One step closer to a cure

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 22 March 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Researchers from Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea believe they are closer to finding a cure for Parkinson’s through their research into protein DJ-1.

The research, which will be published in US journal ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences’, has found evidence to suggest the protein impairs nerve cells within the body which relate to the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease.

Although the protein had previously been linked to the development of Parkinson’s, its exact role remained unknown.

Professor Sung Hyun Kim, who led the study, said: “We will research the relationship between synapse function and the expressive actions of animals with Parkinson’s, and establish the related network. If the study goes well, we will be able to infer the cause of Parkinson’s.”

For a collection of the latest Parkinson’s-related research papers please click here.

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Global update

Win a free copy of ‘Faces of Parkinson’s’ book by sharing #UniteForParkinsons

Competition time! Spread the word about #UniteForParkinsons on social media

Parkinson’s Awareness Month 2017: global celebrations

Read our round-up: from Hungary to Nepal, Brazil to Kuwait

ESPN founder reveals 5-year battle with Parkinson’s

Bill Rasmussen shared the news on the ESPN website

Does deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s increase the risk of dementia?

Researchers in France have found that deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s may not increase the risk of developing dementia. As part of the study – published by the American Academy of Neurology – researchers identified 175 people with Parkinson’s and an average age of 56, who had deep brain stimulation. The individuals were assessed over a period of 10 years to determine if they had developed dementia. After one year, four individuals had developed dementia. After five years, 142 people from the original group were available for testing, 12 of whom had dementia. After 10 years, 104 people were available for testing, 31 of whom had dementia. Dr Elena Moro, author of the study, said: “These results are very encouraging for people with Parkinson’s and their families that they can take advantage of the benefits of deep brain stimulation without worrying about it increasing the likelihood of developing dementia.”

Researchers “stunned” by study that raises hopes for Parkinson’s treatment

A new study reprogramming cells to replace reduced dopamine neurons in the brain could be used to reverse symptoms of Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions. As part of the study – conducted by the University of California San Diego (UCSD) – researchers found a way to convert star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes into cells producing dopamine. The team used the method to treat mouse models of Parkinson’s, administering the treatment into the areas of the brain that typically lose dopamine producing neurons. This restored reduced dopamine production to normal levels and reversed the symptoms of Parkinson’s. The researchers will continue to optimise the therapy in other mouse models of Parkinson’s before testing it on people with the condition. William Mobley, a neurosciences professor at UCSD, said: “I was stunned at what I saw. This whole new strategy for treating neurodegeneration gives hope that it may be possible to help even…

Could a magnetically powered implant treat Parkinson’s tremors?

A tiny surgical implant about the size of a grain of rice that can be implanted with minimally invasive surgery may be used to treat tremors in people with Parkinson’s. Developed by a team of researchers at Rice University, US, the implant uses a thin film of magnetoelectric material to convert acoustic waves from the brain’s magnetic field into electrical voltage. The device produces the same high-frequency signals as clinically approved implants used to treat Parkinson’s, epilepsy and other conditions – and eliminates the need for battery or wired power supply. In an initial study, the researchers showed that the implants worked in rodents. Professor Jacob Robinson, corresponding author of the study, said: “Our results suggest that using magnetoelectric materials for wireless power delivery is more than a novel idea. These materials are excellent candidates for clinical-grade, wireless bioelectronics.”

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.

One step closer to a cure

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 22 March 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Global update

Win a free copy of ‘Faces of Parkinson’s’ book by sharing #UniteForParkinsons

Global update

Parkinson’s Awareness Month 2017: global celebrations

Global update

ESPN founder reveals 5-year battle with Parkinson’s

Does deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s increase the risk of dementia?

Researchers “stunned” by study that raises hopes for Parkinson’s treatment

Could a magnetically powered implant treat Parkinson’s tremors?

{title}

Subscribe

One step closer to a cure

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 22 March 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Global update

Win a free copy of ‘Faces of Parkinson’s’ book by sharing #UniteForParkinsons

Global update

Parkinson’s Awareness Month 2017: global celebrations

Global update

ESPN founder reveals 5-year battle with Parkinson’s

Does deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s increase the risk of dementia?

Researchers “stunned” by study that raises hopes for Parkinson’s treatment

Could a magnetically powered implant treat Parkinson’s tremors?

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in