Parkinson's Life

Global update

The late UK entertainer faced diagnosis with an “upbeat” attitude
READ MORE
Special reports

Professor Per Odin shares need-to-know information on the symptom
READ MORE
Global update

This month’s top Parkinson’s disease news stories from around the globe
READ MORE

Senior woman sitting alone on a chair at home

Ask the expert: How can hallucinations affect people with Parkinson’s?

Professor Per Odin shares need-to-know information on the symptom

TV legend Des O’Connor privately lived with Parkinson’s disease

The late UK entertainer faced diagnosis with an “upbeat” attitude

Sir Billy Connolly’s ‘final performance’ brings fans to tears

The Scottish comedian and fans reflect on his monumental career

“I do not let the Parkinson’s diagnosis define who I am”

We talk to EPDA vice president Danny Lavender MBE

6 New Year’s resolutions from the Parkinson’s community

Our readers share their goals for 2021

Parkinson’s in the news: December

This month’s top Parkinson’s disease news stories from around the globe

Load more recent articles

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, US, have found that people with early Parkinson’s disease are at higher risk of developing cognitive impairments if they are overweight, have disruptive sleep behaviours or experience symptoms of depression. Evaluating data from 405 people, the researchers used statistical analysis to identify relationships between certain characteristics and changes in patient cognition over time. Their findings suggest that factors such as high body mass index (BMI) or excessive sleepiness are associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease. The researchers wrote: “Despite its common and devastating occurrence, treatment of [cognitive impairments] in [Parkinson’s disease] is limited and no medications slow its onset or progression. However, identification of treatable or modifiable comorbidities that affect the rate of progression of [cognitive impairments] in [Parkinson’s disease] could provide opportunities for early intervention and improved prognosis.”

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US, will investigate genes that could protect cells in the brain against Parkinson’s disease. An award from US non-profit G Harold and Leila Y Mathers Foundation will allow scientists to use a mouse model screening technique to find out more about the condition. Individually deleting each of the 22,000 genes present in mice neurons will help identify which genes are linked to neuron survival – and offer insights that could lead to new treatments for the condition. Dr Myriam Heiman, an Associate Professor at MIT, said: “There is currently no molecular explanation for the brain cell loss seen in Parkinson’s disease or a cure for this devastating disease. I’m extremely grateful for this generous support and recognition of our work from the Mathers Foundation, and hope that our study will elucidate new therapeutic targets for the treatment and even prevention of Parkinson’s…

Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

Researchers from Texas Woman’s University, US, are investigating how equine-assisted therapy – which involves working with horses to promote wellbeing – can benefit people with Parkinson’s disease. As part of the five-month study, funded by the non-profit Human Animal Bond Research Institute, 30 men with Parkinson’s disease will be randomly assigned to participate in equine-assisted therapy or simulated horseback riding. The participants’ motor performance, balance, gait and symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease will be assessed before, during and after the therapy. Rhett Rigby, principal investigator of the study, said: “There is currently no known study that utilises equine-assisted therapy as an intervention treatment for those with Parkinson’s disease. Our research could have a significant impact on an understudied population and help contribute to the existing literature on human-animal interaction.”

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.

HOME

TV legend Des O’Connor privately lived with Parkinson’s disease

Ask the expert: How can hallucinations affect people with Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s in the news: December

Global update

Special reports

Global update

Special reports

Ask the expert: How can hallucinations affect people with Parkinson’s?

Global update

TV legend Des O’Connor privately lived with Parkinson’s disease

Global update

Sir Billy Connolly’s ‘final performance’ brings fans to tears

Interviews

“I do not let the Parkinson’s diagnosis define who I am”

Perspectives

6 New Year’s resolutions from the Parkinson’s community

Global update

Parkinson’s in the news: December

{categories}

{title}

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

TV legend Des O’Connor privately lived with Parkinson’s disease

Ask the expert: How can hallucinations affect people with Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s in the news: December

Global update

Special reports

Global update

Special reports

Ask the expert: How can hallucinations affect people with Parkinson’s?

Global update

TV legend Des O’Connor privately lived with Parkinson’s disease

Global update

Sir Billy Connolly’s ‘final performance’ brings fans to tears

Interviews

“I do not let the Parkinson’s diagnosis define who I am”

Perspectives

6 New Year’s resolutions from the Parkinson’s community

Global update

Parkinson’s in the news: December

{categories}

{title}

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in

Want the latest Parkinson’s Life news and content delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe here!