A large-scale study examining the genomes of thousands of people has revealed variations in genes that may be linked to a neurodegenerative disorder. The genes have known functions in maintaining the integrity of the nervous system, and better understanding their link to disease may help develop better treatments. An international research team, co-led by scientists… [Continue Reading]
High Iron and Copper Levels Linked to Neurodegenerative Diseases
May 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Too much iron and copper in the brain can contribute to the development of neurodegenerative disorders, new research suggests. A new study shows that the elements, that are required for many cellular functions, can interfere with DNA repair at high levels. Scientists suggest that this might exacerbate diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. No one… [Continue Reading]
Damage to Powerhouse of Brain Cells May Explain Parkinson’s Disease Neurodegeneration
May 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A new model of Parkinson’s disease suggests that a certain kind of damage may play a major role in the death of brain cells in key areas. The research, which uses a drug to mimic the disease, found that the drug blogs the movement of cell components that produce its energy, which eventually causes cell… [Continue Reading]
First Gene-Therapy Trials for Parkinson’s Disease Improves Patient Symptoms
March 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Parkinson’s disease is linked to the abnormal activity of a specific brain region that regulates movement, leading to uncontrolled movements of the body. Scientists have just reported the first results from trials of gene therapy to try and alleviate the condition. Delivering a gene that produces a compound to inhibit neural activity alleviated symptoms in… [Continue Reading]
Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Parkinson’s Disease
March 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Patients who develop Parkinson’s disease tend to have reduced vitamin D levels, which might contribute to the progression of the disease, researchers say. Vitamin D, which is produced by the skin in response to sunlight, plays a key role in many cellular processes. Scientists say more research is required to study how vitamin D might… [Continue Reading]
Berries and Other Fruits Linked to Reduced Risk of Parkinson’s Disease
February 14, 2011 By 1 Comment
A study that tracked the diet of tens of thousands of people has found that higher consumption of berries and other sources of flavonoid compounds correlate with a lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Experts suggest that flavonoid compounds may have neuroprotective effects on the brain. New research shows men and women who regularly eat… [Continue Reading]
Transfer of Misfolded Protein from Cell to Cell Contributes to Cell Death in Parkinson’s Disease
January 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Proteins in our cells are initially synthesized as a long chain, and need to be folded into the correct shapes to carry out their functions. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by proteins becoming misfolded, which tend to clump together and cause cell death. Research has shown that these misfolded proteins can travel from cell to cell,… [Continue Reading]
Mechanism of Brain Cell Death in Parkinson’s Disease Discovered
January 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Parkinson’s disease affects hundreds of millions of Americans, and the cause of this neurodegenerative condition is poorly understood. Researchers have now started to unravel the molecular mechanisms behind brain cell death in Parkinson’s patients, which gives new insights on the disease. A new study has shown that a particular protein regulates how excess protein is… [Continue Reading]
Research Sheds New Light on Parkinson’s Disease
October 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment
An international collaboration led by academics at the University of Sheffield, has shed new light into Parkinson’s disease, which could help with the development of cures or treatments in the future. The collaboration, which was led by Professor Peter Redgrave from the University’s Department of Psychology, suggests that many of the problems suffered by patients… [Continue Reading]
Consensus Reached On Use of Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s
October 16, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Since the late 1990s, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has proven to be a lifeline for some patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease, a cruel neurological disorder that can cause lack of control over movement, poor balance and coordination, and rigidity, among other symptoms. The procedure is used only for patients whose symptoms cannot be adequately controlled… [Continue Reading]