AI pinpoints Parkinson’s subtypes using stem cell images

Researchers at the Francis Crick Institute and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, working with technology company Faculty AI, have shown that machine learning can accurately predict subtypes of Parkinson’s disease using images of patient-derived stem cells.

Published in Nature Machine Intelligence, their work has shown that computer models can accurately classify four subtypes of Parkinson’s disease, with one reaching an accuracy of 95%. The most predictive features for subtype classification were the mitochondria and lysosomes in the cells.

Until now there hasn’t been a way to accurately differentiate subtypes, which means people are given nonspecific diagnoses and don’t always have access to targeted treatments, support or care. This could pave the way for personalized medicine and targeted drug discovery. Click here to learn more.

Youthful competitors: young brain cells oust the old [HD]

Replacing cells with Huntington's disease in the brain could be an effective treatment strategy. Recent research shows that glia injected into mouse brains take over and oust the older cells, but for a surprising reason - because of age and not HD. The work draws attention to a less well-known type of cell and could inform future studies.

Findings from this paper also can help inform directions for HD research, particularly in relation to potential cell replacement therapies, like stem cell transplants. Click here to learn more.

Essential tremor agent ulixacaltamide continues to show positive results in Essential1 study

Praxis Precision Medicines announced positive data from a randomized withdrawal sub-study and long-term extension of its pivotal, phase 2b Essential1 study assessing its investigational agent ulixacaltamide in patients with essential tremor.

Patients treated with the agent showed maintained or improved efficacy, and the therapy continued to show a safety profile that was consistent with previous observations. Click here to learn more.

Playing football may increase risk of Parkinson’s disease

Playing football might increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, new findings from the Boston University CTE Center suggest. Researchers found that participants who had a history of playing organized tackle football were 61% more likely to report a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis or parkinsonism, compared with those who played other organized sports.

The report, published in the medical journal JAMA Network Open, also found that participants who played football at higher levels — professionally or in college — were nearly three times as likely to have Parkinson’s or parkinsonism compared with those who played at the youth or high school levels. Click here to learn more.

Botulinumtoxins in the management of movement disorders

Botulinumtoxins are a common class of injectable medications that have grown in use after originally approved for a limited number of indications. Since its early use, the class has expanded to include a variety of treatment purposes, making them a useful option for physicians who are seeking to address the symptoms and disorders that Parkinson's patients experience—ranging from sialorrhea to migraine. 

Laxman Bahroo, DO, is a professor of neurology and residency program director at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Click here to hear Dr. Bahroo's interview with NeurologyLive® and his thoughts on the potential benefits of botulinumtoxins, as well as some of the challenges associated with their regular use—both from a clinical and reimbursement perspective.