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 Sat, 30 Aug 2008 06:05:01 EDT Sat, 30 Aug 2008 06:05:01 EDT 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/2008/08/080821110113.htm Scientist has discovered key appetite control cells in the human brain degenerate over time, causing increased hunger and, potentially, weight gain as we grow older. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080821110113.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080821110111.htm Plastic coatings could someday help neural implants treat conditions as diverse as Parkinson's disease and macular degeneration. The coatings encourage neurons in the body to grow and connect with the electrodes that provide treatment. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080821110111.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080819213033.htm Just one night without sleep can increase the amount of the chemical dopamine in the human brain, according to new imaging research in the Journal of Neuroscience. Because drugs that increase dopamine, like amphetamines, promote wakefulness, the findings offer a potential mechanism explaining how the brain helps people stay awake despite the urge to sleep. However, the study also shows that the increase in dopamine cannot compensate for the cognitive deficits caused by sleep deprivation. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080819213033.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080814171124.htm Parkinson disease is a debilitating and lethal neurodegenerative disease, for which there is currently no cure. However, new data have provided evidence to support that idea that agents that disrupt the formation of the abnormal aggregates of a protein called alpha-syn that characterize the brain of individuals with PD might have therapeutic effects. Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080814171124.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080808160331.htm A dopamine imbalance triggers Parkinson's disease and drug addition -- two opposite diseases. How it worked to do this in the brain had been a mystery. New research shows dopamine strengthens and weakens the two primary circuits in the brain that control our behavior. This provides new insight into why a flood of dopamine can lead to compulsive, addictive behavior and too little dopmaine can leave Parkinson's patients frozen and unable to move. Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080808160331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080721173752.htm What does the genetics of blood cells have to do with brain cells related to Parkinson's disease? From an unusual collaboration of neurologists and a pharmacologist comes the surprising answer: genetic mechanisms at play in blood cells also control a gene and protein that cause Parkinson's disease. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080721173752.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080711090048.htm A typical symptom of Parkinson's disease is tremor in patients. Scientists have succeeded in demonstrating the mechanisms which cause the so-called tremor: neuron clusters in the depths of the brain drive the tremor. This discovery supports Tass' research activities aiming at developing a therapy for Parkinson's disease. A new deep brain pacemaker has been developed with the aim of bringing cells out of the diseased mode for good. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080711090048.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080624174843.htm Scientists have genetically programmed embryonic stem cells to become nerve cells when transplanted into the brain, according to a new study. The research, an important step toward developing new treatments for stroke, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other neurological conditions showed that mice afflicted by stroke showed therapeutic improvement following transplantation of these cells. None of the mice formed tumors, a major setback in prior attempts at stem cell transplantation. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080624174843.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080610092650.htm Neuroscientists have discovered a new way to reduce neuronal loss in the brain of a person with Alzheimer's disease. Memory loss in people with Alzheimer's disease can be attributed to several factors. Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080610092650.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080528140245.htm A monkey has fed itself with fluid, well-controlled movements of a human-like robotic arm by using only signals from its brain, researchers report. Use of the robotic arm, complete with working joints, is directly controlled by the monkey, a significant advance that could benefit prosthetics for people with paralysis and spinal cord injuries, particularly those with "locked-in" conditions such as Lou Gehrig's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Wed, 28 May 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080528140245.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080521105243.htm Biologists have determined that faulty RNA, the blueprint that creates mutated, toxic proteins, contributes to a family of neurodegenerative disorders in humans. The study demonstrates that faulty RNA also assists in the onset and progression of disease in fruit fly models. Thu, 22 May 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080521105243.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080519083013.htm Researchers publishing their studies in CELL TRANSPLANTATION are seeking new ways to treat Parkinson's disease using cell transplantation in animal models. Recent studies are aimed at finding ways to track the progress of transplanted cells and monitor motor and behavioral changes in test animals. The survival of transplanted cells in the microenvironment to which they are directed, and their ability to be efficacious in the presence of tracking tools, is of prime importance. Thu, 22 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080519083013.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080515092624.htm Studies with non-human primates have made major contributions to our understanding of the brain and will continue to be an important, if small, part of neuroscience research, according to a recent review. Sat, 17 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080515092624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512163842.htm A study of seven patients with Parkinson's disease suggests that those who have poor results following implantation of electrodes to stimulate the brain may benefit from additional surgery to correct the electrode placement, according to a new report. Tue, 13 May 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080512163842.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416220639.htm The receptors of neurotransmitters move very rapidly. This mobility plays an essential, and hitherto unsuspected, role in the passage of nerve impulses from one neuron to another, thus controlling the reliability of data transfer. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416220639.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080417172623.htm Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the brain affecting movement, speech, mood, behavior, thinking and sensation for which there is no known cause or cure. Two new studies shed new light on very early development of the disease. Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080417172623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080415194241.htm Compared to older drugs for Parkinson disease, a newer class of medications called dopamine agonists might be better at preventing some of the disabling muscle control problems associated with the disease and its treatment, a new review concludes. However, patients who take the new drugs suffer from an increase in numerous side effects, and are more likely to drop out of treatment. Sun, 20 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080415194241.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416161222.htm A new discovery by University of Minnesota researchers may lead to a better understanding of how the spinal cord controls how people walk. These insights could help lead to treatments for central nervous system maladies such as Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries. Sat, 19 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416161222.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416104317.htm Scientists are now rounding out the notion that Parkinson's disease is largely caused by inherited genetic mutations that pass through scores of related generations over hundreds, if not thousands of years. These genetic influences, which can be small but additive, or large and causative, overturn common beliefs that the neurodegenerative disease mostly occurs in a random fashion or is due to undetermined environmental factors. Fri, 18 Apr 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080416104317.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080414161549.htm Naturally elevated levels of the antioxidant urate may slow the progression of Parkinson's disease in men. Researchers examined data from an earlier study and found that, among recently diagnosed Parkinson's patients, those with the highest urate levels had a significantly slower rate of disease progression during the two-year study period. Tue, 15 Apr 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080414161549.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080412112931.htm Transplanted cells to help Parkinson's patients can survive in the brain for over one and half decades. However, some of the transplanted cells developed Parkinson-like features which is very surprising. These are the main findings of a study on grafting of new neurons to the brain in patients with Parkinson's disease. 'Previous studies have shown that transplanted dopamine cells can clearly improve speed of movement, reduce rigidity and the need for medication for at least a decade', says a Neurobiology professor involved with the research. 'We now see that they also are alive in large numbers, which is very exciting.' Sun, 13 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080412112931.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407114604.htm "Mother cells" which produce the neurons affected by Parkinson's disease have been identified by scientists. The new discovery could pave the way for future treatments for the disease, including the possibility of growing new neurons, and the cells which support them, in the lab. Scientists hope these could then be transplanted into patients to counteract the damage caused by Parkinson's. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407114604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407172707.htm This is the first demonstration that neurons derived from reprogrammed cells can integrate into an adult animal brain and improve symptoms of a neurodegenerative disease. The results may indicate a path to future therapeutic use in human patients, once hurdles associated with reprogramming adult cells have been addressed. Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407172707.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080404161832.htm In 2006, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers found that people with low levels of LDL cholesterol are more likely to have Parkinson's disease than people with high LDL levels. But that study could not answer the question of whether low LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels were present in study participants before they were diagnosed with Parkinson's, or if they developed low LDL levels after being diagnosed. Tue, 08 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080404161832.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407074544.htm A new blood test that can give an early diagnosis of neurodegenerative disease and distinguish between Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease could be launched this summer. Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407074544.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407074534.htm Mrs. Bell is playing the Nintendo Wii as part of her occupational therapy. She is among 30 Parkinson's disease patients participating in a study to determine if occupational therapy enhances the treatment of the disease. Mon, 07 Apr 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/04/080407074534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080331093533.htm The injection of uterine stem cells trigger growth of new brain cells in mice with Parkinson's disease, Yale School of Medicine researchers report. Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080331093533.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080328070136.htm For the first time, the association between Parkinson's disease and exposure to pesticides has been shown in patients with the neurological disorder compared with their unaffected relatives. Sat, 29 Mar 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080328070136.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172155.htm New research holds promise for thousands who suffer from REM Sleep Behavior Disorder. RDB, a neurological disorder that causes violent twitches and muscle contractions during rapid eye-movement (REM) sleep, can lead to serious injuries. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080327172155.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080324173545.htm A study in fruit flies has shown that by manipulating levels of certain compounds associated with the "circuitry" of the brain, key genes related to memory can be isolated and tested. The results of the study may benefit human patients suffering from Parkinson's disease and could eventually lead to discoveries in the treatment of depression. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080324173545.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080323210229.htm Therapeutic cloning, also known as somatic-cell nuclear transfer, can be used to treat Parkinson's disease in mice. For the first time, researchers showed that therapeutic cloning or SCNT has been successfully used to treat disease in the same subjects from whom the initial cells were derived. While this current work is in animals, it could have future implications as this method may be an effective way to reduce transplant rejection and enhance recovery in other diseases and in other organ systems. Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080323210229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320120837.htm Research has uncovered a gene that could hold the key to developing new treatments for Parkinson's disease. Although less than a quarter of all cases of Parkinson's are familial, researchers believe genes like GIGYF2 can provide clues to the mechanisms behind Parkinson's and could point to new treatments for the more common and sporadic forms of the disease. Sun, 23 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320120837.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320205217.htm Better understanding of Parkinson's disease onset during aging is important for improving diagnostics and developing strategies for therapeutic intervention. Scientists have now identified genes and processes that may underlie what makes some people more susceptible to this disease. Sat, 22 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320205217.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320155232.htm Impaired sense of smell occurs in the earliest stages of Parkinson's disease and there is mounting evidence that it may precede motor symptoms by several years. Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080320155232.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080318114824.htm Researchers have estimated that one in six women are at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease in their lifetime, while the risk for men is one in ten. Stroke and dementia are the most widely feared age-related neurological diseases, and are also the only neurological disorders listed in the ten leading causes of disease burden. Wed, 19 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080318114824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080313185743.htm Dopamine, a drug currently used to treat Parkinson's disease and other illnesses, also might work in cancer patients. The study, which was done in mouse and laboratory models, shows that dopamine could possibly prevent new blood vessels from growing and as a result, slow cancer progression. Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080313185743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080311163624.htm A test that profiles molecular biomarkers in blood could become the first accurate diagnostic test for Parkinson's disease, new research shows. The screen relies on changes in dozens of small molecules in serum. These "metabolomic" alterations form a unique pattern in people with Parkinson's disease. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080311163624.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304214427.htm The pathological mediators of neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease are unknown. One hypothesis postulates that neurodegeneration results from proteolytic stress due to accumulation and aggregation of misfolded or overexpressed proteins. Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080304214427.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080226135418.htm Scientists studying rats induced to display a form of Parkinson's disease discovered that a protein commonly found in brain cells can be toxic if -- at one pinpoint location in its amino acid structure -- it lacks a chemical compound called a phosphate. The finding provides insight into the fundamentals of Parkinson's disease and the role of an abundant yet mysterious brain protein known as alpha-synuclein. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080226135418.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225085147.htm A PhD student has developed a new technique that could revolutionize stem cell treatment for Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injury. He has used existing polymer-based biodegradable fibers, 100 times smaller than a human hair, and re-engineered them to create a unique 3-D scaffold that could potentially allow stem cells to repair damaged nerves in the human body more quickly and effectively. A combined process of electro-spinning and chemical treatment was used to customize the fiber structure, which can then be located within the body. Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080225085147.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080219203544.htm Humans could be tested to see if they have a risk factor for Parkinson's disease, the progressive, incurable neurodegenerative disorder that affects 1.5 million Americans and receive preventive treatment. The study demonstrates that high levels of MAO-B, an enzyme that regulates nerve activity in the brain, cause Parkinson's-like symptoms in mice genetically engineered to overexpress the protein. Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080219203544.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080213162623.htm Testing of a new device for patients with Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, a neurological movement disorder is just beginning. A study will help determine whether a new Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) technology is effective in providing relief for patients who are unable to adequately control symptoms of their disease with medication. The DBS system is a surgically implanted medical device that delivers an electrical stimulation to areas of the brain that control movement. Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080213162623.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080209080452.htm Researchers have discovered that the mechanism that we rely on to transport iron safely through our blood can collapse into a state which grows long worm-like "fibrils" banded by lines of iron rust. This process could provide the first insight into how iron gets deposited in the brain to cause some forms of Parkinson's & Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases. Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080209080452.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080206163924.htm People taking a widely used group of drugs known as calcium channel blockers to treat high blood pressure also appear to be cutting their risk of Parkinson's disease, according to a new study. The study found people who were currently long-term users of calcium channel blockers to treat high blood pressure lowered their risk of Parkinson's disease by 23 percent compared to people who didn't take the drugs. There was no such effect among people taking ACE inhibitors, AT II antagonists and beta blockers. Sat, 09 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080206163924.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204200320.htm Studies in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease show that side effects caused by repeated use of the drug L-DOPA can be minimized by blocking the serotonin 1B receptor. The finding suggests that targeting the 1B receptor may provide an alternative approach for treating advanced Parkinson's disease. Wed, 06 Feb 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080204200320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080118101925.htm Scientists are developing new ways to grow brain cells in the laboratory that could one day be used to treat patients with Parkinson's disease. Stem cell therapy hold the promise of treating disease by growing new tissues and organs from stem cells -- 'blank' cells that have the potential to develop into fully mature or 'differentiated' cells. Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080118101925.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080116080322.htm A new Mayo Clinic study details an unprecedented method to predict brain aging disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Investigators studied common variations within axon guidance pathway genes and identified several gene variations (DNA fingerprints) that collectively predicted people who are at a high risk for ALS (2,000 times greater than the average risk). Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080116080322.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080112075714.htm Researchers are developing a tool that will allow doctors to easily evaluate the degree and type of the tremors caused in the upper limbs by some neurological disorders. The DIMETER system makes it easier for doctors and other health professionals to objectively evaluate the tremors exhibited in the hands and fingers of patients affected by some disorders that impair their motor skills, such as Parkinson, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Tue, 15 Jan 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080112075714.htm