Ultrasound and light therapies to investigate targeted treatments

A groundbreaking study by scientists at Nottingham Trent University will explore the use of ultrasound and light therapies to investigate targeted treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. This first-of-its-kind research aims to determine whether treatment can be delivered to the brain using specialized microbubbles. The team hopes to revolutionize how these neurodegenerative diseases are treated by harnessing non-invasive techniques to bypass the body’s natural barriers. 

Levodopa taken at bedtime help with quality sleep

Taking levodopa before bedtime may reduce the frequency and duration of nighttime awakenings in people with Parkinson’s disease, though these improvements might not be noticeable to the patients themselves.

This conclusion comes from a small study involving patients in the early to middle stages of the disease, in which an actigraphy device was used to monitor their sleep-wake cycles. The researchers emphasized the importance of using objective tools to measure sleep quality, particularly when assessing the effects of medications.

Implants reduce symptoms by reading brain activity

A new development in computer interface technology offers hope for Parkinson's patients through what could be considered a "smart pacemaker" for the brain. Deep brain implants that adaptively adjust electrical stimulation based on an individual's neural activity have shown significant promise in enhancing therapy for Parkinson's disease.

Up to 56% of l-dopa fails to reach the brain

The effectiveness of L-dopa, a common medication for Parkinson's disease, varies greatly between patients due to differences in their gut bacteria. Normally, L-dopa needs to reach the brain to be converted into dopamine, which helps manage Parkinson's symptoms. However, certain gut bacteria can break down L-dopa before it gets to the brain, making the treatment less effective. 

Researchers are testing FDA-approved compounds that target dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), which regulates mitochondrial division, as potential treatments for Parkinson’s disease

Recent studies have linked disruptions in mitochondrial processes to neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s. Toxic proteins and environmental neurotoxins can interfere with the balance of mitochondrial fusion and division, leading to impaired cellular function and the buildup of harmful protein aggregates—a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease.

1st patient dosed in Phase 2 trial of VTX3232 therapy

VTX3232 works by reducing brain inflammation through the inhibition of the NLRP3 protein, a key factor in Parkinson’s progression. This trial will assess the drug’s safety, tolerability, and impact on disease biomarkers, with results expected in 2025.

CREXONT Now Available Nationwide in U.S. Pharmacies

Amneal Pharmaceuticals has officially launched CREXONT (carbidopa and levodopa) extended-release capsules, now available in pharmacies across the U.S. CREXONT offers a novel approach to treating Parkinson’s disease through an oral formulation that combines immediate-release granules with extended-release pellets, designed to provide a longer duration of symptom control with fewer doses throughout the day.

How a simple worm may hold the key to stopping Parkinson’s

Scientists have discovered a link between how the body manages copper and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Using a gene called swip-10 in roundworms, their research suggests that restoring copper balance could lead to new treatments for these disorders.

In their study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the team found that the worm gene swip-10 helps control copper levels. Copper, a vital nutrient, is crucial for brain health as it supports energy production and protects cells from damage. A lack of proper copper regulation in brain cells can lead to the death of neurons, which is seen in diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Further research revealed that mutations in swip-10 cause neurons in the worms to deteriorate early, similar to what happens in Parkinson’s disease. The scientists also found that a related gene in humans, called MBLAC1, is linked to certain forms of Alzheimer’s. Mutations in this gene disrupt copper balance, leading to poor brain and heart health.

By supplementing copper in the diet or using a drug that boosts copper levels, the researchers were able to restore cell function and prevent neuron death in the worms. This suggests that regulating copper could be key to treating neurodegenerative diseases.

Beatrice Zatorska is the founder of PD Buddy, a self-care app inspired by science aimed at slowing down Parkinson's progression and improving quality of life. Her motivation to create an app for people with Parkinson's stems from her husband's diagnosis in 2020. She is a passionate science communicator and technologist.