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Since our launch in mid-2015, we have been dedicated to publishing high-quality content for the international Parkinson’s community. To all our readers and supporters who have helped us in our journey so far, thank you. We are truly grateful for your support.

Parkinson’s Life has been a big success, and we want to continue growing and improving the experience for our readers. Our aim is to be a leading platform for the global community. However, our work relies on the support of others. So, if you read us, if you’ve shared one of our stories, if you value what we do – then please make a donation that will help us carry on delivering Parkinson’s Life to the world.

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Chemical used in dry cleaning may be associated with Parkinson’s disease

The chemical trichloroethylene (TCE) has been used across a number of industries: to decaffeinate coffee, degrease metal parts, remove stains and dry-clean clothing. It’s currently banned in the European Union and the US states New York and Minnesota, except for authorised industrial uses. Now, scientists led by Dr Ray Dorsey in the US have conducted new research claiming that TCE could be linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s. Published in the ‘Journal of Parkinson’s Disease’, the study investigated case studies of seven people who were exposed to TCE prior to a Parkinson’s diagnosis – including basketball legend Brian Grant. The researchers “postulate that this ubiquitous chemical is contributing to the global rise of Parkinson’s and that TCE is one of its invisible and highly preventable causes”. They called for the cleaning of TCE-contaminated sites and for indoor air exposure to be diminished – as well as for further studies to be…

Could certain cancers be linked to Parkinson’s disease?

Previous research has suggested that people with Parkinson’s may generally be less likely to develop most cancers. However, a new international study has found a potential genetic link between certain types of cancer and the condition. The team analysed genetic data from genome-wide association studies – a research approach that aims to identify gene variations associated with disease risk – to recognise common genetic risk factors between cancer and Parkinson’s. The findings uncovered a genetic link between the condition and both prostate cancer and melanoma. Meanwhile, the sum of various gene variants (otherwise known as the polygenic risk score) that contribute to Parkinson’s was significantly associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. “Our results suggest the importance of shared genetic variants between Parkinson’s and some cancers,” the researchers concluded in the study, which was published in the medical journal ‘Movement Disorders’. They highlighted the need for further studies to…

Investigational Parkinson’s disease dementia therapy fails in clinical trial

Research into new potential therapies for people with Parkinson’s is complex, which means that not all clinical trials will successfully move on to the next phase. This proved to be the case for US biotech company Aptinyx, which announced that it will halt further development work on an investigational therapy following “disappointing” results in the second phase of its study. The research had set out to examine the effect of NYX-458 – an oral therapy created to modulate the activity of receptors in the brain that are responsible for communication between neurons. The aim of the therapy was to improve cognition in people with cognitive impairment linked to Parkinson’s or Lewy body dementia. Yet, when compared to a placebo, the therapy didn’t demonstrate “meaningful improvements” in cognitive function. Dr Andy Kidd, president and CEO at Aptinyx, said: “We are very disappointed that the results of this Phase 2 study did…

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Chemical used in dry cleaning may be associated with Parkinson’s disease

Could certain cancers be linked to Parkinson’s disease?

Investigational Parkinson’s disease dementia therapy fails in clinical trial

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Share this story

Chemical used in dry cleaning may be associated with Parkinson’s disease

Could certain cancers be linked to Parkinson’s disease?

Investigational Parkinson’s disease dementia therapy fails in clinical trial

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