Parkinson’s Research News

A new study into human and plant cell apoptosis could provide new avenues for the development of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, and help develop disease-resistant plants. ... read more

PD is a slowly progressive disorder that affects movement, muscle control and balance. It is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder affecting about 3% of the population by the age of 65 and up to 5% of individuals over 85 years of age. Fatigue is a disabling non-motor symptom that affects about half of all individuals with PD. A ... read more

Using control theory and the physics of protein aggregation, researchers created theoretical predictions on how and when to use drug interventions for neurodegenerative diseases. ... read more

  Recently it has been determined that many people with Parkinson’s have a distinct smell. It is a subtle odour that only some individuals with a very sensitive sense of smell can detect (Click here to read a previous SoPD post on this topic). This curious discovery ... read more

A significant association has been discovered between migraine diagnoses and dementia in women. ... read more

Several studies have hinted at the neuroprotective effects of estrogen. A recent study in mice looks at how it might defend against Parkinson's disease. ... read more

Selective estrogen treatments appear to reduce symptoms of Parkinson's disease in male mice. The study sheds light on sex-based differences associated with the disease and may provide new therapeutic avenues for treatment. ... read more

Brain-selective estrogen treatment improves the symptoms of Parkinson's disease in male mice, according to new research. These findings may help explain the sex differences in Parkinson's disease and could lead to estrogen-based treatments. ... read more

A new technology known as sonogenetics can control neural activity by using sound frequencies. The technology could be used to non-invasively treat a range of neurological conditions, including Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. ... read more

In healthy older adults, depression and cortical amyloid may be associated with early changes in cognition. The findings provide an additional biomarker for Alzheimer's disease. ... read more

Exercise can have a positive benefit in preventing or slowing physical signs of Alzheimer's disease in those with a genetic predisposition. ... read more

To compare survival by the presenting parkinsonism symptoms at diagnosis among patients with incident clinically diagnosed synucleinopathies. ... read more

Participating in musical and dance activities improve the quality of life for older adults with dementia after just six sessions. ... read more

Vitamin D supplementation may help reduce some of the non-motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. ... read more

Adding extra choline through eggs or meat to your daily diet could help stave off the effects of dementia. Higher phosphatidylcholine intake through diet was associated with lower rates of dementia and improved cognitive function in aging men. ... read more

Being socially active in early old age can help to prevent against dementia later on. Researchers found those engaged in social activities almost daily at 60 were 12% less likely to develop dementia than those who were socially active only once or twice a month. ... read more

A new blood test for Alzheimer's disease is up-to 94% accurate at predicting dementia before symptoms appear. The test's accuracy is increased when genetic predisposition and age are taken into account. The new test may eventually replace PET neuroimaging, currently considered the gold standard, for early detection of Alzheimer's. ... read more

A microscopy study revealed tau controls Fyn clustering in dendrites. The findings shed new light on how certain forms of dementia may occur. ... read more

EDITIORIAL NOTE: Apologies to readers for the lack of content on the SoPD website this month. At the Cure Parkinson’s Trust, we have been preparing dossiers for the Linked Clinical Trials meeting in August. I will explain this process and the initiative in a future post, ... read more

A link between liver dysfunction and Alzheimer's disease has been discovered. The findings add to the understanding of the role metabolic dysfunction plays in the neurodegenerative disease. ... read more

A new fruit fly study reveals a simple genetic system is behind complex movements. The finding sheds light on motor control issues associated with neurodegenerative diseases. ... read more

New model could inform the development of new treatments for Lewy body diseases by targeting alpha-synuclein DNA repair mechanisms. ... read more

Researchers have found neuro biomarkers for Parkinson's disease that can help create the next generation of 'smart' deep brain stimulators, able to respond to specific needs of Parkinson's disease patients. ... read more

A small protein previously associated with cellular dysfunction and death in fact serves a critical function in repairing breaks in DNA, according to new research. The study is the first to demonstrate the role that alpha-synuclein plays in forestalling the demise of neurons in brain diseases such as Parkinson's. The findings suggest that it may be possible to design new ... read more

A headset that stimulates the ear canal improves both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The effects of the stimulation appear to have a lasting effect following treatment. ... read more