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

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Author: Johanna Stiefler JohnsonPublished: 14 January 2021

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female doctor is measuring senior man's body circumference

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.”

For more information about the latest Parkinson’s disease research, please visit the EPDA website.

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Antioxidant vitamins, found in foods like almonds, avocados and broccoli, could reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, researchers in Sweden have reported. The scientists analysed data from a study of 43,865 men and women, aged between 18 and 94. Participants were asked to share information about their diets when the study began and were then monitored through health records over an average of almost 18 years. The researchers found that those who had reported high levels of vitamins C and E – which help prevent cell damage and inflammation – had a 32% lower risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. “Our findings suggest that dietary vitamin E and C intake might be inversely associated with the risk of Parkinson disease,” the scientists concluded.

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…

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

News

Author: Johanna Stiefler JohnsonPublished: 14 January 2021

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Salmon: the brain’s natural boost against Parkinson’s

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Why we should treat this ‘damaging’ study on physiotherapy in Parkinson’s with caution

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“When coronavirus broke out in Europe, Italy was the hardest hit nation”

Antioxidants could reduce risk of Parkinson’s disease by 32%, study finds