Studies of a particular brain cell type that protects nerve cells and eliminates damage have been made much easier with a new system to label and track them. Researchers have reported a new system, using mice as a model, to visualize the cells, called microglia. Researcher Johan Jakobsson and his colleagues have now published their… [Continue Reading]
New Target Identified for Parkinson’s Disease Drug Development
January 18, 2013 By Leave a Comment
A particular gene variant is linked to the incidence of Parkinson’s disease. New research into the gene has shown that it may play a role in the development of the disease, and inhibiting its function might help ease the condition. With a new insight into a model of Parkinson’s disease, researchers from the University of… [Continue Reading]
Inflammation of the Brain May Play An Important Role in Neurodegerative Diseases
November 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A new research study suggests that the immune system may play a key role in neurodegenerative diseases. Scientists using a computational approach have found that a group of proteins involved in inflammation is linked to the diseased state. Prion diseases represent a family of neurodegenerative disorders associated with the loss of brain cells and caused… [Continue Reading]
New Method of Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease Early Effective
November 23, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A new method that examines the speech is effective at diagnosing and tracking Parkinson’s disease, new research shows. The tongue is particularly sensitive to the loss of muscle control that characterizes the disease, and scientists have found that this can be detected early and correlates with disease progression. Health professionals may soon have a new… [Continue Reading]
Studying Mouse Brain Reveals Potential Explanation for Temporary Effect of Parkinson’s Treatment
October 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Complex interactions between brain signaling chemicals may explain why current treatments for Parkinson’s disease only work temporarily. A newly published paper has discovered that the treatment, which is giving patients the signaling molecule dopamine, eventually increases the levels of a second molecule that may be linked to the return of symptoms. Scientists may have discovered… [Continue Reading]
Caffeine May Ease Some Symptoms of Parkinson’s
August 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Coffee drinkers have a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, and caffeine may ease the symptoms of patients with the condition, a new study suggests. The study tested whether caffeine pills affected patients’ muscle movements. Researchers found that taking caffeine significantly improved muscle symptoms. Caffeine, which is widely consumed around the world in coffee, tea… [Continue Reading]
Cells in Parkinson’s Disease Patients Transformed into Neurons, Used to Test Treatments
July 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Parkinson’s disease can be caused by multiple genetic and unknown factors. Scientists are trying to determine how individuals react to different types of therapies by examining the behavior of their cells in the lab. Cells from patients were transformed into neurons using genetic tools, and then exposed to different treatments. Different patients’ cells react differently,… [Continue Reading]
Mutated Protein in Parkinson’s Disease Leaves Neurons Unprotected
February 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A genetic mutation in a protein required to protect neurons is linked to Parkinson’s disease, and new research has shown the precise molecular function of the protein. Understanding the function of the protein, called DJ-1, is an essential first step in potentially altering its function with drugs to prevent neurodegeneration. Purdue University researchers revealed how… [Continue Reading]
Model of Parkinson’s Disease Suggests New Approaches to Treatment
February 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Parkinson’s disease is complex and difficult to study, given the complicated interactions between brain cells. A new model, however, is giving major new insights into what goes wrong in neurons in Parkinson’s patients. Scientists took skin cells from patients, and by changing their environmental signals in the laboratory, coaxed them into becoming neurons. Study of… [Continue Reading]
Mechanism Behind Hereditary Parkinson’s Disease Discovered
November 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Researchers have discovered the mechanism that underlies Parkinson’s disease in an inherited form of the condition. The key defect is abnormal mitochondria, the structures within cells that produce energy. When the structures stop functioning properly, the cell receives a signal to destroy them, and prevent them from damaging the rest of the cell. This process… [Continue Reading]