October 21, 2020

Smog Tied to Raised Risk for Parkinson's, Alzheimer's Disease

TUESDAY, Oct. 20, 2020 -- As the air people breathe gets dirtier, their odds for serious neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's and other dementias rises, new research shows.

The long-term study of more than 63 million older Americans can't prove cause and effect, but does show a strong association between air pollution and brain disorders. The researchers said the link was seen even at levels of fine particulate (PM2.5) pollution that are deemed safe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

October 7, 2020

Could Coffee Reduce Parkinson's Risk?

MONDAY, Oct. 5, 2020 -- Caffeine may reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease in people who have a gene mutation associated with the movement disorder, researchers report.

"These results are promising and encourage future research exploring caffeine and caffeine-related therapies to lessen the chance that people with this gene develop Parkinson's," said study author Dr. Grace Crotty, of Massachusetts General Hospital.

September 17, 2020

Parkinson's Ups the Odds for Dangerous Falls, But Prevention Is Key

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 16, 2020 -- A major cause of falls in older people is more common among Parkinson's patients, and monitoring for the condition might lower patients' risks, new research shows.

Ever feel dizzy and lightheaded when you suddenly stand up? It's caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure -- a condition doctors call orthostatic hypotension and it can lead sometimes to fainting and falling down.

August 25, 2020

Hopeful News on Parkinson's: More Than 100 Trials Underway

THURSDAY, Aug. 20, 2020 -- While there are treatments to alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease, there is no known cure or preventive drug. But a recent review offers some encouraging findings.

The review found more than 100 clinical trials are underway around the world that are testing various preventive therapies and treatments for the neurodegenerative disorder.