Recent Research

The 'Recent Findings' section of our newsletter highlights significant strides in Parkinson's disease research. A European university's medical college has innovated by using a collagen hydrogel to potentially improve stem cell transplants in the brain, aiming to replenish dopamine-producing cells lost in Parkinson's. Meanwhile, the long-suspected link between pesticides and Parkinson's gains clarity, with 14 neuron-toxic chemicals now identified as risk factors. Another study cautions that two-thirds of Parkinson’s patients may experience delirium post-hospitalization, a treatable yet serious condition. Further illuminating environmental factors, new research associates prolonged exposure to fine particle matter (PM2.5) with increased Parkinson's risk, while ground-level ozone appears unconnected. Additionally, a breakthrough in stem cell therapy at a top-tier university shows promising 18-month results in dopamine production and motor function improvement for Parkinson's patients. These insights represent a beacon of hope for those affected by Parkinson's disease.

Following are some of the articles:

1)

Hydrogel to boost survival of nerve cells to brain

A medical college at a prominent university in Europe has found that encapsulating precursor nerve cells in a collagen hydrogel is likely to enhance efficacy of stem cells transplantation in brain. This is part of the potential treatment to replace the dopamine generating cells that are lost in patients of Parkinson’s Disease.

Following is the link to the original source:

https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/news/collagen-hydrogel-boost-survival-precursor-neurons-brain/

2)

Pesticides and Parkinson’s Disease

While the root cause leading to Parkinson’s Disease is unknown, potential impact of chemicals that are toxic to neurons has been investigated since 1980s. Researchers have identified 14 chemicals that pose a risk of Parkinson’s Disease. 

Following is the link to the original source:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/another-3-common-pesticides-are-now-linked-to-parkinsons-disease-risk#Why-its-difficult-to-demonstrate-pesticide-use-causes-Parkinsons

https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/skin-test-parkinsons-what-you-need-know

3)

Delirium for PD people in Hospital

Delirium is a serious condition yet treatable one. In such conditions, patients may appear confused, hallucinating or sleepy. At times, patients of PD may experience delirium after a hospital stay. In fact, 2 out of 3 patients of PD experienced delirium during their hospital stay.

Following is the link to the original source:

https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/news/new-research-study-shows-impact-delirium-people-parkinsons-hospital

4)

Fine particle matter can be pose a risk

Study published in a prominent journal recently, found evidence that suggests a causal relationship between long term exposure to fine particle matter (PM2.5) and risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. It also found that ground level ozone has no causal link with development of Parkinson’s disease. These are very important findings.

Following is the link to the original source:

https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/news/new-evidence-uk-supports-causal-link-air-pollutant-parkinsons/

5)

Stem cell therapy and PD

Novel stem cell therapy is showing a lot of promise in treating Parkinson’s Disease. As per research results shared by a prominent world class university, 18 months after the treatment, dopamine production is showing positive result. Motor function showed improvements post the treatment.

Following is the link to the original source:

https://www.ucihealth.org/news/2024/03/parkinsons-clinical-trial-18-month-results