Genetic database gives hope for potential Parkinson’s treatment

News

Author: Saskia MairPublished: 4 June 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

The Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) – the world’s largest public database of variations in DNA which can cause diseases – has given scientists hope for a potential Parkinson’s treatment.

UK and US researchers from Imperial College London, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 23andMe and the Michael J. Fox Foundation used gnomAD to study variants in the LRRK2 gene, which increases the risk of Parkinson’s. Previous studies have shown that blocking the protein formed by the gene can lead to organ damage in animals – but the scientists now suggest this approach should be safe for humans.

Research fellow Dr Nicky Whiffin said: “Large genetic databases are increasingly giving us a powerful insight into the likely impact of certain drugs. If we see that genetic variants that naturally reduce the amount of protein in our body do not result in severe diseases, we can be more confident that targeting that protein therapeutically will also be safe.”

To read more on this topic click here.

For more information on the latest Parkinson’s research please visit the Parkinson’s Europe website.

Can Covid-19 increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s?

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

PD in Practice

WEBINAR: Get expert advice on managing Parkinson’s pain and fatigue

Join this free MJ Fox Foundation live webinar

Pro cyclist to non-profit founder: Davis Phinney on life with Parkinson’s

The Tour de France stage winner talks about living well with Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s in the news: November

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

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham has won a World Parkinson Coalition (WPC) award for her contribution to the Parkinson’s community. Lizzie is one of four people set to receive the Robin Elliott Award – which is given out every three years to individuals whose efforts best embody the goals and ethos of the WPC. She will be presented with the award in a ceremony at the World Parkinson’s Congress, which will be held in Barcelona later this year. Commenting on the news of Lizzie’s award, Parkinson’s Europe President, Veronica Clark, said: “Lizzie is Lizzie, and we love her for who she is and what she has done for us all – for people with Parkinson’s past and present and, I’m sure, future.” Lizzie co-founded the European Parkinson’s Disease Association (renamed Parkinson’s Europe last year) in 1992. She has since held several roles within the organisation – including secretary general and…

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Cognitive impairment can affect some people with Parkinson’s – and may greatly impact their quality of life. Now, researchers in China have examined the possible risk factors for cognitive impairment in those with the condition. The study analysed data from 409 people with Parkinson’s within two years of their involvement in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) – an international study that follows people with and without the condition over time. The participants, who were newly diagnosed and experiencing normal cognitive function at the start of the research, were studied for at least five years. Published in ‘Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience’, the results indicate that older age at onset, high blood pressure and worse baseline motor symptoms may be among factors that could contribute to an increased risk of developing cognitive impairment. The researchers cautioned that “a larger sample and much more comprehensive assessment, and prolonged follow-up, will be required”.

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

Frailty can refer to a reduction in physical function, and its attributes – including a slow walking speed and weak grip – are commonly experienced by people with Parkinson’s. Until now, there has been limited insight into the link between frailty and the risk of developing the condition over time. This is what led researchers at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China to analyse data from a large UK study, which was gathered over a 12-year period. Published in JAMA Neurology, the analysis found that frailty may be linked to an 87% higher risk of developing the condition. Commenting on the results, the researchers said: “These findings indicate that physical frailty is a potential risk factor for [Parkinson’s], and the assessment and management of frailty might have clinical significance in the at-risk population.”

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.

Genetic database gives hope for potential Parkinson’s treatment

News

Author: Saskia MairPublished: 4 June 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

PD in Practice

WEBINAR: Get expert advice on managing Parkinson’s pain and fatigue

Interviews

Pro cyclist to non-profit founder: Davis Phinney on life with Parkinson’s

Global update

Parkinson’s in the news: November

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

Genetic database gives hope for potential Parkinson’s treatment

News

Author: Saskia MairPublished: 4 June 2020

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

PD in Practice

WEBINAR: Get expert advice on managing Parkinson’s pain and fatigue

Interviews

Pro cyclist to non-profit founder: Davis Phinney on life with Parkinson’s

Global update

Parkinson’s in the news: November

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in