Thursday, April 4, 2024

Study reveals high-intensity exercise may reverse Parkinson’s disease neurodegeneration

A new pilot study indicates that high-intensity exercise can induce brain-protective effects that have the potential to not just slow down, but possibly reverse, the neurodegeneration associated with Parkinson’s disease.

While prior research has shown that many forms of exercise are linked to improved symptoms of PD, there has been no evidence that hitting the gym could create changes at the brain level.

Now, a small proof-of-concept study involving 10 patients showed that high-intensity aerobic exercise preserved dopamine-producing neurons. “This is the first time imaging has been used to confirm that the biology of the brain in those suffering with Parkinson’s disease is changed by intense exercise,” says Evan D. Morris, Ph.D., professor of radiology and biomedical imaging at Yale School of Medicine. Click here to learn more. 

Essential tremor research study seeks participants

Founded by three MIT engineers, Encora Therapeutics is developing a non-invasive wrist-worn wearable therapy intended to alleviate essential tremor in the hands and upper limbs. In January, the company rolled out a new study to test a few new vibration parameters to better understand the ways in which different parameters affect individuals over longer periods. 

The study involves a five-day baseline period and three five-day assessment periods. Participants will be compensated up to $875 for the study, prorated for the number of completed assessments. Click here to complete the pre-screening questionnaire.

Neuroinflammation tied to mood disturbance in early Parkinson’s

New study findings strengthen scientists’ belief that neuroinflammation is linked to mood disturbance in people with early Parkinson’s disease. Specifically, elevated levels of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were found to be significantly correlated with worse anxiety and depression in newly diagnosed Parkinson’s patients who had yet to receive treatment.

These findings strengthen the hypothesis that “neuroinflammation may play a role in mood disorders in PD [Parkinson’s disease],” the researchers wrote. “Better understanding of [the development] of mood disorders may help to explain clinical [diversity] in PD and is important to develop novel therapeutic strategies.” Click here to learn more. 

Research opportunity for Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) patients

Rare Patient Voice is recruiting patients diagnosed with Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) for an important research opportunity. This is a 60 minute web-assisted telephone interview, and the compensation is $120. Please sign up here to receive an e-mailed invitation to a screening survey to see if you qualify.

Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with the opportunity to voice their opinions through surveys and interviews to improve medical products and services, while earning cash rewards.

Irritable bowel syndrome not linked to higher Parkinson's risk

In a recent study published in npj Parkinson's Disease, researchers found that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) do not appear to be at a greater risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD). IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disease characterized by recurring or chronic abdominal discomfort and bowel alterations. Earlier research indicates a possible association between PD and IBS; however, the results of these studies have been inconsistent.

As compared to controls, IBS patients in the recent study were more likely to be female, less educated, non-smokers, consume less alcohol, have poorer health, and have more comorbidities. According to researchers, future studies are needed to better understand the potential relationship between IBS and PD and elucidate underlying mechanisms. Click here to learn more.