Every day, researchers are working hard to identify the mechanisms in the brain that are responsible for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and its symptoms. In 2024, scientists gathered even more information to help us solve this disease.
Our Science News article series highlight exciting Parkinson’s studies and how they impact those living with this disease. Explore our top Science News articles of 2024 below:
1. A Skin Test Could Detect Parkinson’s and Related Diseases
When diagnosing Parkinson’s doctors focus on symptoms since there is no single test that can diagnose Parkinson’s. This can result in a delay of diagnosis as early symptoms are often hard to distinguish as PD. This study investigated whether a skin test could help diagnose Parkinson’s earlier.
In Parkinson’s, the protein alpha-synuclein clumps in the brain, which is also referred to as phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (P-SYN). This study found that P-SYN could also be detected in the nerve cells in the skin. The amount of P-SYN in the skin could also be connected with the severity of a person’s symptoms.
2. A Protein that Protects Against Brain Cell Degeneration Associated with PD
In Parkinson’s, the dysfunction of the mitochondria is one of the causes of the death of neurons in the brains. This study was the first to discover a receptor called GUCY2C, which could lead to a potential new way to fight dopamine loss.
Researchers found that the loss of GUCY2C led to dysfunction of mitochondria and cell loss in the part of the brain affected by PD. GUCY2C was found as a defense to protect dopamine neurons in the brain. This new discovery could lead researchers to explore the possibility of stimulating GUCY2C as a treatment for PD.
3. Non-invasive Focused Ultrasound Helps Alleviate PD Symptoms
Movement symptoms associated with Parkinson’s often impact quality of life. A study found that the non-invasive treatment option called a focused ultrasound helps relieve tremors, improve mobility and other movement symptoms related to PD.
In this study, the focused ultrasound treatment targeted the part of the brain that controls movement. Nearly 70% of participants in the treatment group responded successfully to treatment after three months of follow-up.
4. Plastic Waste Contaminants Could Promote Parkinson’s
Plastic waste is a rising problem, especially as it breaks down into tiny pieces. This study observed that these tiny pieces may be an environmental risk factor for developing Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s is diagnosed when the protein alpha-synuclein starts to accumulate in neurons in the brain. Through various experiments, this study found that polystyrene nanoparticles can interact with alpha-synuclein and promote its clumping formations — meaning plastic waste may be contributing to Parkinson’s as an environmental factor.
5. New Study Further Personalizes Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical therapy used to treat certain aspects of Parkinson’s. PD symptoms vary throughout the day, which can make DBS ineffective whether it’s too much or too little.
This study used a clinical trial enrolled four participants to test a surgical treatment called adaptive DBS that detects and responds to brain activity to provide individualized and customized stimulation to help with Parkinson’s symptoms.
6. New Cell Types Identified in Parkinson’s
A hallmark of Parkinson’s is the death of brain cells called dopaminergic neurons in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. For people with Parkinson’s, these neurons stop producing dopamine, which helps control the body’s movements and moods. However, it’s not clear if other types of cells are also affected.
This study identified a new type of neuron associated with Parkinson’s. By looking at which genes were turned on and off in hundreds of thousands of different cells in the substantia nigra, the researchers developed an “atlas of gene expression.” This research may help us better understand Parkinson’s, and possibly help guide the development of new treatments.
7. Screening for Depression Can Improve Parkinson’s Care
Even though up to 50% of people with Parkinson’s experience some form of depression, when it comes to PD mental health care, symptoms like depression are often overlooked. This study showed that introducing a five-minute questionnaire — the 15-question Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) — to movement disorder clinics can improve the rate of depression screening and follow-up care for people with Parkinson’s.
The screening is a helpful way to detect in depression in people with Parkinson’s, which can help in finding suitable treatment earlier.
8. New Continuous Pump Medication for PD Completes Trials in Europe
PRODUODOPA (available in Europe), also known as VYALEV (approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on October 17, 2024), is a new Parkinson’s drug delivered continuously via a pump, like insulin pumps used for people with diabetes. Clinical trials show that it can be an effective option for those whose medications are wearing off or who may have dyskinesia.
This study covers the recent findings of the clinical trials completed in Europe evaluating the safety and effectiveness of this new formulation of levodopa (foslevodopa/foscarbidopa).
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