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Study sheds light on how 'dopamine neurons' contribute to memory formation in humans
on May 2, 2018 at 2:40 pm
Research sheds light on how the human brain rapidly forms new memories, providing insights into potential new treatments for memory disorders. A new study examined neurons that produce dopamine, a compound that acts as a transmitter for nerve impulses. It found that these dopamine neurons play a critical role in the formation of episodic memory, which allows people to remember such things as where they parked the car in the morning and what they had for dinner last night. […]
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Lipid accumulation in the brain may be an early sign of Parkinson's disease
on April 29, 2018 at 11:56 am
Researchers have found that elevated levels of certain types of lipids (fat molecules) in the brain may be an early sign of Parkinson's disease (PD). This finding could have significant implications for identifying patients who may be at risk for developing PD and for the early treatment of the disease. […]
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Rabies trick could help treat Parkinson's Disease
on April 25, 2018 at 4:02 pm
The rabies virus wreaks havoc on the brain, triggering psychosis and death. To get where it needs to go, the virus must first trick the nervous system and cross the blood brain barrier -- a process that makes it of interest in drug design. Now, scientists report a way to exploit the rabies virus machinery to deliver a Parkinson's disease medication directly to the brain. […]
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A single concussion may increase risk of Parkinson's disease
on April 18, 2018 at 8:27 pm
People who have been diagnosed with a mild concussion, or mild traumatic brain injury, may have a 56 percent increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. […]
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Mutation of worm gene, swip-10, triggers age-dependent death of dopamine neurons
on April 4, 2018 at 1:39 pm
Looking at dopamine neurons in a tiny worm's brain, scientists have identified a novel pathway that sustains the health of these cells. The normal actions of swip-10 to protect dopamine neurons are indirect, derived from the gene's action in support cells called glia, adjacent to the dopamine neurons. Glial cells are known to play a critical role in shaping neuronal development, structure, and function, but, this study offers a clear demonstration that they also keep dopamine cells alive. […]