Lay summaries focussed on Parkinson’s disease.
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Scientists investigating Parkinson’s are now examining whether a newly discovered brain network is a link between motor and non-motor symptoms of the Disease. Discovering more about these links could be key to developing effective ways of treating both impacts of the condition – and the initial findings suggest promising new avenues for both detection and management.
Scientists have looked whether there are biological signals for pain in the brain of those living with Parkinson’s Disease with the hope that, if there are, this can be used to improve treatments and quality of life.
Those living with Parkinson’s disease face the brain’s immune cells wrongly attacking and removing healthy dopamine-producing nerve cells, which worsens movement problems. Understanding why this happens – and potentially blocking proteins on these immune cells – has the potential protect those nerve cells in models of the disease, and this could point to a future treatment.
A study has tested whether new brain cells grown in a lab could safely replace cells lost in those living with Parkinson’s Disease. This has been treatment long suggested but showing it works in human trials is essential for progressing its potential to the next stage.
Pain is a very common yet too often overlooked non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s Disease. This study tested whether combining brain stimulation using magnetic pulses with medication could relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Could stem cell treatment lead to the replacement of damaged brain cells in those living with Parkinson’s Disease? And, if so, would this help improve their motor functions? Researchers have been looking into the possibility.