White blood cells could help diagnose people at risk of Parkinson’s, study finds

News

Author: Saskia MairPublished: 30 April 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Scientists in the US have found additional evidence for the link between immune cells and Parkinson’s – alongside signs of autoimmunity present in individuals years before their Parkinson’s diagnosis.

The study – conducted by researchers from La Jolla Institute for Immunology and Columbia University Irving Medical Center, US – revealed a higher count of T cells (a type of white blood cell) in participants at the time of diagnosis but showed that few still had these cells 10 years later.

Dr Alessandro Sette, who co-led the study, said: “This tells us that detection of T cell responses could help in the diagnosis of people at risk or in early stages of [Parkinson’s] disease development.

“Importantly, we could dream of a scenario where early interference with T cell responses could prevent the disease from manifesting itself or progressing.”

To read more on this topic click here.

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

Plant-based compounds could treat chronic pain in Parkinson’s, study finds

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Recipes & Nutrition

Tasty, nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals for people with Parkinson’s

Interview with Parkinson’s recipe book producer Joan van Haaften

“Sometimes, art can communicate what words cannot”

We spoke to the artist portraying Parkinson’s symptoms

Reaching the rural areas of Pakistan with specialised care

Extending knowledge and resources to all corners of the country

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

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…

Could a magnetically powered implant treat Parkinson’s tremors?

A tiny surgical implant about the size of a grain of rice that can be implanted with minimally invasive surgery may be used to treat tremors in people with Parkinson’s. Developed by a team of researchers at Rice University, US, the implant uses a thin film of magnetoelectric material to convert acoustic waves from the brain’s magnetic field into electrical voltage. The device produces the same high-frequency signals as clinically approved implants used to treat Parkinson’s, epilepsy and other conditions – and eliminates the need for battery or wired power supply. In an initial study, the researchers showed that the implants worked in rodents. Professor Jacob Robinson, corresponding author of the study, said: “Our results suggest that using magnetoelectric materials for wireless power delivery is more than a novel idea. These materials are excellent candidates for clinical-grade, wireless bioelectronics.”

What do you think of Parkinson’s Life? Take part in our reader survey

We’re always looking to improve our readers’ experience of the Parkinson’s Life magazine, newsletter and podcast. That’s why we’ve launched a new survey to give our international community of readers a chance to share their views and influence what we do. The survey takes just 10 minutes to complete – and, as a little ‘thank you’ for taking part, readers will be entered into a competition to win a £50 Amazon voucher. Readers will also have the chance to share interest in joining our future reader panel and take part in regular surveys and discussions to help us to deliver the best content to our international community. Ready to tell us what you think of Parkinson’s Life? Take part in the reader survey here.

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

White blood cells could help diagnose people at risk of Parkinson’s, study finds

News

Author: Saskia MairPublished: 30 April 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Recipes & Nutrition

Tasty, nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals for people with Parkinson’s

Global update

“Sometimes, art can communicate what words cannot”

In my country

Reaching the rural areas of Pakistan with specialised care

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

Could a magnetically powered implant treat Parkinson’s tremors?

What do you think of Parkinson’s Life? Take part in our reader survey

{title}

Subscribe

White blood cells could help diagnose people at risk of Parkinson’s, study finds

News

Author: Saskia MairPublished: 30 April 2020

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Recipes & Nutrition

Tasty, nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals for people with Parkinson’s

Global update

“Sometimes, art can communicate what words cannot”

In my country

Reaching the rural areas of Pakistan with specialised care

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

Could a magnetically powered implant treat Parkinson’s tremors?

What do you think of Parkinson’s Life? Take part in our reader survey

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in