Foods Containing Saturated Fat And Cholesterol
Some studies suggest that dietary fat intake may increase the risk of Parkinsons.
Although having a higher intake of cholesterol can elevate a persons Parkinsons risk, having a higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce the risk.
Therefore, a person with Parkinsons may wish to reduce their intake of cholesterol to help control the symptoms of the condition. They may also wish to reduce the amount of saturated fat in their diet.
However, further studies are required to explore the link between dietary fat and Parkinsons.
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Dementia With Lbs Or Lb Disease
The second most frequent kind of dementia in advanced age is progressive dementia with LBs, typically accompanied by parkinsonism, good visual hallucinations, and oscillations in cognition, alertness, and concentration . DLB is dementia that affects the optical, perceptual, and careful functions of the brain . The age at which the DLB begins is 6068, with an average disease duration of 67. Men are more impacted than women . DLB diagnostic criteria differ substantially in their sensitivity and specificity and improved criteria are needed . Cases with more substantial DLB disease have typical symptoms, whereas cases with larger neurofibrillary tangles are likely to show AD . Continuing to work memory issues, visual spatial difficulties, psychotic episodes, melancholy, unconcern, and low mood are among early signs of DLB .
What Is Gene Therapy
Each cell carries its own genetic code in the form of DNA that translates into different functions. Gene therapy focuses on the use of DNA as a drug to correct inherited genetic abnormalities or to restore functions lost due to disease. One approach is for a functional gene to be inserted in carefully engineered viruses and administered to the patient. At AskBio**, researchers are investigating the role of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor gene therapy for the treatment of PD. GDNF is a growth factor that promotes healthy functioning of brain cells by enhancing levels of this naturally occurring growth factor. GDNF gene therapy is intended to promote the survival and function of vulnerable brain cells that degenerate in PD. Katherine High, MD & President at AskBio says, It is our duty as researchers to constantly challenge the status quo and explore new and unconventional ways of treating diseases. We are in the midst of early clinical studies with a therapy that works on the brains own cellular machinery to regenerate cells. The research looks very encouraging, and we are excited to see what this could do for the PD community.
For people with PD, cell and gene therapies could mean a new reality a reality where treatment options go beyond symptoms and where PD could become a disease that might be stopped or even reversed.
Footnotes
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Artificial Intelligence Model Can Detect Parkinsons From Breathing Patterns
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Parkinsons disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose as it relies primarily on the appearance of motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and slowness, but these symptoms often appear several years after the disease onset. Now, Dina Katabi, the Thuan and Nicole Pham Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT and principal investigator at MIT Jameel Clinic, and her team have developed an artificial intelligence model that can detect Parkinsons just from reading a persons breathing patterns.
The tool in question is a neural network, a series of connected algorithms that mimic the way a human brain works, capable of assessing whether someone has Parkinsons from their nocturnal breathing i.e., breathing patterns that occur while sleeping. The neural network, which was trained by MIT PhD student Yuzhe Yang and postdoc Yuan Yuan, is also able to discern the severity of someones Parkinsons disease and track the progression of their disease over time.
Over the years, researchers have investigated the potential of detecting Parkinsons using cerebrospinal fluid and neuroimaging, but such methods are invasive, costly, and require access to specialized medical centers, making them unsuitable for frequent testing that could otherwise provide early diagnosis or continuous tracking of disease progression.
What Are The Symptoms Of The Disease
The four primary symptoms of PD are:
- Tremor. Tremor often begins in a hand, although sometimes a foot or the jaw is affected first. The tremor associated with PD has a characteristic rhythmic back-and-forth motion that may involve the thumb and forefinger and appear as a pill rolling. It is most obvious when the hand is at rest or when a person is under stress. This tremor usually disappears during sleep or improves with a purposeful, intended movement.
- Rigidity. Rigidity , or a resistance to movement, affects most people with PD. The muscles remain constantly tense and contracted so that the person aches or feels stiff. The rigidity becomes obvious when another person tries to move the individuals arm, which will move only in ratchet-like or short, jerky movements known as cogwheel rigidity.
- Bradykinesia. This slowing down of spontaneous and automatic movement is particularly frustrating because it may make simple tasks difficult. The person cannot rapidly perform routine movements. Activities once performed quickly and easilysuch as washing or dressingmay take much longer. There is often a decrease in facial expressions.
- Postural instability. Impaired balance and changes in posture can increase the risk of falls.
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Aptinyx Focuses On Parkinsons Disease Cognitive Impairment
Aptinyx is amid a Phase II trial targeting one of the biggest unmet needs in Parkinson’s disease treatment: cognitive impairment and dementia.
In patients with PD, Lewy bodies and alpha-synuclein, which are implicated in the pathology of PD, can spread into the cortex, causing forms of cognitive impairment and dementia in a large percentage of patients, Kordower explains. Theres no current treatment, so any clinical trial that has some benefit is incredibly valuable, he says.
Aptinyxs NYX-458, which targets the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, has placebo-controlled Phase II results expected at the end of 2022 or early 2023. The trial lists eight primary endpoints, ranging from the incidence adverse events to reductions in scales of psychosis and suicidal ideation.
“There’s no current treatment, so any clinical trial that has some benefit is incredibly valuable.”
Jeffrey Kordower
Targeting NMDA is a good start, says Dr David Eidelberg, neurologist at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research. However, showing reduction in cognitive impairment may be more difficult in PD than in Alzheimers disease, where changes are typically more pronounced, he notes.
Nevertheless, experts are encouraged that a trial is taking aim at this substantial unmet need. According to GlobalData consensus forecasts, NYX-458 has expected peak sales of $323 million in 2028.
Amneal Tests A New Formulation
AmnealPharmaceuticals plans to report Phase III safety results for IPX-203, a reformulation of the common generic PD treatment combination of carbidopa and levodopa that could reduce symptom fluctuations. The company said the Phase III, open-label extension study will have results available by the end of the second quarter of 2022.
CD/LD can lead to troughs and spikes of plasma levels that generate side-effects like dyskinesia, Kordower explains. A new extended-release version of CD/LD could smooth out these drops, he notes.
If approved, IPX-203 will join several other marketed reformulations of CD/LD. Amneals own extended-release capsule Rytary, Schwarz Pharmas orally disintegrating tablet Parcopa, and AbbVie’s enteral suspension Duopa all have FDA approval in PD. A GlobalData consensus forecasts pegs peak IPX-203 sales at $127 million in 2028.
In a separate, placebo-controlled Phase III trial , IPX-203 resulted in 0.53 more hours of ON time than immediate-release CD/LD after seven weeks . Earlier, a six-week Phase II trial of IPX-203 reported no serious treatment-emergent adverse events among the 26 patients enrolled. Experts say the long-term safety data will be key in determining IPX-203s place among CD/LD formulations.
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Scientists Take The Next Step In Understanding The Role It Plays In The Disease
There are currently no disease modifying therapies for Parkinsons disease available that can alter the course of the disease. Researchers from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus are leading a group of experts from across the world who are attempting to change that.
Recently, they published a new study in the journal Brain that brings scientists one step closer to comprehending a crucial protein called -synuclein , which they discovered connects inflammation and Parkinsons disease.
The protein Syn is mostly expressed in neurons and has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinsons disease and Lewy body dementia. This new study identifies a new mechanism linking interferon activation and Syn function in neurons as a possible trigger for Parkinsons disease development.
Its critical to understand further the triggers that contribute to the development of Parkinsons disease and how inflammation may interact with proteins found in the disease. With this information, we could potentially provide new approaches for treatments by altering or interfering with these inflammatory pathways that may act as a trigger for the disease, said David Beckham, MD, associate professor in the department of infectious disease at the University of Colorado School of Medicine located on the CU Anschutz Medical Campus.
This study establishes the first clear link between inflammation and Syn, a protein connected to the development of Parkinsons disease.
Gain Therapeutics Inc Announces Breakthrough Pre
Lugano, SWITZERLAND
Study results demonstrate first small molecule approach to significantly reduce phosphorylated and aggregated -synuclein and increase GCase protein levels with transport to the lysosomes in iPSC dopaminergic neurons
Results presented at Michael J. Fox Foundations Therapeutic Development Webinar
BETHESDA, Md, Nov. 10, 2021 — Gain Therapeutics, Inc. , a biotechnology company directly addressing the urgent need for effective neurodegenerative therapies, today announced data from the Companys study conducted at the University of Maryland School of Medicine . The study, evaluating two lead Structurally Targeted Allosteric Regulators compounds GT-02287 and GT-02329 for the treatment of Gaucher and GBA1 Parkinsons Disease, demonstrated highly statistically significant effects on all tested phenotypes representing a key breakthrough in the potential to treat neurodegenerative disorders characterized by misfolded proteins including Parkinsons Disease, Alzheimers, Gauchers Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Study results were presented at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Researchs Innovating from Drug Discover to the Clinic: Novel Approaches to PD Therapeutic Development webinar.
The data generated from the collaboration with University of Maryland School of Medicine in the iPSC models for GBA-associated Parkinsons Disease and Gaucher Disease showed the following results:
Gaucher Type III dopaminergic neurons
Investor & Media Contacts:
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Stem Cell Therapy For Parkinson’s Disease
Stem cell therapy may have the benefit of replacing and repairing damaged dopamine-producing nerve cells within the brain. This has already been found in a study conducted by Neelam K.Venkataramana and colleagues. Seven PD patients aged 22 to 62 years with a mean duration of disease 14.7 ± 7.56 years were enrolled to participate in the prospective, uncontrolled, pilot study of single-dose, unilateral transplantation of autologous bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells . Patients were followed up for 36 months post-transplant, 3 of the 7 patients showed significant improvement in their Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale of 38%.
According to Medical News Today “Currently, the most common therapy uses the drug levodopa to stimulate dopamine production in certain neurons associated with motor skills. These dopaminergic neurons are situated in the nigrostriatal pathway which is a brain circuit that connects neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta with the dorsal striatum. However, levodopa has a wide array of side effects, from physiological to psychological ones. Also, in the long-term, the benefits of such dopamine-regulating drugs are limited. So, scientists must come up with more effective strategies for repairing the brain damage that Parkinson’s disease causes.”
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What Are Current Parkinsons Diseases Treatments
Even two centuries after Parkinson identified the disease, we have no cure for PD. The standard therapy aims to provide symptomatic relief. Dr. Emile Nuwaysir, CEO and President of BlueRock Therapeutics* says, The standard of care for Parkinsons Disease, the drug that we use to treat our loved ones, was discovered 66 years ago. Since then, we have not seen any fundamental changes in the therapy. That is an astounding fact when you think about it, in comparison to the advancements weve had in other fields. For example, in aviation, we went from the Wright brothers first flight to Neil Armstrong walking on the moon, in 66 years.
In the late 60s and 70s, clinical researchers discovered that they could treat PD with dopamine replacement therapy. While replacing the lost dopamine eased symptoms and slowed the progression of PD, it didnt address the root cause of the disease an irreversible loss of neurons. The question researchers then began to ask was How do we prevent neurons from degenerating? It would take another two decades to find the answer.
Scientists Have Made A Breakthrough In The Development Of A Nasal Spray For Parkinsons Disease Treatment
Researchers from the University of York have developed a new gel that can adhere to tissue inside the nose alongside the drug levodopa, helping deliver Parkinsons disease treatment directly to the brain.
Parkinsons disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years. This leads to a reduction in dopamine in the brain, which plays a vital role in regulating the movement of the body. The main symptoms include involuntary shaking, slow movement, and stiff and inflexible muscles.
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Important Points About The New Medications
With multiple new medications available for the treatment of PD, there is more hope than ever that Parkinsons symptoms can be successfully managed for many years. A few things to consider:
- For people whose symptoms are difficult to control, these new treatments are welcome additions to what was previously available and many people with PD have been using these new medications with significant benefit.
- On the other hand, many of the newly-approved medications have the same mechanisms of action as older medications so they are not breaking new ground in treating symptoms.
- In addition, for some people, the effect on symptoms may be mild or not substantial.
These caveats may mean that your physician has not suggested a medication change for you. It is also important to note that despite all the new medications, carbidopa/levodopa remains the most potent medication to treat the motor symptoms of PD.
If your doctor does choose to try one of the new options, there may be multiple paths that your doctor can take when contemplating a medication adjustment. Often trial and error is the only way to determine the best medication regimen for you, so you may need to practice some patience as you work together with your doctor to determine what works or doesnt work.
A New Era For Parkinsons Disease Treatment
March 2, 2022 | By
A non-invasive ultrasound treatment for Parkinsons disease that was tested in a pivotal trial led by University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers is now broadly available at the University of Maryland Medical Center .
Howard Eisenberg, MD, Dheeraj Gandhi, MD, MBBS, Paul Fishman, MD, PhD, Bert W. OMalley, MD.
The device, called Exablate Neuro, was approved in November by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat advanced Parkinsons disease on one side of the brain. The approval was based on findings from the UMSOM clinical trial and effectively expands access to focused ultrasound beyond clinical trial participation.
Rapid Reversal of Symptoms
Focused ultrasound is an incisionless procedure, performed without the need for anesthesia or an in-patient stay in the hospital. Patients, who are fully alert, lie in a magnetic resonance imaging scanner, wearing a transducer helmet. Ultrasonic energy is targeted through the skull to the globus pallidus, a structure deep in the brain that helps control regular voluntary movement. MRI images provide doctors with a real-time temperature map of the area being treated. During the procedure, the patient is awake and providing feedback, which allows doctors to monitor the immediate effects of the tissue ablation and make adjustments as needed.
Patient: Focused Ultrasound Changed My Life
A New Era for Parkinsons Disease Treatment
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Parkinsons Foundation Seeks To Add To Global Care Network In Us
To help expand patient access to treatments and other services, the Parkinsons Foundation is inviting U.S. medical centers that provide outstanding Parkinsons disease clinical care and resources to apply for membership in its Global Care Network. The network comprises Parkinsons Foundation Centers of Excellence as well as
Stem Cells For Parkinson’s Disease Are Safe And Effective
According the Venkataraman and colleagues, “A subjective improvement was found in symptoms like facial expression, gait, and freezing episodes 2 patients have significantly reduced the dosages of PD medicine. These results indicate that our protocol seems to be safe, and no serious adverse events occurred after stem-cell transplantation in PD patients.”
As stated in a 2005 study held by Brian Snyder,
Stem cells offer the potential to provide a virtually unlimited supply of optimized dopaminergic neurons that can provide enhanced benefits in comparison to fetal mesencephalic transplants. Stem cells have now been shown to be capable of differentiating into dopamine neurons that provide benefits following transplantation in animal models of Parkinson’s disease.
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Dosing Begins In Phase 2a Trial Of Oral Treatment To Aid Cognition
Patient dosing has begun in a Phase 2a clinical trial testing oral CST-2032 in combination with CST-107 as a potential way to ease the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to Parkinsons or Alzheimers disease, the company developing these therapies, CuraSen Therapeutics, announced. The trial (