New blood test could help diagnose Parkinson's disease earlier

Researchers at Duke University have reported that DNA damage in blood cells can serve as an early warning of Parkinson’s disease. The scientists also found that genetic biomarkers could be used to monitor the effectiveness of Parkinson’s therapies. A simple blood test based on the research could aid in detection and treatment of the disease as well as improve future research.

“Currently, Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed largely based on clinical symptoms after significant neurological damage has already occurred,” said Laurie Sanders, PhD, a senior study author and an associate professor in the Duke School of Medicine’s departments of neurology and pathology. “A simple blood test would allow us to diagnose the disease earlier and start therapies sooner.” Click here to learn more.

Registration now open for the 2023 Rocky Mountain HDSA Family Education Day, October 21

Register today for the 2023 Rocky Mountain Huntington's Disease Family Education Day, Saturday, October 21, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village, CO. Doors open at 8:30 am and admission is free.

Hear presentations from the Rocky Mountain and University of Colorado Movement Disorders Centers on HD research and promising new therapies, palliative care, spiritual care and more. Click here for program information and to register online.

Overprescribing benztropine

Benztropine is an anticholinergic medication sometimes prescribed short-term for drug-induced movement disorders like acute dystonia or drug-induced parkinsonism. However, evidence shows it can worsen symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, another persistent movement disorder caused by antipsychotic medications.

A study published in The Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders investigated the real-world usage patterns of benztropine in patients with movement disorders.

 The results were concerning. More than half of the patients surveyed received benztropine for longer than the recommended three months. According to study authors, such long-term use raises safety issues, particularly for older adults who are vulnerable to anticholinergic side effects. Click here to learn more.

Could marine plasmalogens be the secret weapon to fight Parkinson's and Alzheimer's?

Marine resources contain unique glycerophospholipid plasmalogens and various valuable nutrients that could be beneficial for the prevention of age-associated diseases. A recent review published in the journal Molecules highlights the biological significance of plasmalogens and their relationship with age-associated diseases. The significance of plasmalogens in the nerves and brain has been extensively investigated.

The ingestion of marine plasmalogens found abundantly in eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids could contribute to the maintenance or even increase in body plasmalogen levels. The chronic administration of marine plasmalogens could reduce the risks associated with age-related diseases, which could significantly improve the quality of life. Click here to learn more.

Enhancing care and diagnostic criteria for essential tremor and dementia with Lewy bodies

A parasomnia identified as a prodromal biomarker for alpha-synuclein pathologies - such as Parkinson disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and multiple system atrophy - is isolated rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). Forty to fifty percent of patients with PD also have RBD, mostly those who are older with a longer disease duration and who experience greater disease severity.

David Shprecher, DO, MSci, FAAN, is the director of movement disorders at the Banner Sun Health Research Institute. Click here to hear Dr. Shprecher's interview with NeurologyLive® and his thoughts on the role biomarkers play in the diagnosis and prediction of progression in synuclein-related disorders such as with iRBD.