Parkinson’s Research News

The new study explores alpha-synuclein's basic properties, with a focus on a section of the protein known as the non-amyloidal component (NAC). The research was done on fruit fly larvae that were genetically engineered to produce both normal and mutated forms of human alpha-synuclein. ... read more

Since PD was first defined, it has been suspected that there was a genetic component. In June 2009, a small group of investigators met to discuss a potential research alliance focused on the genetics of PD. The outcome was the creation of the IPDGC, a group focused on collaborative genetics research, enabled by trust, sharing, “and as little paperwork as ... read more

Since PD was first defined, it has been suspected that there was a genetic component. In June 2009, a small group of investigators met to discuss a potential research alliance focused on the genetics of PD. The outcome was the creation of the IPDGC, a group focused on collaborative genetics research, enabled by trust, sharing, “and as little paperwork as ... read more

Bas is a consultant neurologist and the director of the Center of Expertise for Parkinson & Movement Disorders at the Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands, and holds the position of professor of neurology with a special interest in movement disorders. He received his medical degree (with honors) at Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC) in 1993 and obtained his ... read more

New findings about Parkinson's disease mechanisms may change doctors' understanding of its development and even alter the way in which they treat it. ... read more

Here at the SoPD, we are primarily interested in disease modification for Parkinson’s. While there is a great deal of interesting research exploring the causes of the condition, novel symptomatic therapies, and other aspects of Parkinson’s, my focus is generally on the science seeking to slow, ... read more

  In this end-of-year post, we review the Parkinson’s research that caught our attention at SoPD HQ in 2019. Month-by-month we will briefly discuss some of the major pieces of research/announcements that have defined the year and advanced our understanding of Parkinson’s. The list is based on ... read more

  At the end of each month the SoPD writes a post which provides an overview of some of the major pieces of Parkinson’s-related research that were made available during December 2019. The post is divided into seven parts based on the type of research: ... read more

  Here on the SoPD we have discussed the Parkinson’s-associated protein LRRK2 many times. And we look forward to seeing the results of ongoing clinical trials of LRRK2 inhibitors. But there are significant efforts ongoing to develop therapies that can indirectly target dysfunctional LRRK2 pathways ... read more

A drug that provides the benefits obtained from medicinal cannabis without the 'high' or other side effects may help to unlock a new treatment for Parkinson's disease. ... read more

A small clinical trial of nilotinib in people with Parkinson's disease finds that the cancer drug is reasonably safe and holds promise as a therapy. ... read more

  Deep brain stimulation (or DBS) represents a well established treatment option for individuals with Parkinson’s who no longer respond to standard therapies. It involves tiny electrodes being embedded in the brain and they modulate populations of neurons that have become dysfunctional. The results of the DBS ... read more

New research in mice and flies suggests that failure to transport molecules that break down proteins in neurons may lead to neurodegenerative diseases. ... read more

      Approximately 10-20% of Parkinson’s cases are associated with a genetic risk factor which raises the chances of developing the condition. Tremendous efforts are being made to not only better understand the underlying biology of these associations, but also to identify individuals who may be ... read more

  When a cell is sick or damaged it will send out signals alerting the immune system that something is wrong. If enough of these molecules are released, they will initate an “immune response” and this process is called inflammation. There is evidence in neurodegenerative ... read more

Chaperone proteins in human cells dynamically interact with the protein alpha-Synuclein, which is strongly associated with Parkinson's disease. A disturbed relationship to these 'bodyguards' leads to cell damage and the formation of Lewy bodies typical for Parkinson's disease. ... read more

Chaperone proteins in human cells dynamically interact with the protein alpha-Synuclein, which is strongly associated with Parkinson's disease. A disturbed relationship to these 'bodyguards' leads to cell damage and the formation of Lewy bodies typical for Parkinson's disease. ... read more

Chaperone proteins in human cells dynamically interact with the protein alpha-Synuclein, which is strongly associated with Parkinson's disease. A disturbed relationship to these 'bodyguards' leads to cell damage and the formation of Lewy bodies typical for Parkinson's disease. ... read more

  Dense spherical clusters of a protein – called Lewy bodies – are one of the classical hallmarks of the Parkinsonian brain. They are a common pathological feature, but curiously they are not present in all cases of Parkinson’s. For example, some individuals with ... read more

New research shows that a special ultrasound technique can significantly reduce tremors in people living with Parkinson's disease. ... read more

New research shows that a special ultrasound technique can significantly reduce tremors in people living with Parkinson's disease. ... read more

  At the end of each month the SoPD writes a post which provides an overview of some of the major pieces of Parkinson’s-related research that were made available during November 2019. The post is divided into seven parts based on the type of research: ... read more

Many issues can cause finger twitching. Some are harmless, while others are more serious. Read on to learn about the potential causes and their treatments. ... read more

New research suggests that certain antibiotics in common use may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease, likely because of their effect on gut microbes. ... read more

Korean research team made up of Dr. Hyung-Jun Kim and Shinrye Lee of KBRI, and professor Kiyoung Kim of Soonchunhyang University, found a new molecular mechanism of suppressing neuronal toxicity associateded dementia and Lou Gehrig's disease. ... read more