What to pay attention to in research and development of new drugs for Parkinson's disease?5 answersIn the research and development of new drugs for Parkinson's disease (PD), attention should be focused on the dynamic and evolving drug development pipeline, which includes both symptomatic treatments (ST) and disease-modifying treatments (DMT). Efforts should be made to accelerate the clinical trial process to bring new therapies to the PD community sooner. Additionally, the use of drug delivery systems like polymeric microparticles and nanoparticles can enhance drug efficacy by targeting the desired site of action, increasing bioavailability, and reducing adverse effects. Understanding Parkinson's pathogenesis, discovering new molecular targets, utilizing appropriate cell and animal models, and employing computer-assisted drug design methods are crucial aspects in developing effective compounds with therapeutic potential for PD. Collaboration among stakeholders is essential to drive progress in PD drug development.
What are the most recent advancements in clinical research within the domain of Parkinson's disease?5 answersRecent advancements in clinical research for Parkinson's disease include progress in disease-modifying treatments, genetic forms treatment, management of motor complications, and human-specific research methodologies. Disease-modifying treatments are being developed, inspired by recent FDA approvals for Alzheimer's disease drugs. Genetic forms of PD are being targeted with personalized therapies based on identified genetic variants. Management of motor complications is advancing with newly developed agents and technology for continuous drug delivery. Human-specific research methodologies, such as New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), are being explored to bridge gaps in understanding PD initiation and progression, aiming to move away from animal-based research and towards effective, human-specific research strategies. These recent advancements offer hope for improved treatments and a deeper understanding of Parkinson's disease.
Does Parkinson's disease cause cognitive impairment?4 answersParkinson's disease (PD) is associated with cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. The impact of the dopamine system on the development of cognitive impairment in PD is not well understood. Previous investigations suggest that dementia in PD is associated with subcortical atrophy, while functional connectivity may be more sensitive than atrophy to decline in specific cognitive domains in the PD population. A study using Shapley variable importance cloud (ShapleyVIC) identified important variables associated with PD-MCI and explored new blood biomarkers related to PD-MCI. Patients with de novo PD show cognitive deficits in executive functioning, attention, and verbal memory. Cognitive impairment in PD, particularly impairment in cognitive activities of daily living (IADL), is associated with progression from MCI to dementia. Monitoring cognitive impairment in PD is important for identifying high-risk individuals and targeting them for interventions to slow down the development of dementia.
What are latest research on endpoints to measure parkinson progression?4 answersRecent research on endpoints to measure Parkinson's disease (PD) progression has focused on the need for clinically meaningful, patient-centric, objective, and quantitative measures that can accurately represent longer-term outcomes. Currently, there is a lack of robust disease progression biomarkers in PD, hindering the measurement of treatment effectiveness and the development of disease-modifying therapies. Efforts have been made to identify and validate suitable digital biomarkers, such as digital measures of signs and symptoms, imaging biomarkers, and biospecimen biomarkers. However, the implementation of these biomarkers as tools for quantifying changes in disease status or severity remains elusive. The use of surrogate biomarkers for disease progression in clinical trials may help differentiate symptomatic effects from true disease-modifying effects, but there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of any biomarker for PD clinical trials at present. There is an urgent need for biomarkers that can accurately reflect advancing neurodegeneration and resulting clinical disability in PD, and that can be used in shorter-term clinical trials testing potential disease-modifying agents.
What's the latest research on parkinson's?5 answersRecent research on Parkinson's disease (PD) has focused on various aspects of the disease. One area of research has been the development of potential stem cell-based therapies for PD, aiming to replace dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra. Another area of research has been the treatment of genetic forms of PD, with a focus on personalized therapies based on genetic variants. Additionally, there has been a growing recognition of non-motor symptoms and prodromal states in PD, leading to a better understanding of the disease and the need for more effective therapeutic options. The identification of monogenic causes and gene loci associated with an increased risk for PD has also led to advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms of the disease and the potential for individualized treatment approaches. Overall, these recent studies have provided insights into the pathophysiology of PD and have paved the way for future clinical trials and potentially disease-modifying treatments.
What are the latest insights into Parkinson's disease?4 answersParkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that is projected to double in prevalence over the next 30 years. Recent developments include the validation of clinical diagnostic criteria and the introduction of research criteria for prodromal Parkinson's disease. There has been a greater recognition of non-motor symptoms and prodromal states associated with pathology in various regions of the nervous system. A novel biochemical phenotype of the disease was identified from analysis of dopaminergic neurons derived from individuals with young-onset Parkinson's disease. In 2018, improved diagnostic criteria and evidence for the effects of treatments were reported, enriching the treatment options available for Parkinson's disease. Genetic discoveries have increased our understanding of the etiology of Parkinson's disease and have led to the development of novel therapeutics aimed at halting or slowing the underlying disease process.