Parkinson’s in the news: January

We round up some of this month’s Parkinson’s news stories from around the world – from the expansion of a global Parkinson’s gene study to new music raising awareness of the condition

Could playing ping-pong benefit those with Parkinson’s?

Most people with Parkinson’s will recognise the importance of doing exercise – but which sports could be particularly beneficial? Dr Elana Clar, a neurologist at Hackensack University Medical Center, US, recently spoke with CBS News about the potential benefits of playing ping-pong: “The thing that makes ping-pong unique is that it incorporates a focus on balance, hand-eye coordination, and the rhythm or pace of reciprocal play… Ping-pong has clearly been shown to have a positive impact on the progression of the [condition]”.

New song aims to raise awareness of Parkinson’s

Sequoia Lowe from Connecticut, US, has created a new song in partnership with his mother, titled ‘Slim Shaky’ to raise awareness of Parkinson’s. Inspired by American rapper Eminem’s hit track, ‘Slim Shady’, Lowe penned lyrics that seek to showcase the strength and challenges experienced by two women with the condition.

Global Parkinson’s gene study has been extended

Centogene, a Germany-based company focused on understanding and treating rare diseases, has extended its Rostock International Parkinson’s Disease Study (ROPAD). With the aim of characterising the genetic profile of people with the condition, the study will recruit and test more people in the coming years – enlisting participants from 48 sites across 10 countries, including Argentina, Germany and Portugal.

Gut bacteria and Parkinson’s: could there be a link?

Researchers from the University of Surrey, England and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, US, have looked at the role of gut bacteria in the development of Parkinson’s – and identified a possible link. The study, which is said to be the largest of its kind, revealed that more than 30% of bacteria in those with Parkinson’s differs from those without the condition.

Stem cell therapy trial for Parkinson’s given the green light

Biotechnology company S.Biomedics has announced that it will launch a new phase of clinical trials investigating stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s. The trial, which is taking place in Korea, will use dopamine cells obtained from embryonic stem cells – the first approved clinical trial in Asia to do so, according to the company.

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Parkinson’s in the news: December

Parkinson’s in the news: November