New Parkinson's trigger begins far earlier than previously thought

According to a study from researchers at Northwestern University, published in the medical journal Neuron, Parkinson's first sign could be a malfunction in the synapses between neurons that manage dopamine production, subsequently leading to a toxic buildup of the chemical that can then cause the dopaminergic neuron damage that characterizes Parkinson's disease. "We showed that dopaminergic synapses become dysfunctional before neuronal death occurs," according to study author and neuroscientist Dimitri Krainc.

"Based on these findings," continues Krainc, "we hypothesize that targeting dysfunctional synapses before the neurons are degenerated may represent a better therapeutic strategy. Now, we need to develop drugs that stimulate this pathway, correct synaptic dysfunction and hopefully prevent neuronal degeneration in Parkinson's." Click here to learn more.

Five latest advancements in Tourette’s syndrome research

Research points to a link between the effect of the dysregulation of brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin and Tourette’s syndrome. While current treatments include medication that blocks dopamine, as well as behavioral therapy where children and teens are trained to become aware of and overcome the urge to tic, there is a need for wider therapeutic approaches. Click here to learn about five of the latest advancements in Tourette’s syndrome research.

Playing football linked to 61% increased risk of Parkinson’s disease

Researchers from Boston University found that individuals with a history of playing organized tackle football had a 61% increased likelihood of having a reported diagnosis of parkinsonism or Parkinson’s disease (PD). The study, which is the largest of its kind, showed that football players, especially those who played at college or professional levels, were at higher odds of PD diagnosis, even after accounting for known risk factors.

In the study, researchers evaluated 1,875 sports participants — 729 men who played football, predominantly at the amateur level, and 1,146 men who played non-football sports who served as the control group. “Playing tackle football could be a contributing risk factor to PD, particularly among people already at risk due to other factors,” says corresponding author Michael L. Alosco, PhD, associate professor of neurology at Boston University. Click here to learn more.

Legs causing fraught sleep? It’s true for many women

Saturday September 23 marked Restless Legs Awareness Day. The syndrome is a significant reason why women generally experience more sleep problems throughout life than do men, according to University of Washington Medicine sleep expert Dr. Martha “Molly” Billings. For those considering treatment, Billings encourages people to seek medical help for their sleep if they have continuous issues nightly for weeks on end. Click here to view video and learn more.

Meet Teva at the 2023 Rocky Mountain HDSA Family Education Day, Oct. 21

Teva Pharmaceuticals joins the Movement Disorders Foundation once again at our annual Rocky Mountain Huntington's Disease Family Education Day. We are grateful to Teva for their generous support of our local initiatives and look forward to introducing them to folks attending next month's event.

The 2023 Rocky Mountain Huntington's Disease Family Education Day will be held on Saturday, October 21, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village, CO. Admission is free, and breakfast will be served at 8:30 am. Click here for program information and to register online. And click here to learn more about AUSTEDO® XR (deutetrabenazine), the first and only medication approved to treat both tardive dyskinesia and Huntington's disease.