Parkinson’s in the news: August

We round up some of this month’s Parkinson’s news stories from around the world – including updates on a walking football club supporting people with the condition and a look at AI developments that may help to predict symptom progression

Aging process weighs on symptoms in people with later Parkinson’s onset

According to new research from scientists in Luxembourg, later onset of Parkinson’s may be associated with more severe motor symptoms. Published in the journal ‘npj Parkinson’s Disease’, the findings revealed that study participants who were older at the onset of Parkinson’s were likely to experience more falls and greater difficulty walking.

UK broadcaster Jeremy Paxman to star in a new documentary

Noted English broadcaster Jeremy Paxman will discuss his experience with Parkinson’s in a new documentary by UK television network ITV, entitled ‘Paxman: Putting up with Parkinson’s’. The broadcaster, who revealed his diagnosis last year, also recently announced his retirement from the renowned quiz programme ‘University Challenge’.

Biotech company to investigate AI Parkinson’s prediction tools

Healthcare data analytics company Koneksa has been awarded funding by the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research. The US-based company intends to use AI techniques to analyse data collected from a prescription-only smartwatch – designed by Verily Life Sciences, the research organisation of technology company Alphabet, Inc – to predict Parkinson’s progression over time and support new research.

Palme d’Or winning director Lars von Trier diagnosed with Parkinson’s

Danish filmmaker Lars von Trier publicly announced that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The controversial director’s films include ‘Melancholia’ and ‘Dancer in the Dark’, for which he won the Cannes Film Festival award in 2000. According to his production company, Zentopia, von Trier will continue working on ‘The Kingdom Exodus’, a series set to premier at the Venice Film Festival next month.

Women’s walking football club granted Parkinson’s funding

A walking football club for women in Somerset, UK, has received funding from charity Parkinson’s UK to support people with the condition, alongside a grant from the Walking Football Association. The Taunton and District Ladies Walking Football Club was founded by UK-based athletes Julia Tibbs and Caroline Pike, the latter of whom has Parkinson’s herself.

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Parkinson’s in the news: July

Parkinson’s in the news: June