Parkinson's may be caused by a common aquatic bacterium

A common genus of microbe found in wet, boggy environments could play a key role in the development of Parkinson's disease by excreting compounds that trigger proteins inside brain cells to form toxic clumps.

The findings, made by researchers at the University of Helsinki and the University of Eastern Finland, built on the results of an earlier investigation showing that the severity of PD increased with concentrations of Desulfovibrio strains in patients' feces.

By demonstrating a potential path from the presence of the bacteria in genetically edited worms to physical changes in the brain that coincide with PD, researchers hope to one day improve early diagnosis of the disease in humans, or even slow its progress. Click here to learn more.

PROOF-HD study of pridopidine ends with negative result

Trial outcomes of the PROOF-HD study, run by Prilenia Therapeutics and testing pridopidine, were recently announced as negative at the American Academy of Neurology convention. PROOF-HD was pridopidine’s fourth attempt to impact Huntington’s disease. The trial enrolled 499 participants with HD and tested one dose of pridopidine (45mg per day) against placebo. Click here to learn more.

Risks & benefits of clinical research participation

While a clinical trial offers an opportunity to try a new therapy, people need to understand and consider the benefits and risks before agreeing to be part of any study. The Mayo Clinic offers a list of questions to ask and understand the impact before participating in clinical research. Click here to learn more.

AI detects early signs of Parkinson’s disease in patients’ blood

Researchers from the University of New South Wales School of Chemistry developed an AI tool that can detect signs of Parkinson’s disease in patients’ blood samples, up to 15 years before the onset of symptoms.

The tool uses machine learning to analyze combinations of metabolites in the body, revealing unique markers that may signal the onset of Parkinson’s.

Although validation studies are needed, the tool was able to predict Parkinson’s disease with up to 96% accuracy in the study’s limited cohort. Click here to learn more.

Praxis releases results from Essential1 clinical trial

Earlier this year, Praxis Precision Medicines reported topline results from its Phase 2 Essential1 clinical study of ulixacaltamide, a potential essential tremor (ET) medication designed to block T-type calcium channels in certain parts of the brain to help stop tremors and improve function.

In the following video, Praxis presents the results of its trial and what these results might mean for people living with ET. Click here to learn more.