Keyword archive for: Alpha synuclein

The skin as a mirror of the brain

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We all know the skin as the largest organ in our body - it protects us, regulates temperature and enables touch. But did you know that the skin can now also provide insights into the interior of our nervous system? Boston researchers have found that a protein called phosphorylated alpha-synuclein, which plays a key role in Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, can also be detected in the skin. This exciting discovery opens new avenues for diagnosing Parkinson's and related diseases.

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Nanoparticles and Parkinson's disease

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Plastic waste, especially nanoparticles made from the plastic polystyrene, could influence the development of Parkinson's disease, according to a new study. Researchers found that these tiny plastic particles form a chemical bond with alpha-synuclein, a protein whose deposits in the brain mark the onset of Parkinson's disease.

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Skin biopsies and DATscan in focus

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In recent years, the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and similar neurodegenerative diseases has made significant progress. New diagnostic procedures such as skin biopsies and DaTscans have attracted the attention of researchers and medical professionals. But when are these tests really necessary, and what can they tell us about Parkinson's? In this article, we will address these questions and examine the role of these innovative diagnostic methods in more detail.

The core message:
The use of skin biopsies and DaTscans to diagnose Parkinson's is not necessary in all cases but should be carefully decided on an individual basis.

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New blood test for early detection of Parkinson's disease

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Japanese scientists have developed a new blood test that can detect Parkinson's with high accuracy.

The test works by detecting a specific protein called α-synuclein that is misfolded in these diseases.

Previous tests could also detect this protein, but they required an invasive method that involved taking a sample from the spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid). This new test can detect the protein directly in the blood, making it much easier and less invasive.

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Current developments in Parkinson's research

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Research on Parkinson's disease is currently working on various approaches to develop both causal and symptomatic therapies. The focus is primarily on improving motor skills and relieving non-motor symptoms.

Causal therapy: focus on alpha-synuclein

A promising approach in the causal therapy of Parkinson's is research into the protein alpha-synuclein, which forms abnormal deposits in the brain cells of Parkinson's patients. Research is being carried out on various active substances that can reduce or prevent these deposits.

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cognitive deficits in Parkinson's disease

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James Parkinson wrongly believed that the disease had no effect on the mind and psyche of those affected.
That was a fatal misjudgment, since new scientific studies have shown that every third Parkinson's patient develops dementia in the course of the disease.

However, this so-called Parkinson's dementia usually only occurs in the late stages of the disease and thus mainly, but not exclusively, affects patients of advanced age

But what actually is dementia?

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Inbrija – a miracle cure? A first summary

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Inbrija – first experiences

On July 8, 2022, we published an interview with 2 American women who have been using Inbrija for 3 years. In the meantime, the drug has also been approved in Germany and we have the first field reports.

If you haven't read the article or seen the interview, you can catch up here: https://parkinson-journal.de/inbrija

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Is the sports hormone irisin the savior we are all waiting for?

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Is the sports hormone irisin the savior we are all waiting for?

Irisin is a so-called peptide that is released by muscle cells in humans after physical activity, among other things.
Now the PNAS, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, has published the results of an experimental study. In this experimental study, which was carried out on mice, not only was an accelerated breakdown of alpha synuclein observed, but the spread of a Parkinson's-like disease was also reduced.

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