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Parkinson's & Movement disorders news

Parkinson's & Movement disorders

AI detects subtle movement changes in finger-tapping videos, revealing hidden Parkinson's signs

Early detection of even the slightest motor function changes can be critical to slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease. Yet these subtle signs often go unnoticed. Now, UF researcher Diego L. Guarín, Ph.D., is harnessing ...

Neuroscience

Rethinking how our brains build the neural networks underlying motor memories

For every motor skill you've ever learned, whether it's walking or watchmaking, there is a small ensemble of neurons in your brain that makes that movement happen. Our brains trigger these ensembles—what we sometimes call ...

Medications

Why a promising ALS drug failed—despite hitting its target

A new Emory University study, led by the Emory ALS Center and the Center for Neurodegenerative Disease at Emory's Goizueta Brain Health Institute, sheds light on why a once-promising experimental medication for amyotrophic ...

Genetics

How DNA damage can lead to motor neuron disease

Researchers at the University of Bath have discovered how DNA damage caused by a faulty DNA protection and repair system can lead to neurodegenerative disorders such as motor neuron disease (MND).

Neuroscience

Overworked brain cells may burn out in Parkinson's disease

Certain brain cells are responsible for coordinating smooth, controlled movements of the body. But when those cells are constantly overactivated for weeks on end, they degenerate and ultimately die. This new observation made ...

Parkinson's & Movement disorders

Novel backpack enhances stability for people with ataxia

A newly designed backpack, incorporating aerospace technology, shows promise as a balance aid for patients with the movement disorder ataxia. Research conducted by Radboud university medical center, in collaboration with ...

Neuroscience

Making neurons young again may stop ALS

In the beginning, not even Hynek Wichterle's postdoc thought his idea to slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) had a chance.

Medications

Promising Parkinson's drug decoded

How well our brain functions depends heavily on the performance of our nerve cells. That is why they are regularly checked for their proper function—defective cell components are marked, disposed of and recycled. This includes ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

What you should know about ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, based on the iconic 1930s New York Yankee baseball player—is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects thousands of Americans every year. ALS ...

Parkinson's & Movement disorders

Detecting Parkinson's disease with a simple retinal exam

Could it be possible to diagnose Parkinson's disease with the help of a simple retinal exam? The idea should be seriously considered, according to a study published in the May issue of Neurobiology of Disease by researchers ...

Genetics

Damaged cell 'trash cans' may contribute to Parkinson's disease

Scientists have uncovered more than 20 genes whose mutations cause familial forms of Parkinson's disease. One of these genes is known as VPS13C, and mutations in this gene may contribute to the disease's onset by causing ...