Parkinson Disease

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, health professionals reported difficulty accessing Parkinson disease medications, particularly in low-income countries, leading to greater disability of patients as a result.

Researchers present a novel approach to identifying molecules associated with the progression of Parkinson disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.

People with Parkinson disease (PD) were found to be more likely than those without the condition to have orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing that can exacerbate the risk of falling.

A review discusses what immunotherapies are currently being evaluated to target α-synuclein, an abnormal protein suggested to have a central role in the pathogenesis of PD.

Exercise was identified as a potential intervention to improve quality of life and heighten immune response among patients with Parkinson disease.

Among patients with advanced Parkinson disease and motor fluctuations, a combination of levodopa/carbidopa/entacapone was shown to improve motor and sleep symptoms.

A healthy diet consisting of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains in middle age may be associated with fewer non-motor symptoms known to precede the diagnosis of Parkinson disease, according to study findings.

There was no statistically significant difference in patient-reported outcomes for short-term integrated palliative care compared with standard care in those with long-term neurological conditions.

Researchers explore the standard pathophysiological and molecular linkages between Parkinson disease (PD) and diabetes, as well as the role of diabetes therapies in the pathological pathways and progression of PD.

Among patients with Parkinson disease (PD), co-occurrence of dementia and hypertension, as well as duration of PD, were significantly associated with mortality due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to a recent study.

Researchers find that monitoring dietary intake in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) could detect possible micronutrient insufficiencies that may exacerbate adverse effects such as constipation. Expanding knowledge on correct medication intake among patients with PD was also cited.

Switching off a “master regulator” of the epigenome called TET2 may protect the brain from the inflammatory damage and neurodegeneration caused by Parkinson disease, according to recent study findings.

DA-9701 therapy was found to improve the severity of gastrointestinal symptom–related quality of life and severity in patients with Parkinson disease, with no adverse effects on motor symptoms, according to study findings.

Among patients with Parkinson disease aged 60 years and younger with early motor complications, deep brain stimulation was found to provide significant improvements in social, occupational, and psychosocial function.

Improving on the ability to confirm diagnosis of Parkinson disease (PD) earlier and determining who is at risk for PD were referenced as key factors in further slowing progression of the disease, according to review findings.

Overall, there are 145 registered and ongoing clinical trials for therapies targeting Parkinson disease, of which 28 are currently in phase 3, according to review findings.

Researchers discuss the implications of nonmotor symptoms in patients with Parkinson disease, which can contribute to major sleep, ocular, olfactory, throat, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, or musculoskeletal disorders.

Individuals who had experienced a concussion were found to be at a greater risk of Parkinson disease, mood and anxiety disorders (MADs), dementia, and hyperactivity disorder, with concussed women indicated as a notable at-risk population for MADs, according to study findings published today.

A recent webinar discussed what causes symptom recurrence in patients with Parkinson disease and what implications this has for health outcomes and health care cost.

Patients with Parkinson disease who experience visual impairment were found to be more prone to behavioral issues such as depression and anxiety, as well as dementia and death, according to study findings.

A quality improvement project led by a multidisciplinary team was found to significantly improve on-time administration of levodopa and other medications for patients with Parkinson disease, according to study findings.

In patients with Parkinson disease (PD) who underwent deep brain stimulation, dementia prevalence and incidence were not found to be higher than those in the general PD population, according to study findings.

Seven symptoms were identified as most predictive of early morning OFF periods (EMO) in patients with Parkinson disease, which may assist in understanding and managing potential determinants and negative health effects of EMO.

Health-related quality of life and caregiver burden were both significantly correlated with alexithymia in patients with Parkinson disease, with the sub-component “identifying feelings” serving as a key factor.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) implanted in early-stage Parkinson disease (PD) was found to decrease the risk of disease progression. If findings are replicated in a larger trial recently approved by the FDA, DBS would be the first therapy proven to slow the progression of any element in PD.

While cognitive functions in patients with Parkinson disease were only slightly impacted by the coronavirus disease 2019, notable effects on urinary issues and fatigue may warrant adjustments to therapy, according to study findings.

Authors reviewed the current landscape of therapeutic interventions for differentiating pain classifications in patients with Parkinson disease, noting the need for further research in pathophysiology-driven treatment.

Central nervous system gene therapies and advanced technologies to provide these treatments were noted as emerging opportunities in treatment for neurological conditions such as Parkinson disease, according to review findings. Researchers also highlighted the lack of experience and technology in medical centers nationwide to provide these services.

An advanced, noninvasive MRI technique in patients with Parkinson disease and essential tremor was found to potentially lead to better outcomes without surgery and lessen risk of adverse effects, according to study findings published this week.

The addition of Kynmobi, a discreet, under the tongue treatment of OFF periods in patients with Parkinson disease, adds to the growing market of innovations in care, said Stewart Factor, DO, professor of Neurology and director of the Movement Disorders Program at the Emory University School of Medicine.