Support us

A message from the editorial team

Since our launch in mid-2015, we have been dedicated to publishing high-quality content for the international Parkinson’s community. To all our readers and supporters who have helped us in our journey so far, thank you. We are truly grateful for your support.

Parkinson’s Life has been a big success, and we want to continue growing and improving the experience for our readers. Our aim is to be a leading platform for the global community. However, our work relies on the support of others. So, if you read us, if you’ve shared one of our stories, if you value what we do – then please make a donation that will help us carry on delivering Parkinson’s Life to the world.

Share this story

Breath test “detects early-stage Parkinson’s”

Scientists from Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Israel, have developed a breath test that they claim can detect early-stage Parkinson’s. As part of a study – published in medical journal ‘ACS Chemical Neuroscience’ – scientists used a breathing device to analyse the breath of 29 participants who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. In addition, scientists also examined the breath of 19 people in the same age group who did not have the condition. The results suggested the breath test had an accuracy of 81% – leading scientists to believe the device could be used as a portable screening tool without assistance from a medical professional. The authors of the study said: “Early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is important because it affects the choice of therapy and is subject to a relatively high degree of error.”

World-first Parkinson’s stem cells trial

Scientists at a Japanese university will carry out a world-first clinical trial transplanting reprogrammed stem cells into the brains of seven people with Parkinson’s. Researchers believe the process – which was tested on monkeys last year – will allow the brain to create dopamine to counter the effects of Parkinson’s. Shinya Yamanaka, who is working on the study and won the Nobel Prize in 2012 for his work with stem cells, said: “We intend to carry on conducting our research carefully, yet expeditiously, in coordination with Kyoto University Hospital, so that new treatment will be brought to patients as soon as possible.” Researchers are hoping to create a treatment that will be covered by national health insurance in Japan.

Contact sports linked to onset of Parkinson’s

Researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine, Massachusetts, US have found a link between engaging in contact sports such as American football, boxing and ice hockey – and developing neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s. The study – published in the ‘Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology’ – found that engaging in contact sports increased the risk of developing Lewy body disease – a condition which is caused by deposits of protein forming inside brain cells and can lead to Parkinson’s. After studying 694 brains, researchers concluded that those who had played contact sports for more than eight years developed neurological conditions at six times the rate of those that did not. Dr Thor Stein, the author of the study, said: “We found the number of years an individual was exposed to contact sports, including football, ice hockey, and boxing, was associated with Parkinsonism and dementia.”

All fields required

First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Country of residence*
About me*
- I have Parkinson's disease
- I am a partner / carer / family / friend of someone who has Parkinson's
- I am a healthcare professional with an interest in Parkinson's
- I work for a Parkinson's disease organisation
- Other
Captcha
*
- By proceeding you agree to our
Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Support us

Share this story

Breath test “detects early-stage Parkinson’s”

World-first Parkinson’s stem cells trial

Contact sports linked to onset of Parkinson’s

{title}

Subscribe

Support us

Share this story

Breath test “detects early-stage Parkinson’s”

World-first Parkinson’s stem cells trial

Contact sports linked to onset of Parkinson’s

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in