Tag

Parkinsons

All articles tagged with #parkinsons

Dopamine Clues in Autism May Signal Parkinson's Risk Later
science28 days ago

Dopamine Clues in Autism May Signal Parkinson's Risk Later

A small study using DaT SPECT scans in 12 young adults with autism found abnormal dopamine transporter behavior in a subset, suggesting disrupted dopamine processing could be linked to a higher Parkinson's risk decades later, though no current signs of disease or IQ differences were found. Researchers caution against drawing conclusions and aim to study larger groups to verify whether these transporter abnormalities could serve as an early biomarker for Parkinson's and inform preventative strategies.

Lab-grown dopamine cells aim to reboot movement in Parkinson’s patients
health-and-medicine1 month ago

Lab-grown dopamine cells aim to reboot movement in Parkinson’s patients

Researchers are testing implanted induced pluripotent stem cells engineered to become dopamine-producing neurons in the brains of Parkinson’s patients in a Phase 1 trial. Delivered via MRI-guided surgery into the basal ganglia, the goal is to restore dopamine production, improve motor function, and slow disease progression. The 12-person study (RNDP-001) is monitored for 12–15 months with long-term follow-up planned for up to five years to assess safety (e.g., dyskinesia, infection) and efficacy, and it has FDA fast-track designation.

Shrinking’s Season-Three Premiere Brings a Wedding, Michael J. Fox, and a Parkinson’s Moment
entertainment2 months ago

Shrinking’s Season-Three Premiere Brings a Wedding, Michael J. Fox, and a Parkinson’s Moment

Jason Segel discusses the Shrinking season-three premiere, which centers on a joyous wedding that also features a guest appearance by Michael J. Fox and a Parkinson’s thread inspired by Fox and Harrison Ford’s aging. Segel praises Fox’s openness and the moment when his character proclaims, “Fuck Parkinson’s,” signaling the season’s theme of moving forward; Fox appears in two more episodes, and the series has been renewed for another season.

Shrinking Season 3 Opens With a Heart-Wrenching Parkinson's Hallucination
entertainment2 months ago

Shrinking Season 3 Opens With a Heart-Wrenching Parkinson's Hallucination

In Shrinking season 3 episode 1, Paul’s Parkinson’s progresses to the point where he hallucinates Gerry (Michael J. Fox) at the wedding cake, a scene that echoes an earlier clinic moment and signals the disease’s encroachment on more aspects of his life. The episode leaves viewers questioning whether Paul has been hallucinating all along, highlighting the painful, non-motor toll of Parkinson's as his world—and his marriage—are affected.

New Research Reframes Dopamine's Role in Parkinson's Movement
science3 months ago

New Research Reframes Dopamine's Role in Parkinson's Movement

A McGill-led study challenges the traditional view that dopamine controls movement speed and force, suggesting instead that it acts as a support system enabling movement. The research shows that restoring baseline dopamine levels, rather than fast dopamine spikes, improves movement, which could lead to simpler and more targeted treatments for movement disorders like Parkinson's disease.

A Natural Protein Boosts Brain Defense Against Alzheimer's
health4 months ago

A Natural Protein Boosts Brain Defense Against Alzheimer's

A study suggests that spermine, a natural molecule, may help clear toxic protein buildup in the brain associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by promoting the formation of liquid-like protein droplets that are easier for the body's waste system to remove, showing promise in early tests with worms and cells, though more research is needed for human application.

health5 months ago

Walking Just 5,000 Steps Daily May Slow Brain Aging and Alzheimer’s Progression

A recent study published in Neurology shows that regular physical activity can slow brain aging and neurodegeneration, particularly in regions like the cortex and hippocampus, which are vital for memory and cognition. Engaging in consistent, moderate exercise such as walking, cycling, or dancing can help preserve brain structure and function, potentially delaying conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and maintaining mental sharpness as we age.

New Weekly Injection Promises Steady Parkinson’s Treatment and Reduced Daily Pills
health9 months ago

New Weekly Injection Promises Steady Parkinson’s Treatment and Reduced Daily Pills

Researchers from the University of South Australia have developed a biodegradable, weekly injectable formulation of levodopa and carbidopa that could significantly improve Parkinson's disease treatment by maintaining steady drug levels, reducing pill burden, and enhancing patient adherence, with potential applications for other chronic diseases.