APDA News

APDA-Funded Research Discovers New Role of Alpha Synuclein

Posted on by Phil Franchina

In an exciting new study, researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA, led by APDA Cotzias Fellowship*...see more awardee Dr. Vikram Khurana, demonstrated a new role for the protein involved in Parkinson’s disease (PD) pathology, alpha-synuclein. In addition to alpha-synuclein interacting with vesicles, or small transport structures within the cell, this new study shows […]

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New Treatment for Slowness & Stiffness in Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on by Dr. Rebecca Gilbert

In 2018, Focused Ultrasound was approved to treat tremors in people with PD.  Now, the FDA has approved expanding...see more the indications of Focused Ultrasound (FUS) for Parkinson’s disease (PD) to also include treatment of bradykinesia (slowness) rigidity (stiffness), and dyskinesias.  Individual ultrasound waves do not contain enough energy to do any damage as they pass […]

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APDA funding is critical to new research in understanding Levodopa-induced dyskinesias

Posted on by Phil Franchina

In an exciting new study, researchers at the Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY) and the CUNY...see more School of Medicine, led by Dr. Andreas Kottmann, studied levodopa induced dyskinesias (LIDs) and demonstrated that inhibiting a protein called sonic hedgehog (Shh) decreased LIDs in animal models of PD. The study appears today in Communications […]

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New Clinical Use for Gocovri

Posted on by Phil Franchina

Adamas announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gocovri for a second indication – as an add-on...see more treatment to carbidopa/levodopa in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients who are experiencing OFF episodes. Previously, Gocovri was only approved for treatment of Levodopa-induced dyskinesias. You can learn more about managing dyskinesias and OFF episodes in this webinar. […]

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New technology from Abbott allows for remote programming of DBS device

Posted on by Phil Franchina

Abbott, one of the manufacturers of deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices for Parkinson’s disease (PD) recently released NeuroSphereTM Virtual...see more Clinic, a technology that allows for virtual visits between patients and their DBS neurologist and is the first system to allow for remote programming of the DBS device. Currently, a device can be programmed so that […]

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APDA CENTER AT BRIGHAM AND WOMEN’S HOSPITAL REPORTS EXCITING CORRELATION BETWEEN GLUCOCEREBROSIDASE ACTIVITY AND PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Posted on by Phil Franchina

In an exciting new study, researchers at the APDA-funded Center studied the relationship between the activity of the glucocerebrosidase...see more (GBA) enzyme and the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). This insight may help shed light on possible future treatments. The glucocerebrosidase (GBA) enzyme, encoded by the GBA gene, is a protein used by the body to […]

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New Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Technology Now Available

Posted on by Phil Franchina

Medtronic announces introduction of Percept PC Neurostimulator with Brainsense Technology On June 26, 2020 Medtronic announced the introduction of...see more an upgraded deep brain stimulation (DBS) system known as PerceptTM PC Neurostimulator with BrainsenseTM Technology. The technology in the new system is the first to not only deliver electrical stimulation to the brain, with the goal […]

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A statement from APDA in this time of unrest

Posted on by Phil Franchina

All of us at the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) support equality for all and reject racism.  Our programs...see more are open to everyone and we foster a safe and welcoming place for all to join us, whether virtually or in person.  Disparities and injustice exist on many levels, including within the healthcare system. At APDA, […]

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