Circadian rhythm off beat: Parkinson’s and nighttime neuron damage

A team from the University of Geneva investigated the destruction of neurons at different times of the day, using the fruit fly as a study model. The scientists discovered that the type of cellular stress involved in Parkinson’s disease was more deleterious to neurons when it occurred at night. This breakthrough might lead to a deeper understanding of the disease’s correlation with our body’s internal clock.

The findings also hint that our circadian rhythms potentially provide a protective shield against neuron degeneration. The circadian clock appears to offer a protective effect against oxidative stress on dopaminergic neurons. Click here to learn more.

Exacerbation of essential tremor with sertraline use

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medication for mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. While 20% of patients with no previous history develop tremor with SSRI use, there are no reports of SSRIs' impact on patients who suffer from or are prone to ET. Click here to learn how sertraline prescribed for grief reaction exacerbated tremor in a woman with ET.

Troubled process of protein production seen to precede Huntington's onset

Alternative splicing, a molecular process that’s crucial for genes being “read” to produce proteins, is dysregulated in Huntington’s disease from the early stages of neuronal development, as indicated in a recent study published in eBioMedicine. Notably, splicing changes were found to be dependent on the length of CAG repeats in the HTT gene — the cause of Huntington’s.

“We identified several molecular processes that are enriched in [alterative splicing] events and may represent feedback loops of RNA processing dysregulation,” according to scientists behind the report. Click here to learn more.

Can micronutrients help treat Parkinson's disease?

The term micronutrients refers to the vitamins and minerals the body needs to function properly and stay healthy. Now, researchers from Charles University in the Czech Republic are making the case that getting the proper amount of micronutrients may have therapeutic value when it comes to treating neurological diseases. Their review, which analyzed results of several studies on micronutrients and neurological conditions, was recently published in the journal Nutrients.

The review provided insights into which types of micronutrient supplementation might benefit specific neurological diseases. For Parkinson’s disease, the review concluded that nutritional supplements of the vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, as well as folic acid, selenium and zinc, could help with symptom management. Click here to learn more.

Learn about community-based services at the 2023 Rocky Mountain HDSA Family Education Day, Oct. 21

Social workers are often the first voice that someone new to Huntington's disease (HD) may hear. They offer information, education and access to community-based services. Meghan Smith-Cunningham is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She serves individuals who have been diagnosed with HD and their families in the education of Huntington's disease and wellness, as well as provide caregiver support, individual therapeutic interventions, brief counseling, and resources in our local and national community. 

Meghan joins us at the 2023 Rocky Mountain Huntington's Disease Family Education Day on Saturday, October 21, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village, CO, to discuss practical solutions for people living with HD and their care partners. Admission to this event is free. Click here for program information and to register online.