Incurable diseases distort people’s world view. It is a very well-known fact that people who suffer from Parkinson’s lose all their motivation. However, now scientists from the Monash University proved that dopamine levels in the brain can help people with Parkinson’s disease to combat cognitive apathy and regain cognitive motivation equivalent to healthy individuals. Dopamine...
Tag: <span>Parkinson’s disease</span>
Post
Motorized finger-bender designed to detect Parkinson’s disease
Ben Coxworth Because it doesn’t show up in either blood tests or brain scans, Parkinson’s disease can be frustratingly difficult to diagnose. A new device could help, however, by repeatedly bending the patient’s finger. It may make diagnoses easier, and allow treatment to start earlier. Developed at Melbourne, Australia’s Bionics Institute, the tool is known as the Bionics Institute Rigidity Device...
Post
Questions remain about safety of Parkinson disease psychosis drug
(HealthDay)—There are many unanswered questions about the safety and effectiveness of a drug used to combat hallucinations and delusions in Parkinson disease patients, says a report from a drug safety group. The nonprofit Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) called for Nuplazid to have stronger warnings on its label for patients and their families, CNNreported. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration deemed the drug a “breakthrough” medication and gave it an expedited...
Post
Researchers explore link between metal exposure and Parkinson’s symptoms
A new study from Iowa State University biomedical researchers illuminates the biological processes by which exposure to some metals can contribute to the onset of Parkinson’s-like symptoms. The study, published today in the peer-reviewed journal Science Signaling, focuses on the metal manganese, which has a range of industrial uses as an alloy. Anumantha Kanthasamy, a...
Post
Scientists report new modeling of brain signaling
The release of neurotransmitters and hormones in the body is tightly controlled by complex protein machinery embedded in cell membranes. Manipulating that machinery with drugs could improve treatment of disorders ranging from diabetes to Parkinson’s disease. Progress has been slow, however, because of the lack of an animal model to test the effects of potential...
Post
Can we repair the brain? The promise of stem cell technologies for treating Parkinson’s disease
Cell replacement may play an increasing role in alleviating the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in future. Writing in a special supplement to the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, experts describe how newly developed stem cell technologies could be used to treat the disease and discuss the great promise, as well as the significant challenges, of stem cell treatment. The most common PD treatment today is based on enhancing the activity of...
Post
Promise of stem cell technologies for treating Parkinson’s disease
Cell replacement may play an increasing role in alleviating the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in future. Writing in a special supplement to the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, experts describe how newly developed stem cell technologies could be used to treat the disease and discuss the great promise, as well as the significant challenges,...
Post
Personalised treatments for Parkinson’s disease
Scientists at Cardiff University are helping to bring personalised treatments for Parkinson’s disease closer to the clinic, thanks to a major investment of over £50,000 from American charity, The Summit for Stem Cell Foundation. Working in partnership with Professor Jeanne Loring of the Scripps Research Institute, Cardiff University’s Dr Mariah Lelos is testing the potential...
Post
Study implicates hyperactive immune system in aging brain disorders
In a study of fruit flies, NIH scientists suggested that the body’s immune system may play a critical role in the damage caused by aging brain disorders. The results are based on experiments in which the researchers altered the activity of Cdk5, a gene that preclinical studies have suggested is important for early brain development...
Post
Singing may reduce stress, improve motor function for people with Parkinson’s disease
Elizabeth Stegemöller leads a singing group for people with Parkinson’s disease. Her latest research shows singing can lower stress and improve motor symptoms. Credit: Iowa State University Singing may provide benefits beyond improving respiratory and swallow control in people with Parkinson’s disease, according to new data from Iowa State University researchers. The results from the...