Neurodegenerative Disease News and Research

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Deficiency in SNX27 explains learning impairment in Down's syndrome

Scientists at A*STAR's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB) have identified the precise role of the protein, SNX27, in the pathway leading to memory and learning impairment.

20 Feb 2014

Study to examine effectiveness of using video calls to deliver care for people with Parkinson's disease

People living with Parkinson's disease today often face challenges when seeking care, including disability, distance from medical centers, and distribution of doctors. In fact, 42 percent of those diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, and more living with the condition, do not see a neurologist for their care. Now, a national study will attempt to disrupt the status quo and bring expert Parkinson's care directly into patients' homes using video visit technology.

12 Feb 2014

Researchers find link between mutations in gene called RAB 24 and inherited neurodegenerative disease

Researchers from North Carolina State University have found a link between a mutation in a gene called RAB 24 and an inherited neurodegenerative disease in Old English sheepdogs and Gordon setters. The findings may help further understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and identify new treatments for both canine and human sufferers.

7 Feb 2014

Exposure to DDT may increase likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life

Exposure to DDT may increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life, a study with researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center suggests. While previous studies have linked chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes to DDT, this is the first clinical study to link the U.S.-banned pesticide to Alzheimer's disease.

30 Jan 2014

FARA funds gene therapy-based research project to tackle Friedreich's ataxia

The gene therapy-based research project to tackle Friedreich's ataxia launched in November in labs at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine, in Barcelona, and the "Centro de Biolog-a Molecular Severo Ochoa", in Madrid, has received 100,000 US$ per year for two years from the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance.

29 Jan 2014

Researchers identify unique area of human brain associated with cognitive powers

Oxford University researchers have identified an area of the human brain that appears unlike anything in the brains of some of our closest relatives.

29 Jan 2014

Scientists identify molecules that block accumulation of toxic eye protein responsible for early onset of glaucoma

Using a novel high-throughput screening process, scientists have for the first time identified molecules with the potential to block the accumulation of a toxic eye protein that can lead to early onset of glaucoma.

24 Jan 2014

CUMC researchers identify gene that appears to play major role in motor neuron degeneration in ALS

Columbia University Medical Center researchers have identified a gene, called matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), that appears to play a major role in motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. The findings, made in mice, explain why most but not all motor neurons are affected by the disease and identify a potential therapeutic target for this still-incurable neurodegenerative disease. The study was published today in the online edition of the journal Neuron.

23 Jan 2014

TSRI study shows how aging affects brain's neural circuitry

How aging affects communication between neurons is not well understood, a gap that makes it more difficult to treat a range of disorders, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

23 Jan 2014

EnVivo Pharmaceuticals starts encenicline Phase 3 study in patients with Alzheimer's disease

EnVivo Pharmaceuticals, a company dedicated to developing a broad range of novel therapies for central nervous system diseases, today announced it has initiated COGNITIV AD, a Phase 3 clinical program evaluating its novel alpha-7 (α7) potentiator, encenicline-hydrochloride (EVP-6124), in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The program is being conducted under a Special Protocol Assessment agreement with the FDA.

22 Jan 2014

Researcher finds possible way to unravel misfolded proteins by reprogramming yeast protein

At the heart of brain diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease is protein misfolding, in which distorted proteins are unable to perform their normal functions. At present, there is no known way to reverse protein misfolding.

17 Jan 2014

Parkinson's disease patients from lower socioeconomic status less likely to receive DBS

Among Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, female, black, Asian and patients are substantially less likely to receive proven deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery to improve tremors and motor symptoms, according to a new report by a Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania researcher who identified considerable disparities among Medicare recipients receiving DBS for Parkinson's disease.

5 Jan 2014

Numotion partners with The ALS Association to support individuals affected by Lou Gehrig's Disease

Numotion, the complex wheelchair company committed to serving the lifelong needs of people through individualized health and mobility solutions, has partnered with The ALS Association to offer support and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

3 Jan 2014

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent delays neuropathy progression, preserves quality of life

Among patients with familial amyloid polyneuropathy, a lethal, genetic neurodegenerative disease, use of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent diflunisal compared with placebo for 2 years reduced the rate of progression in neurological impairment and preserved quality of life, according to a study appearing in the December 25 issue of JAMA.

27 Dec 2013

Octapharma enrolls first patients in GAM-27 Phase II/III clinical trial for relapsing multiple sclerosis

Octapharma AG, one of the largest global manufacturers of human proteins, today announced the enrolment of the first two patients in its GAM-27 Phase II/III clinical trial for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis. Through intravenous administration of immunoglobulin (Octagam 5%), the study seeks to support the overall clinical benefit of a lower annualised relapse rate in patients where first-line treatment is not suitable.

18 Dec 2013

NUS scientists open possible new route for treatment of spinal muscular atrophy

A recent study led by scientists from the National University of Singapore (NUS) opens a possible new route for treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a devastating disease that is the most common genetic cause of infant death and also affects young adults.

18 Dec 2013

Research findings point to possible new strategy for treating ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a devastating illness that gradually robs sufferers of muscle strength and eventually causes a lethal, full-body paralysis. The only drug available to treat the disease extends life spans by a meager three months on average.

17 Dec 2013

Study: Brain blood vessel cells may be therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease

A study in mice shows how a breakdown of the brain's blood vessels may amplify or cause problems associated with Alzheimer's disease. The results published in Nature Communications suggest that blood vessel cells called pericytes may provide novel targets for treatments and diagnoses.

14 Dec 2013

Prana Biotechnology provides update on IMAGINE PBT2 trial for Alzheimer’s disease

Prana Biotechnology, a developer of best-in-class treatments for neurodegenerative disease, today provided an update of its IMAGINE Alzheimer’s Disease Extension trial.

11 Dec 2013

European study investigates high blood pressure drug for treating Alzheimer's patients

An extensive European study is currently investigating whether a drug used to treat high blood pressure may also help patients with Alzheimer's disease. The EU is investing almost 6 million euros on the project, in which Sahlgrenska Academy and Sahlgrenska University Hospital are responsible for Sweden's contribution.

10 Dec 2013