News

Newly discovered trigger for Parkinson's may lead to better treatment avenues

Medical News Today
September 26, 2023

Researchers have discovered that two genes may disrupt the function of synapses between dopaminergic neurons before the nerve cells themselves are affected in Parkinson's disease. This finding suggests that targeting synapses could be a potential treatment approach to slow the progression of PD. Michael S. Okun, MD, national medical advisor to the Parkinson’s Foundation, provides commentary.

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Parkinson’s Foundation launches Reach Further campaign today

Parkinson’s News Today
September 19, 2023

The Parkinson’s Foundation has launched a day of giving to encourage Parkinson’s disease awareness and raise funds to accelerate research and improve care. Lasting 24 hours, the effort will support the Foundation’s Reach Further campaign, which aims to raise $30 million over four years.

News

New blood test could help diagnose Parkinson's disease earlier

Medical News Today
August 30, 2023

The identification of a genetic biomarker for Parkinson’s raises the possibility that a blood test could be developed to identify the disease before symptoms appear. In a new study published by Duke University, researchers used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to detect mitochondrial DNA damage in blood cells typically associated with PD. Michael S. Okun, MD, national medical advisor to the Parkinson’s Foundation, provides commentary.

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Safety Considerations for Parkinson’s Disease

Healthline
August 25, 2023

If you have Parkinson’s disease, there are steps you can take to improve your health and safety. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, people with PD who begin exercising at a minimum of 2.5 hours per week after their diagnosis had a slower decline in their quality of life. The Foundation recommends seeing a physical therapist for evaluation and recommendations before getting started.

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Specific GI Problems Linked to Parkinson’s Disease Risk

WebMD
August 25, 2023

A large new study links Parkinson’s disease with gastrointestinal problems. Researchers sought to investigate a theory known as Braak’s Hypothesis that suggests sporadic Parkinson’s disease is caused by a pathogen that enters the body through the nose, is swallowed, and then enters the gut. The pathogen could be a virus, bacteria, or some other microorganism.

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Does playing American football increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease?

Medical News Today
August 17, 2023

Sports with a high risk of head trauma, such as boxing and soccer, have been associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Now, a study has suggested that American football may also increase the risk by as much as 61%. Dr. Michael S. Okun, Parkinson’s Foundation National Medical Advisor, Adelaide Lackner Professor of Neurology and Executive Director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Disease at the University of Florida Health, is interviewed, stressing the importance of more research on the topic.