Can studying our immune systems help combat Parkinson’s?

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Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 18 July 2018

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This month’s free webinar from The Michael J Fox Foundation examines the role of the immune system in Parkinson’s

In the latest instalment of The Michael J Fox Foundation’s Third Thursdays webinar series, an expert panel will discuss the connection between the immune system and Parkinson’s. This episode will broadcast on Thursday 19 July at 12:00 ET.

The hour-long webinar is hosted by broadcaster and person with Parkinson’s Dave Iverson. This month’s episode will focus on the immune system and how scientists are using it to develop therapies to combat Parkinson’s.

Register for this free online resource by clicking here up to 15 minutes before the start time. If you can’t make the broadcast, you can catch up from the recordings library here.

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Acupuncture may alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms

A study conducted by researchers in South Korea has found that acupuncture may help alleviate motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. The study – published in science journal ‘Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience’ – collected data from 42 existing trials testing the effects of acupuncture on different mouse models of Parkinson’s disease. A total of 40 studies showed that acupuncture increased levels of tyrosine hydroxylase – an enzyme in the brain which is part of the dopamine-producing process. Although there was no evidence to suggest acupuncture can induce changes in dopamine levels, results suggested that acupuncture may help alleviate motor symptoms in mice. Discussing their findings, the researchers commented: “Acupuncture treatment potentially protected [dopamine] neurons through various beneficial mechanisms. “Nevertheless, resolving the low quality of studies and further research investigating the efficacy of different acupuncture treatment methods in Parkinson’s disease rodent models will be needed.”

Could insulin be used to treat Parkinson’s symptoms?

A US study has found that intranasal insulin, which is commonly used to treat diabetes, may be able to improve Parkinson’s symptoms. As part of the study, published in scientific journal ‘PLOS ONE’, 14 people with Parkinson’s were administered a daily dose of intranasal insulin for four weeks. After the four week period, researchers – made up staff from Harvard Medical School, US, and the University of Massachusetts, US – saw an improvement in both the participants motor skills and verbal fluency. Discussing the trial, the researchers said: “Our study provided preliminary data that suggested an improvement of functional skills after four weeks of daily INI [intranasal insulin] treatment. That paves the way toward a larger cohort study to evaluate long-term safety and potential efficacy of intranasal insulin administration for potential treatment and prevention of functional decline in patients with Parkinson disease”.

Can drinking milk increase the risk of Parkinson’s?

Researchers at Uppsala University, Sweden, have found that drinking more than 40 millilitres of milk per day may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s. As part of the study, 81,889 participants between the ages of 45 and 83 who do not live with the condition completed a survey detailing their milk, soured milk and yoghurt consumption. After an average follow up of 14 years, a total of 1,251 participants reported a Parkinson’s diagnosis. The dietary patterns of the participants showed that individuals who drank 40 to 159 millilitres of milk per day were 30% more likely to develop the condition. The researchers – who presented their study at the 2019 International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases in Lisbon, Portugal – concluded: “Findings from this cohort study indicate that consumption of milk, but not soured milk and yogurt, is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.”

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Can studying our immune systems help combat Parkinson’s?

Resources & Tools

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 18 July 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Carers' Corner

Harry Styles is an “absolutely brilliant” carer for his granddad who has Parkinson’s

PD in Practice

Faces of Parkinson’s: “To restore a person’s dignity – that’s my calling”

Perspectives

Michael J Fox Foundation CEO hails advances in Parkinson’s treatment

Acupuncture may alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms

Could insulin be used to treat Parkinson’s symptoms?

Can drinking milk increase the risk of Parkinson’s?

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Can studying our immune systems help combat Parkinson’s?

Resources & Tools

Author: Simge Eva DoganPublished: 18 July 2018

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

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Carers' Corner

Harry Styles is an “absolutely brilliant” carer for his granddad who has Parkinson’s

PD in Practice

Faces of Parkinson’s: “To restore a person’s dignity – that’s my calling”

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Michael J Fox Foundation CEO hails advances in Parkinson’s treatment

Acupuncture may alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms

Could insulin be used to treat Parkinson’s symptoms?

Can drinking milk increase the risk of Parkinson’s?

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