## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Resources & Support](/resources-support) - [Parkinson's Today Blog](/resources-support/blog) Science News # Most Popular Science News Articles of 2022 Dec 06, 2022 ![Parkinson's Foundation Science News blogs](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/science-news-blog-header.png?itok=pp6v6Yh2) Research brings hope to those living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their families. Knowing about the current Parkinson’s research studies can be empowering. Our [*Science News* blog series](/blog/science-news/diabetes-medication "Study Examines Connection Between Diabetes Medication and Parkinson's Disease") focuses on the latest Parkinson’s studies and what they can mean for you or your loved one living with this disease. The Parkinson’s research realm is vast. A breakthrough in treatment can stem from any lab or researcher, which is why we fund numerous [research grants](/advancing-research/our-research "Our Research") every year. Ready to participate in Parkinson’s research? Visit our [Join A Study](/advancing-research/join-study "Join A Study") page to learn more. ## Catch up on our top 5 *Science News* articles of 2022: ### 1. [Aerobic Exercise Positively Alters Parkinson’s Brain](/blog/science-news/aerobic-exercise "Aerobic Exercise Positively Alters Parkinson’s Brain") Multiple clinical trials have shown that aerobic [exercise](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/exercise "Exercise") can enhance cognitive functioning, such as learning, thinking, remembering and problem solving. We know brain heath and cardiovascular fitness are connected. What we don’t know is *how* and *where* in the brain aerobic exercise is enhancing cognitive functions and reducing [movement symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/movement-symptoms "Movement Symptoms") for people with PD. This study sought to investigate how aerobic exercise may influence PD-related changes in the brain. Researchers also explored the effects of aerobic exercise on the substantia nigra, the area in the brain that plays a key role in dopamine production. [READ THE FULL ARTICLE ](/blog/science-news/aerobic-exercise "Aerobic Exercise Positively Alters Parkinson’s Brain") ### 2. [Freezing of Gait: Comparing Treatments Options](/blog/science-news/freezing "Freezing of Gait: Comparing Treatments Options") ![80% of people with PD experience freezing of gait](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Freezing-Gait-stat.png?itok=sCaI8BZi) The sudden feeling that your feet are glued to the floor when trying to take a step is called [freezing of gait](/living-with-parkinsons/management/activities-daily-living/freezing "Freezing") — or more commonly, “freezing.” Unfortunately, freezing can happen often for people with Parkinson’s. A new analysis compared the 11 most common techniques used to help a person with PD recover from a freezing episode. Some of these techniques include general exercise, verbal cues (like counting or clapping) and gait training. [Find out the top three techniques that help with freezing.](/blog/science-news/freezing "Freezing of Gait: Comparing Treatments Options") [READ THE FULL ARTICLE](/blog/science-news/freezing "Freezing of Gait: Comparing Treatments Options") ### 3. [The Unmet Needs of Women with Parkinson’s](/blog/science-news/women "The Unmet Needs of Women with Parkinson’s") ![40% of all people living with PD are women](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Women-stat.png?itok=a16pEf1f) When it comes to PD research, women are woefully underrepresented. Compared to men living with Parkinson’s, [women with PD](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/women "Women & Parkinson’s") experience different symptoms, risk factors, side effects to treatments and have more difficulty getting a diagnosis and, later on, care. We know these health inequalities exist, so how is research addressing them? A study authored by women sought to rigorously document the current knowledge, gaps and possible ways to address the unmet needs of women living with PD. [READ THE FULL ARTICLE ](/blog/science-news/women "The Unmet Needs of Women with Parkinson’s") ### 4. [Dopamine Medication May Help with Sleep, Depression and Pain](/blog/science-news/dopamine-medication "Dopamine Medication May Help with Sleep, Depression and Pain") Think of [non-movement symptoms](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms "Non-Movement Symptoms") in Parkinson’s as fingerprints — everyone has them, but they’re different for every person. These symptoms can include [depression](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/depression "Depression"), [anxiety](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/anxiety "Anxiety"), [problems sleeping](/understanding-parkinsons/non-movement-symptoms/sleep-disorders "Sleep Disorders & Problems") and more. They often go under-reported and under-treated in people with Parkinson’s. A type of drug known as a [Monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/prescription-medications/mao-b-inhibitors "MAO-B Inhibitors") helps make more dopamine available to the brain. These drugs can mildly improve some PD movement symptoms, but we do not if or how these medications help with non-movement symptoms. Parkinson’s Foundation National Medical Advisor Michael S. Okun, MD, co-authored a study analyzing a total of 60 MAO-B inhibitor studies and how they impact non-movement symptoms in Parkinson’s. [Find out which symptoms improved, and which ones did not.](/blog/science-news/dopamine-medication "Dopamine Medication May Help with Sleep, Depression and Pain") [READ THE FULL ARTICLE](/blog/science-news/dopamine-medication "Dopamine Medication May Help with Sleep, Depression and Pain") ### 5. [PD & Pollution: Something in the Air](/blog/science-news/air-pollution "PD & Pollution: Something in the Air ") ![Most experts agree that PD is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/Environmental-factors-stat.png?itok=nAy0D0gg) Air pollution is linked to heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases, and diabetes, as well as neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Mounting evidence suggests that Parkinson’s might be added to the list soon. A new study shows that air pollution is an emerging risk factor in the development of Parkinson’s. Exactly how do polluted air particles negatively impact the brain? From the lungs to the gut, study authors explain the pathways air pollution takes to enter the brain — all of which are linked to an increased risk of developing PD. [READ THE FULL ARTICLE](/blog/science-news/air-pollution "PD & Pollution: Something in the Air ") ## Related Blog Posts ![A man and woman checking the man's smart watch.](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/sn7-2026.png?h=9105c3fe&itok=oI-mUdym) Science News ### [ Study Finds 5 Subtle Walking Changes That Show Up Before a Parkinson's Diagnosis ](/blog/science-news/walking-changes-before-parkinsons) READ NOW ![Woman working from home with family in the background](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/2026-science-news-6-blog-hero.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=FfSOrcf_) Science News ### [ Early-Onset Parkinson’s in Younger Adults Is Rising Worldwide, Global Study Finds ](/blog/science-news/early-onset-parkinsons-rising) READ NOW ![Neurologists looking at brain scans](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/sn-5-2026-preview.jpg?h=9105c3fe&itok=XlXeezsl) Science News ### [ Two New Studies Show Adaptive Deep Brain Stimulation May Improve Walking in Parkinson’s ](/blog/science-news/adaptive-deep-brain-stimulation) READ NOW [VIEW ALL BLOGS](/resources-support/blog) ### Monthly Gifts Your ongoing support provides steady funding that we can count on to remain innovative in our work to make life better for people with Parkinson’s. 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