Binding to, or chelating, toxic levels of iron in the brain can slow the progression of a neurodegenerative disorder known as pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), results from a Phase 3 trial show. These findings may be relevant for other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis, which are also associated with high […]
Using stem cells, researchers have recreated the complexity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) — a critical protective brain structure — in a chip roughly the size of an AA battery. This personalized BBB experimental model, which combines stem cell research with Emulate’s Organ-Chip technology, will allow scientists to better understand how the barrier works while also providing […]
Osaka University scientists have built short fragments of DNA that can stop the production of abnormal alpha-synuclein protein in the brain — which may advance the development of new therapies for the control and prevention of Parkinson’s disease. The study, “Amido-bridged nucleic acid (AmNA)-modified antisense oligonucleotides targeting α-synuclein as a novel therapy for Parkinson’s disease,” […]
We all want something in life. We want to win the lottery or find our perfect mate. For those of us with a chronic illness, we’d be more than satisfied with a cure for our disease. Until we find a cure for Parkinsons’s disease, I’ve compiled a list of things that might help people with […]
The annual economic burden of Parkinson’s disease on U.S. patients, families, and the federal government is nearly $52 billion, more than double the previous estimates, according to a comprehensive study by the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF). This is the first study to examine the various ways Parkinson’s affects a patient’s finances and their ability […]
It has been rough going recently, after I acquired a “legally blind” diagnosis on top of Parkinson’s disease. It has been a month, and part of the reason I am back to column writing so soon is because of the compassionate support I received, which was freely given. It has made a big difference in […]
Midbrain area measurements can be used to distinguish patients with Parkinson’s disease from those with progressive supranuclear palsy, a study finds. The study, “Midbrain area for differentiating Parkinson’s disease from progressive supranuclear palsy,” was published in Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery. Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), the second most common Parkinsonian syndrome after Parkinson’s disease, is characterized by […]
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) has awarded Nitrome Biosciences a Target Advancement grant to further the company’s development of therapies targeting Parkinson’s disease. Specifically, the grant will be used to further Nitrome’s biological studies of a new Parkinson’s drug target. The therapies are aimed at inhibiting a newly identified enzyme the […]
A molecule called anle138b was able to reduce toxic alpha-synuclein aggregates, or clumps, in the brain — a key event linked to Parkinson’s — and reverse motor symptoms associated with the disease in a novel Parkinson’s mouse model. The study, “Depopulation of dense α-synuclein aggregates is associated with rescue of dopamine neuron dysfunction and death in […]
The formation of alpha-synuclein aggregates in brain nerve cells (neurons) is thought to be one of the hallmarks of Parkinson disease. Researchers now have found that the activity of a single protein, called HYPE, may help halt alpha-synuclein accumulation and reduce its toxic outcomes, including neuronal death. These findings, “Alpha-Synuclein Is a Target of Fic-Mediated […]
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