European Union announces new programme to improve Parkinson’s diagnosis

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Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 17 January 2018

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The European Union has announced the launch of the Magnetic Diagnostic Assay for Neurodegenerative Diseases (MADIA) – a project with the ultimate goal of improving diagnosis for those living with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

The project, which is in partnership with a range of international universities and institutions, will focus on the development of a novel device that will help clinicians perform a simple click and analysis to diagnose both conditions.

Dr Francisco Campos, of the Clinical Neurosciences Research Laboratory, said: “An early diagnosis is crucial to maximise the effectiveness of the treatments in order to mitigate the devastating effects of these illnesses and slow disease progression.

“MADIA is funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, and consists of a multitasking team with more than 50 professionals in the fields of biology, physics and engineering.”

For comprehensive information about Parkinson’s diagnosis please visit the EPDA website.

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New insights on immune cell process and Parkinson’s disease

Insoluble clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein, which can cause damage to brain cells, have been previously linked to Parkinson’s. Now, scientists in Germany, France and the US have uncovered new details on how brain cells respond to these clusters. The researchers discovered that the brain’s immune cells may be able to join together to break down the protein clumps. According to a press release, this was previously unknown. They also found that these neighbouring cells share mitochondria – structures that generate energy for chemical reactions – to help one another. In certain mutations associated with Parkinson’s, this process may be impaired. The researchers hope this insight could inform the development of new therapies. “We have opened the door to a field that will certainly engage researchers for many years to come,” said Professor Dr Michael Heneka, director of the Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry at the University Hospital…

Could analysing skin oil help diagnose Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease patients tend to have high levels of oil, known as sebum, on their skin’s surface. Now, a study has suggested that analysing this substance may help when diagnosing the condition. The study revealed that sebum contains significant amounts of genetic material, specifically the molecule ribonucleic acid (RNA). Analysis of RNA contained in sebum – that is, skin surface lipids RNA, or SSL-RNA – could offer insights into a person’s health. Researchers in Japan examined SSL-RNA in men and women with and without Parkinson’s. The results suggested that the SSL-RNA profiles of those with Parkinson’s had “different characteristics” than those without. The researchers then tested whether examining these profiles with machine learning could reveal those who had Parkinson’s – and who didn’t. The team’s algorithm indicated a “relatively robust discriminatory ability,” supporting the further use of SSL-RNA as part of a future “non-invasive” method for diagnosis.

‘Sonic hedgehog’ protein could impact Parkinson’s disease dyskinesia

Dyskinesia is often caused by extended use of the common Parkinson’s medication levodopa – and can be debilitating for those with the condition. Now, researchers in the US may have found a way to suppress these involuntary movements through a protein called ‘sonic hedgehog’. To conduct their study, the team administered levodopa and sonic hedgehog agonists to rodent and non-human primate models of the condition. The results revealed that dopamine neurons use the protein to communicate with other neurons thought to play a role in levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Increased signalling of sonic hedgehog pathways was found to reduce this dyskinesia – providing “novel insight” into its formation and a “potential therapeutic solution”. “What we find,” wrote corresponding study author Professor Andreas Kottmann, “is that in several animal models, by replacing … dopamine together with agonists that mimic the effects of sonic hedgehog, these dyskinesias can be very much suppressed.”

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European Union announces new programme to improve Parkinson’s diagnosis

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 17 January 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Painter with Parkinson’s: John McLean shares some of his favourite works

Carers' Corner

Campaigners win petition for ‘student carer’ status on uni application forms

Advances

When will new Parkinson’s psychosis drug be approved outside of the US?

New insights on immune cell process and Parkinson’s disease

Could analysing skin oil help diagnose Parkinson’s disease?

‘Sonic hedgehog’ protein could impact Parkinson’s disease dyskinesia

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European Union announces new programme to improve Parkinson’s diagnosis

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 17 January 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Perspectives

Painter with Parkinson’s: John McLean shares some of his favourite works

Carers' Corner

Campaigners win petition for ‘student carer’ status on uni application forms

Advances

When will new Parkinson’s psychosis drug be approved outside of the US?

New insights on immune cell process and Parkinson’s disease

Could analysing skin oil help diagnose Parkinson’s disease?

‘Sonic hedgehog’ protein could impact Parkinson’s disease dyskinesia

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