Memory loss could be an indication of Parkinson’s

News

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 24 December 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Memory loss could be an early indication of Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent study by researchers in France.

The study, published in medical journal ‘Behavioural Brain Research’, suggests that neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra – a critical area of the brain involved in Parkinson’s – could lead to memory loss and the subsequent development of the condition.

As part of the study, a group of rats were administered with a toxin that damages neurons in the brain – while another group were injected with Parkinson’s medication over 10 consecutive days.

Various behavioural tests were then carried out on both groups to assess the animals’ movement, social interaction and motor function.

Results showed that the group of rats that had been given the toxin displayed significant memory loss compared to those who had been exposed to the Parkinson’s medication.

To read more on this topic click here.

To learn more about memory loss and Parkinson’s, please visit the EPDA website here.

Repurposed cancer drug shows promise for Parkinson’s

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Global update

The Empire State Building lights up for World Parkinson’s Day

A snapshot of World Parkinson’s Day around the world

Escalator ‘freeze’ video: do people help or just push past?

Hidden cam films public’s reaction to man struggling on escalator

June 2018

Highlights: Mystery Dinner and Cyclone Festival of Cycling

Could a transplant lower the risk of Parkinson’s?

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine, US, have found that having a heart, kidney, lung or bone marrow transplant could reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s. As part of the study, published in medical journal ‘Parkinsonism & Related Disorders’, the team assessed data of just under 200,000 patients – 89,790 of whom had Parkinson’s. The results revealed that individuals who had a transplant were 37% less likely to develop Parkinson’s. This could be due to the immunosuppressant medication patients receive before undergoing a transplant, which researchers believe may help slow neurodegeneration as it reduces inflammation in the brain. The study said: “This study provides evidence that tissue transplant may be associated with a lower PD [Parkinson’s disease] risk, warranting further investigation to identify factors that mediate this relationship.”

Groundbreaking Parkinson’s trial publishes results

A breakthrough Parkinson’s trial that featured in a two-part documentary on UK television channel BBC Two has published its results. The study, which featured in the documentary ‘The Parkinson’s Drug Trial: A miracle cure?’, aimed to investigate whether it was possible to restore damaged neurons by administering protein Glial Cell Line Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF). As part of the trial, scientists initially infused GDNF into the brains of six participants living with the condition. Researchers then invited a further 35 individuals with Parkinson’s to take part, with approximately half being administered with a placebo infusion. Although not conclusive, the results suggest that GDNF had an impact on the brain and researchers believe the topic is worthy of further study. Dr Alan Whone, principal investigator on the trial, said: “This represents some of the most compelling evidence yet that we may have a means to possibly reawaken and restore the dopamine brain cells…

Course for Parkinson’s nurses launches in Slovenia

The International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society is hosting its third summer school for nurses specialising in Parkinson’s. The course – which will be held from 10-12 May in Ljubljana, Slovenia – will focus on the management of the motor and non-motor symptoms of the condition. Students will also attend lectures, examine Parkinson’s patients and discuss treatment plans with experts. All lectures will be presented in English. Heather Vitale, senior programme manager at the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society, said: “This course offers a unique opportunity for nurses to enhance their knowledge in Parkinson’s disease, while also learning and networking with their peers through case study presentations and small group discussions.” Registration closes 26 April 2019 and costs USD $350.

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
Email
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Memory loss could be an indication of Parkinson’s

News

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 24 December 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Global update

The Empire State Building lights up for World Parkinson’s Day

Europe

Escalator ‘freeze’ video: do people help or just push past?

Agenda

June 2018

Could a transplant lower the risk of Parkinson’s?

Groundbreaking Parkinson’s trial publishes results

Course for Parkinson’s nurses launches in Slovenia

{title}

Subscribe

Memory loss could be an indication of Parkinson’s

News

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 24 December 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Global update

The Empire State Building lights up for World Parkinson’s Day

Europe

Escalator ‘freeze’ video: do people help or just push past?

Agenda

June 2018

Could a transplant lower the risk of Parkinson’s?

Groundbreaking Parkinson’s trial publishes results

Course for Parkinson’s nurses launches in Slovenia

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in