Brain waves may predict cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease

A few minutes of data recorded from a single electrode placed on top of the head may be sufficient to predict thinking problems, including dementia, in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The finding from a new University of Iowa study might help improve diagnosis of cognitive disability in PD and develop new biomarkers and targeted therapies for cognitive symptoms of the disease. Click here to learn more.

Pathway to treat Huntington’s and amyloid diseases identified

Neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington’s and Parkinson’s are all associated with protein deposits in the brain, known as amyloid. Scientists have now uncovered the structure of the first step in amyloid formation, called the nucleus, for Huntington’s disease.

The study proposes a new, radical method for treating not only Huntington’s but potentially dozens of other amyloid-associated diseases—preventing the initial, rate-limiting step from occurring. Click here to learn more.

Praxis Precision Medicines announces plans to begin Ulixacaltamide Phase 3 in essential tremor

Praxis Precision Medicines has announced the outcomes from a recent end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding plans to advance ulixacaltamide into Phase 3 for essential tremor (ET). A key element of the plan is to include usage a single dose of 60 mg for the Phase 3 trials.

“Our discussion with the FDA established the path forward towards registration in the U.S. for ulixacaltamide," said Marcio Souza, president and chief executive officer of Praxis. “This program brings a new mechanism to a large and underserved population.” Click here to learn more.

GAA expansions in human cells tied to DNA replication disruptions in FA

Disruptions to the DNA replication process during cell division may cause the expansion of FXN mutations that underlie Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), according to a recent study. Researchers have developed a new system to study the growth of these mutations — called GAA repeats — in human cells. They found that the genetic abnormality introduced DNA structures that halted the DNA replication process.

When the process restarts, the scientists believe additional repeats are introduced. Targeting this faulty process could help develop new FA treatments, the study suggested. Click here to learn more.

Ping pong used to treat Parkinson’s disease patients

Established in 2017, Ping Pong Parkinson raises awareness of the benefits of ping pong for people with Parkinson’s disease. Their goal is to slow the progress of the disease by using the game as a form of physical therapy.

The idea based on the idea of neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to make new neurons and connections through challenging physical exercise. Experts believe regular exercise programs also help to manage Parkinson's disease. Click here to learn more.