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

News

Author: Pippa Prendergast-CoatesPublished: 2 July 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

illustration of transmitting synapse, neuron or nerve cell

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 those with advanced disease.”

To read more on this topic click here.

For more information on the latest Parkinson’s research please visit the Parkinson’s Europe website.

Could a magnetically powered implant treat Parkinson’s tremors?

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Global update

An update on Parkinson’s 100 Challenge: Dom’s Duathlon

After bouncing back from injury, we hear from one proud challenger

Researchers carry out ‘world-first’ stem cell treatment for Parkinson’s disease

Revolutionary stem cells injected into brain of Parkinson’s patient

Tony’s two-wheel tour: a man, a bike and a Parkinson’s promise

Daily diary entries during epic 11-day bike tour across the Alps

Could a sea sponge support the search for Parkinson’s disease treatments?

How could a molecule in a sea sponge help treat Parkinson’s and similar conditions? Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), in the US, recently explored this question. Their findings were published in the journal ‘Science’. The team examined a molecule known as lissodendoric acid A, which appears to counteract other molecules that damage DNA, proteins and whole cells – and was recently discovered in a sea sponge. The research team used an oft-neglected compound called a cyclic allene to control a step in the chain of chemical reactions, which enabled them to create a version of the molecule in a lab. Scientists believe that the ability to synthetically produce lissodendoric acid A will help them assess whether it can inform future therapies for conditions like Parkinson’s. UCLA’s Professor Neil Garg, the corresponding author of the study, said: “We hope others will also be able to use cyclic…

Study finds just six minutes of daily exercise might delay onset of Parkinson’s disease

Regular exercise is a common therapeutic strategy for people with Parkinson’s. Now, a study from New Zealand has suggested that daily physical activity might even delay the onset of this condition. Published in ‘The Physiological Society’, the study focused on a protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) – which has previously been shown to boost cognitive performance. The researchers assessed the impact of fasting and physical activity on BDNF production in 12 people aged 18 to 56. The tests involved fasting and completing exercises of varying intensity, such as cycling for six minutes, as well as combinations of both fasting and physical activity. The results showed that brief, intense exercise was the best option for increasing the production of BDNF – with the protein increasing by a factor of four to five times compared to light exercise or fasting. Because BDNF can protect the brain from cognitive decline, the findings could…

Machine learning may help predict risk of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease

Difficulty taking steps forward, often referred to as the freezing of gait (FOG), is a common symptom experienced by people with Parkinson’s and one that can be difficult to predict. China-based researchers suggest that machine learning – artificial intelligence (AI) that uses algorithms to analyse data – could help predict the risk of freezing of gait developing in the early stages of the condition. Their study, published in ‘npj Parkinson’s Disease’, gave laboratory and clinical data to a machine learning model brain. This information was collected from 158 adults with untreated early-stage Parkinson’s and 73 healthy adults over a five-year period. They found that the risk of FOG could be predicted with an accuracy rate of up to 78%. The study authors suggested that machine learning methods “have the potential to help predict future FOG in patients with early Parkinson’s at an individual level”.

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

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

News

Author: Pippa Prendergast-CoatesPublished: 2 July 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Global update

An update on Parkinson’s 100 Challenge: Dom’s Duathlon

Advances

Researchers carry out ‘world-first’ stem cell treatment for Parkinson’s disease

Europe

Tony’s two-wheel tour: a man, a bike and a Parkinson’s promise

Could a sea sponge support the search for Parkinson’s disease treatments?

Study finds just six minutes of daily exercise might delay onset of Parkinson’s disease

Machine learning may help predict risk of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease

{title}

Subscribe

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

News

Author: Pippa Prendergast-CoatesPublished: 2 July 2020

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Global update

An update on Parkinson’s 100 Challenge: Dom’s Duathlon

Advances

Researchers carry out ‘world-first’ stem cell treatment for Parkinson’s disease

Europe

Tony’s two-wheel tour: a man, a bike and a Parkinson’s promise

Could a sea sponge support the search for Parkinson’s disease treatments?

Study finds just six minutes of daily exercise might delay onset of Parkinson’s disease

Machine learning may help predict risk of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in