July 9, 2020

Deep Brain Stimulation May Slow Parkinson's, Study Finds

TUESDAY, June 30, 2020 -- Data from a five-year clinical trial is adding to growing evidence that deep brain stimulation (DBS) can slow the ravages of Parkinson's disease.

Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., said that the therapy appears to curb any worsening of tremor and other symptoms, as well as lessening a patient's need for medications.

June 29, 2020

One-Time Treatment Eases Parkinson's -- in Mice

WEDNESDAY, June 24, 2020 -- In findings that could pave the way to a new treatment for Parkinson's disease, scientists have figured out how to spur the production of new brain cells in mice.

The advance centers on a protein found in various cells in mice and humans. Researchers found that blocking it in the mouse brain caused certain "support cells" there to transform into specialized neurons that produce the chemical dopamine.

June 19, 2020

'Body Clock' Might Play Role in Risk for Parkinson's

FRIDAY, June 19, 2020 -- It often seems the older a person gets, the less they sleep, but new research suggests that inconsistent sleep patterns might predict a future diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

Researchers who studied 2,930 older men for more than a decade found that those with a particular sleep problem -- called circadian rhythm disruptions -- were three times more likely to develop Parkinson's disease. A central nervous system disorder, Parkinson's affects balance and movement, and often causes tremors.

June 9, 2020

Does Medical Marijuana Have a Role in Parkinson's Disease Care?

MONDAY, June 8, 2020 -- At a conference hosted two years ago by the Parkinson's Foundation, many neurologists had a pressing issue on their minds: pot.

"Doctors were saying that the number one question from their patients was, 'Can I use medical cannabis for my Parkinson's disease?'" recalled James Beck, the foundation's senior vice president and chief scientific officer.