Support us

A message from the editorial team

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.

Share this story

Parkinson’s disease genes activated in zebrafish exposed to aluminium

According to research on zebrafish in Naples, Italy, aluminium exposure may increase the activity of several genes associated with the development of Parkinson’s. The team investigated the impact of exposing zebrafish to aluminium for periods of 10, 15 or 20 days. Subsequent analyses revealed that effects in “cellular disorganisation” and swelling, brought on by the exposure, were highest after 10 or 15 days – and that around 10 Parkinson’s-related genes showed increased signs of activation. The researchers found that while fish exposed to aluminium showed signs of brain degeneration, brain tissue remained intact in the fish that were not exposed. When their results were published in the journal ‘Chemosphere’, the researchers noted that further investigation of the link between aluminium exposure and Parkinson’s is needed – but they wrote: “Overall, the data confirm the neurotoxicity induced by aluminium and shed a light on its involvement in neurodegenerative processes.”

Could wearable heart sensors help with diagnosing Parkinson’s disease?

Decreased heart rate variability (HRV) – that is, reduced time between heartbeats – has previously been associated with a greater risk of Parkinson’s. Now, researchers in Japan have suggested that using wearable sensors to measure this variability may help in diagnosing the condition at its early stages. As part of their study, the team analysed the heart rate variability of 27 people with Parkinson’s and 23 without the condition. The participants wore two heart rate sensors on their wrists for approximately 24 hours during a hospital stay. Results from the study showed that heart rate variability was “significantly decreased” in people with Parkinson’s, with the researchers reporting that the “assessment method was effective in detecting decreased HRV”. Noting the need for further research, the team wrote: “Our wearable sensor-based analysis should also be tested in subjects at the [early] stages” to determine the applicability for early diagnosis of Parkinson’s.

Co-existing conditions may impact how people with Parkinson’s disease perceive stigma

According to a study from the US, people with Parkinson’s who also live with certain co-existing conditions may experience greater perceived stigma and lower quality of life than those who do not. Published in the journal ‘General Psychiatry’, the study examined how conditions like thyroid disease, depression and anxiety impact perceptions of stigma and quality of life among people with Parkinson’s. The researchers surveyed 196 participants who had previously been part of the Boston University Online Survey Study of Parkinson’s Disease – a study exploring the experiences of those living with the condition. Of these participants, 79% reported having at least one co-existing condition. Whilst factors like education level and age at onset were identified as influencing factors, the researchers found a correlation between the total number of conditions and participants’ perceptions of stigma as well as poorer quality of life. The study described the findings as important for “care…

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

Support us

Share this story

Parkinson’s disease genes activated in zebrafish exposed to aluminium

Could wearable heart sensors help with diagnosing Parkinson’s disease?

Co-existing conditions may impact how people with Parkinson’s disease perceive stigma

{title}

Subscribe

Support us

Share this story

Parkinson’s disease genes activated in zebrafish exposed to aluminium

Could wearable heart sensors help with diagnosing Parkinson’s disease?

Co-existing conditions may impact how people with Parkinson’s disease perceive stigma

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in