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New Research on Parkinson's Disease

More than 1 million Americans have Parkinson's disease, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. There is no cure, but there has been a lot of promising research on understanding, treating and halting the progression of the disease in 2008 and 2009.

  1. Gene Found

    • One gene is crucial in the development of Parkinson's disease and essential tremors. The gene, LINGO1, is "the first common genetic component in the development of both disorders," according to mayoclinic.org.

    Anemia

    • People with chronic anemia were more likely to suffer from Parkinson's disease decades later, mayoclinic.org reported. The anemia-Parkinson's disease connection surprised researchers.

    Gambling

    • Parkinson's disease patients taking drugs called dopamine agonists to combat their condition are more apt to develop destructive behaviors, including compulsive gambling and hypersexuality, mayoclinic.org reported.

    Potential Therapy

    • Mayo Clinic researchers discovered a therapy that could halt the progression of every Parkinson's disease patient. The therapy reduces the amount of a protein called alpha-synuclein that is present in abnormal amounts in all patients.

    Brain Stimulation

    • On Sept. 12, 2008, the Mayo Clinic revealed that it had developed a wireless sensor that measures the levels of several chemicals in the brain, including dopamine. A lack of dopamine causes Parkinson's disease.

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