' causes and their relationship with the neurodegeneration seen in Parkinson's. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623091123.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090612122457.htm Researchers in Spain have developed a non-invasive method for serological diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. The scientists have analyzed and purified proteins associated with this disease, such as aminopeptidase. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090612122457.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615144333.htm A new study shows that the use of positron emission tomography (PET) scans may improve the accuracy of dementia diagnoses early in disease onset for more than one out of four patients. Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615144333.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615203104.htm Neurological diseases including Parkinson's, Tourette's, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Alzheimer's and schizophrenia are all associated with alterations in dopamine-driven function involving the dopamine transporter (DAT). Researchers suggest that a number of estrogens acting through their receptors affect the DAT, which may explain trends in timing of women's susceptibility to these diseases. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615203104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611120744.htm The Nintendo Wii may help treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including depression, a researcher says. Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611120744.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430101458.htm Scientists have identified a protein that appears not only to be central to the process that causes Parkinson's disease but could also play a role in muting the high from methamphetamine and other addictive drugs. Mon, 04 May 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430101458.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090429132222.htm In a study that reveals the clearest picture to date of neuron death in Parkinson's disease, researchers have found that a trio of culprits acting in concert is responsible for killing the brain cells. The study showed that three molecules -- the neurotransmitter dopamine, a calcium channel, and a protein called alpha-synuclein -- act together to kill the neurons. A new theory of Parkinson's disease gives researchers fresh ideas for treatments. Mon, 04 May 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090429132222.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090426082838.htm Researchers in Japan have established the mechanism by which gangliosides may help treat Parkinson's disease. Fri, 01 May 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090426082838.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090421091705.htm A new epidemiological study by scientists in California establishes a link between early exposure to pesticides and the neurodegenerative process that leads to Parkinson's disease in humans. Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090421091705.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090419133844.htm Scientists show that an omega three fatty acid in the diet protects brain cells by preventing the misfolding of a protein resulting from a gene mutation in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Huntington's. Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090419133844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090414102655.htm A new treatment for a speech disorder that commonly affects those who have suffered a stroke or brain injury has been developed. Sat, 18 Apr 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090414102655.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090403144032.htm Researchers are one step closer to understanding the neurobiology that allows people to successfully learn motivated behaviors by associating environmental cues with rewarding outcomes. Researchers studied the firing patterns of mid-brain dopamine neurons in mice during reward-based learning. Tue, 14 Apr 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090403144032.htm