One step closer to a cure

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Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 22 March 2018

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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.

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A new screening tool has been developed to support the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease psychosis – a symptom of the condition that is often misdiagnosed. Created by Canadian senior care software company, PointClickCare and membership organisation, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP), the platform asks questions on topics like hallucinations and delusions. Healthcare workers can then review the responses and decide to collect more information and create a care plan. Data collected through the tool will also be used to help scientific research in healthcare organisations. Bill Stuart, clinical product strategist at PointClickCare said: “Not only will the screener tool better enable faster diagnosis, it will provide the senior care industry with a consistent way of approaching Parkinson’s psychosis.” Chad Worz, chief executive of ASCP, added: “We are excited to have another tool for care teams to facilitate a more standardised care process for Parkinson’s disease and we…

Has Covid-19 impacted access to Parkinson’s medication?

New research has found that the coronavirus pandemic has affected access to medication for people living with Parkinson’s disease. The sub-study used information from a survey conducted by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. The results from 346 participants showed that 22.8% of high-income and 88.9% of low-income countries’ respondents agreed that the coronavirus crisis had impacted people’s access to Parkinson’s medication. Some respondents reported increased disability, increased hospitalisation and increased mortality as factors. The majority of those who completed the survey were doctors. The researchers concluded: “Our results offer preliminary data that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected Parkinson’s disease patients’ access to regular medication. “Covid-19 has diverted resources away from chronic conditions towards the fight against Covid-19 in many countries. Resource-poor countries seem to be disproportionately affected compared to their affluent counterparts.”

Brazilian dance could improve mobility in people with Parkinson’s, study finds

Researchers at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil compared participants in a 12-week programme, inspired by samba and forró dances, with those in a walking exercise programme to measure improvement in their functional mobility and gait. The 18 participants had an average age of 68.6 and had all been diagnosed with Parkinson’s over a year ago. The results, published in journal BMC Neurology, found that both groups showed significant improvements in mobility and balance tests. Participants in the dance group showed increases in stride frequency at a self-chosen test speed and a reduced swing time (the amount of time the foot is off the floor) at a fast speed. The results indicated that dance was as “effective as walking in improving functional mobility”. The researchers wrote: “It is essential to find different activities that can offer benefits to individuals… so that they can engage in the…

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One step closer to a cure

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 22 March 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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PD365: daily vlogging duo aim to shed light on life with Parkinson’s in your 30s

Perspectives

How the world reacted to the death of Muhammad Ali

Advances

The students breaking ground in Parkinson’s tech

New tool could support “faster diagnosis” of Parkinson’s disease psychosis

Has Covid-19 impacted access to Parkinson’s medication?

Brazilian dance could improve mobility in people with Parkinson’s, study finds

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One step closer to a cure

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 22 March 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Share this story

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Related articles

Perspectives

PD365: daily vlogging duo aim to shed light on life with Parkinson’s in your 30s

Perspectives

How the world reacted to the death of Muhammad Ali

Advances

The students breaking ground in Parkinson’s tech

New tool could support “faster diagnosis” of Parkinson’s disease psychosis

Has Covid-19 impacted access to Parkinson’s medication?

Brazilian dance could improve mobility in people with Parkinson’s, study finds

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