Featured Research on PD

 To ensure we are providing accurate and timely information, we only list articles on studies that are published in peer-reviewed periodicals and provide information to help you live well with PD. 

 Improvements in Long-Term PD Outcomes with Exercise

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Genetic Role in PD
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Benefits of Social Support for Persons with PD

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Skin Biopsy to Detect PD
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​PD Biomarker Found
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Aerobic Exercise Alters Brain Function in PD
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Early Trial for PD Therapy Shows Promise

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Spinal cord neuroprosthesis for locomotor deficits due to PD

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Exercise for falls prevention in Parkinson disease

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Potential Mercury and PD Connection

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Remote Cognitive Remediation Therapy and PD

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COVID Vulnerability and PD

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PD Related Postural Instability Progression

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Using AI to Detect PD

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Cognitive Impairment Care PD

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Using A Multidisciplinary Approach for Managing PD

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Coordinated Reset Vibrotactile Stimulation Shows Promise for PD

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Increased Quality of Life through Support Groups for Care Persons and those with PD

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Dance as Therapy for PD

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Non-Surgical Focused Ultrasound Treatment for PD Approved by FDA

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Global Study on Improvisational Theatre and PD

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PD Prevalence Significantly Higher than Previously reported

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Benefits of Mindful Movement Exercises for Persons with PD

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Using rTMS to Improve PD Related Motor Symptoms

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Meditation and Complementary Therapies Reduce PD Symptoms

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Cognitive Impairment and PD

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Aerobic Exercise Alters Brain Function in PD

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Breaking News:
​PD Biomarker Found
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Alpha-Synuclein Aggregates Biomarker for PD
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Mediterranean Diet Adherence for GI Dysfunction in PD
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Regular Exercise, Quality of Life, and Mobility in persons with PD

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Intermittent Fasting and PD

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Important Differences in Men and Women with PD

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Executive Functioning Improvements with Exercise

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Genetic Role in PD

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Sex, Intimacy, and PD
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PARKINSON'S PREVALENCE

Incidence of Parkinson disease in North America
(New study estimates PD prevalence significantly higher than previously reported)
Published in nature.com (12/15/2022)
Willis, A.W., Roberts, E., Beck, J.C. et al. Incidence of Parkinson disease in North America. npj Parkinsons Dis. 8, 170 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-022-00410-y
A recent article published in nature.com released findings that the prevalence of Parkinson's Disease in North America, may be as much as 50-100% higher than previously estimated. While previous estimates have varied for unknown reasons, improving the accuracy of population measurements is critical as this demographic information is used for clinical, research, and policy making decisions that affect treatment and support of persons with PD.

Using the Ontario Health care and Medicare program datasets, produced incidence rates that were 1.5–2.0 times higher than found in among Kaiser Permanente Northern California members or the HAAS and Rochester Epidemiology estimates. The current study estimates of age-sex-adjusted incidence of PD ranged from 108 to 212 per 100,000 among persons ages 65 and older, and from 47 to 77 per 100,00 among persons ages 45 and older.

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USING AI TO DIAGNOSE PD

Using Artificial Intelligence and Breathing Patterns in PD detection and progression
​Nature Medicine 8/22/22

Yang Y, Yuan Y, Zhang G, Wang H, Chen YC, Liu Y, Tarolli CG, Crepeau D, Bukartyk J, Junna MR, Videnovic A, Ellis TD, Lipford MC, Dorsey R, Katabi D. Nat Med. 2022 Aug 22. doi: 10.1038/s41591-022-01932-x. Online ahead of print. PMID: 35995955

An advanced computer program was able to identify people with Parkinson’s disease from their breathing patterns during sleep. The program could track small changes in Parkinson’s disease over time and was more accurate than other diagnostic tools employed by doctors.  The system records breathing signals, which can be collected using a breathing belt worn on the person’s chest or abdomen, or by transmitting a low-power radio signal and analyzing its reflections off the person’s body. This new AI technology could potentially recognize PD before the subjective diagnosis of a physician and create digital biomarkers for research and treatment. In addition to being able to differentiate between Alzheimer’s disease and PD, the AI model can also estimate PD severity and progression.
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MOVEMENT BASED EXERCISE FOR PD

​Are movement-based mindful exercises (QIGONG, TAI CHI, AND YOGA) beneficial for stroke and Parkinson’s disease?
​Cristina García-Muñoz, Paula González-García, María Jesús Casuso-Holgado, Javier Martínez-Calderón, Alberto Marcos Heredia-Rizo, 
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, Volume 72, 2023, 102912, ISSN 0965-2299,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102912.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229922001157)
Because balance problems, and associated risk of falls are a concern for persons with PD, it is promising to know that alternative movement exercises like qigong, tai chi, and yoga provide a safe alternative interventions for persons with mild to moderate PD. A recent study published in Elsevier.com found mindful movement exercises that include yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong, beneficial neurorehabilitation options for persons with PD.  Qigong was shown to be beneficial in improving balance, motor function, and walking endurance. Tai chi was found to show promise in most cases as a useful intervention to increase balance, and functional mobility was improved by tai chi practice. It is likely that regular and consistent movement exercise in adults with PD enhanced brain network function, reduced inflammation, improved metabolism, and decreased vulnerability to dopaminergic degeneration.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE

SUPPORT GROUPS BENEFIT PERSONS WITH PD

 Evaluation of quality of life and psychological aspects of Parkinson’s disease patients who participate in a support groups 
Artigas NR, Striebel VLW, Hilbig A, Rieder CRM. Evaluation of quality of life and psychological aspects of Parkinson's disease patients who participate in a support group. Dement Neuropsychol. 2015 Jul-Sep;9(3):295-300. doi: 10.1590/1980-57642015DN93000013. PMID: 29213975; PMCID: PMC56193 (7/30/2015)

Persons with Parkinson's Disease are often affected by quality of life issues that include more than physical motor systems, including rigidity, dykinesia, and tremor. Anxiety, sleep disorders, social isolation, depression, and memory loss can contribute to the quality of life for those with PD. A study in Brazil suggests that participation in support groups help reduce anxiety symptoms, social phobia, and depressive episodes for persons with PD.
​Click to read the full article

Improvisational theatre for PD

The benefits of participating in improvisational comedy: a global confirmatory survey study
Nathan Keates & Julie Beadle-Brown (2022) The benefits of participating in improvisational comedy: a global confirmatory survey study, Comedy Studies, 13:2, 161-174, DOI: 10.1080/2040610X.2022.209171

While it may appear to be an usual intervention to alleviate some of the negative symptoms that come along with PD, a recent global study by showed that over three-quarters of participants surveyed felt their participation improvisational theatre​ classes improved their communication, socialization and mood.
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NOTE: The Parkinson's Association of SWFL offers Improv for PD Classes. Click to learn mor

Dance as therapy for pd

Dance as Therapy for Individuals with Parkinson DiseaseEarhart GM. Dance as therapy for individuals with Parkinson disease. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2009 Jun;45(2):231-8. PMID: 19532110; PMCID: PMC2780534 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2780534/

In a recent study, dance as a therapeutic approach to managing symptoms associated with Parkinson's Disease appeared to show promising results. The benefits of dance include improved balance and gait function as well as improved quality of life. Most studies of dance for PD have included primarily individuals with mild to moderate PD. ​
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NOTE: The Parkinson's Association of SWFL offers Dance for PD Classes. Click to learn more

Intermittent Fasting for pd

The Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Brain and Cognitive Function
Gudden J, Arias Vasquez A, Bloemendaal M. The Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Brain and Cognitive Function. Nutrients. 2021; 13(9):3166. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13093166

Intermittent fasting (IF) — a pattern of restricting eating to a set interval — is now a well-studied approach to signaling the body to switch from getting its fuel from glucose stored in the liver to ketones that are stored in fat. The benefits to your body from that energy source switch is that ketones released in the blood during fasting signal molecules that initiate activity in certain cellular signaling pathways. The activation has been shown in numerous studies to influence the body’s defenses against oxidative and metabolic stress and to remove or repair damaged molecules. The practice has gained popularity for both its ability to help manage weight, blood sugar levels and overall health.
 
Recent animal studies include measuring the effects of IF on brain and cognitive function as related to neurological disorders including Parkinson’s Disease. Using mice manipulated to show PD-like behavior showed greater retention of motor skills and less dopaminergic neuronal loss than the control mice. Clinical trials on persons with PD require additional time to assess the disease-modifying effects of IF. READ THE STUDY HERE

MEditation and complementary therapies for pd

Use and perceived effectiveness of complementary therapies in Parkinson's
disease
Donley, S., McGregor, S., Wielinski, C., & Nance, M. (2019). Use and perceived effectiveness of complementary therapies in Parkinson's disease. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 58, 46-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parkreldis.2018.08.003

In a study of 435 people with PD, 272 reported using complementary therapies to relieve motor, cognitive, mood, and sleep symptoms associated with PD. 75% of those who had used complementary therapies reported that mediation, massage, and other therapies were highly effective in providing relief. Meditation stood out as being effective for 85% of the respondents who had used it. A number of studies showed similar results and two studies showed an observable and reported reduction in anxiety, depression and improved gait.
Read the full paper

AEROBIC EXERCISE ALTERS BRAIN FUNCTION IN PD

Aerobic Exercise Alters Brain Function and Structure in Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Johansson ME, Cameron IGM, Van der Kolk NM, de Vries NM, Klimars E, Toni I, Bloem BR, Helmich RC. Aerobic Exercise Alters Brain Function and Structure in Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Ann Neurol. 2022 Feb;91(2):203-216. doi: 10.1002/ana.26291. Epub 2022 Jan 19. PMID: 34951063; PMCID: PMC9306840. https://doi.org/10.1002/ana.26291

​A recent randomized clinical trial shows that aerobic exercise reduces motor symptom progression in Parkinson’s Disease. The cerebral and neural associations are unclear, but the numerous studies confirming the positive effects of aerobic and strength training exercise stand out as slowing progression and improving motor and non-motor symptoms associated with PD. This current study showed that after three months of aerobic exercise their reward-related activity and dopamine release increased. 
​Click to read the full study

TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION FOR PD

​ Sensorimotor network connectivity correlates with motor improvement after repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with Parkinson’s disease 
​ www.elsevier.com/locate/parkreldis (11/10/2022)
A recent study confirmed that Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) correlates with motor improvement for persons with PD. The study further showed that persons with lower sensorimotor network connectivity showed greater motor improvement with High Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (HF-rTMS). Click to read the full article

MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO MANAGING PD

The role and structure of the multidisciplinary team in the management of advanced Parkinson’s disease with a focus on the use of levodopa–carbidopa intestinal gelPedersen SW, Suedmeyer M, Liu LW, Domagk D, Forbes A, Bergmann L, Onuk K, Yegin A, van Laar T. The role and structure of the multidisciplinary team in the management of advanced Parkinson's disease with a focus on the use of levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2017 Jan 4;10:13-27. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S111369. PMID: 28115853; PMCID: PMC5221801.

A multidisciplinary team approach has been shown to improve the quality of life and motor function of people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and for their caregivers. Research is confirming the efficacy of using a MDT approach to managing PD. This approach includes facilitating a close structured collaboration of different local health care professionals, to enable interdisciplinary exchange of learning, optimize individual treatment, carefully evaluate available treatment options, ensure treatment options are agreed on jointly with caregivers, family, and healthcare professionals. Specialists outside of neurology that offerer supportive services including speech and physical therapy can be a valuable part of this team approach.
​Click to read the full article

​Coordinated Reset Vibrotactile Stimulation

Coordinated Reset Vibrotactile Stimulation Induces Sustained Cumulative Benefits in Parkinson’s Disease
https: //www.frontier.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2021.624317/full (4/6/2021)
1. Coordinated Reset Vibrotactile Stimulation Induces Sustained Cumulative Benefits in Parkinson’s Disease
Kristina J. Pfeifer1, Justus A. Kromer1, Alexander J. Cook1, Traci Hornbeck1,
Erika A. Lim1, Bruce J. P. Mortimer2, Adam S. Fogarty3, Summer S. Han1,4, Rohit Dhall5, Casey H. Halpern1 and Peter A. Tass1*
1 Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States, 2 Engineering Acoustics, Inc., Casselberry, FL, United States, 3 Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States, 4 Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States, 5 Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas ​

Drug therapy and deep brain stimulation are effective therapies for many with Parkinsons Disease. However, because of the multiple concerns about deep brain stimulation this is not an adopted therapy by some patients. A recent small study by the neurology group from Stanford University demonstrated that wearing the vibrating glove shown above for two hours per day twice a day relieved many major symptoms of PD. The method of success relies on altering abnormal neural activity. This method of alteration is not new but the avenue of approach, the finger tips, with a large number of sensory neurons is. The pilot studies revealed the vibrations were well tolerated while producing improvements in PD symptoms. The glove remains in clinical trials. The group developing this modality of treatment is hoping in the near future to get FDA approval for treatment. 
​Click to read the full article

Non Surgical focused ultrasound for PD

Parkinson’s Disease Patients Experience Significant Reduction in Symptoms with Non-Surgical Focused Ultrasound Treatment
Krishna, V., Fishman, P. S., Eisenberg, H. M., Kaplitt, M., Baltuch, G., Chang, J. W., Chang, W.-C., Martinez Fernandez, R., del Alamo, M., Halpern, C. H., Ghanouni, P., Eleopra, R., Cosgrove, R., Guridi, J., Gwinn, R., Khemani, P., Lozano, A. M., McDannold, N., Fasano, A., … Elias, W. J. (2023). Trial of globus pallidus focused ultrasound ablation in parkinson’s disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 388(8), 683–693. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa220272

Patients with Parkinson’s disease achieved a significant improvement in their tremors, mobility, and other physical symptoms after having a minimally-invasive procedure involving focused ultrasound, according to a new study today published in the New England Journal of Medicine.  Exablate Neuro, was approved over a year ago by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat advanced Parkinson’s disease on one side of the brain. The FDA approval was based on findings from the UMSOM clinical trial published today. It is now widely available at UMMC. However, it is not yet covered by insurance, including Medicare, so patients currently need to pay out of pocket for the procedure.​
CLICK TO READ THE FULL PAPER

PD is DIFFERENT FOR MEN AND WOMEN

Parkinson’s Disease in Women and Men: What’s the Difference
Cerri, Silvia, Mus, Liudmila, and Blandini, Fabio. ‘Parkinson’s Disease in Women and Men: What’s the Difference?’ 1 Jan. 2019 : 501 – 515.​ https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-parkinsons-disease/jpd191683

Men and women with PD differ substantially in multiple dimensions including risk factors, progression, and how they experience the disease. A recent analysis in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease outlined the role of biological sex an important factor in the development, expression, and progression of Parkinson’s Disease. A review using a meta-analysis showed that age related incidence of PD is rising for both men and women, but with a steeper increase for men between the ages of 60 and 79. Because motor symptom deficits are a major factor for diagnosing PD, the fact that motor symptom issues emerge later for women is a concern for ensuring women receive supportive interventions early in PD progression. Women with PD are associated with more severe episodes of anxiety, while men with PD are associated with more impulse control issues, and REM sleep issues. Risk factors are also different for men and women with men showing risk with elevated cholesterol levels, and women for low physical activity. Read the full paper

Cognitive impairment and pd

Mild cognitive impairment in PD
 Weil, R.S., Costantini, A.A. & Schrag, A.E. Mild Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease—What Is It?. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 18, 17 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-018-0823-9
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​Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common among people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) even in the early stages. While MCI can be found in in the general aging population the risks and severity are especially important to track with PD. Dementia affects 50% of patients with PD within 10 years of diagnosis, but the onset and severity can differ greatly. Identifying MCI in PD is important for a number of reasons including being prepared as early intervention treatments evolve, and providing healthcare teams with information to assess progression and interventions.
​Click to read the full study