April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Globally, around 10 million people are affected by Parkinson’s disease—a condition where neurons in brain areas controlling movement gradually degenerate, leading to symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slow motion.
At Skåne University Hospital, a world-leading clinical trial is underway, where stem-cell-derived cells are transplanted into patients with Parkinson’s disease—thanks to a decade of translational research efforts at MultiPark. And much more Parkinson’s research is going on behind the scenes. Here are six examples—from molecule to patient:
Decreasing specific proteins protects mice from motor symptoms
Starting at the molecular level inside the brain, the Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory has examined the role of a protein linked to neurodegeneration, Galectin-3, in the progression and symptom development of Parkinson’s disease. Mice lacking this protein were protected from neuronal damage and motor symptoms even if other molecular disease triggers was still present.
molecular signaling liked to neurodegeneration may hold clues to novel strategies
“Our findings indicate that molecular signaling liked to neurodegeneration may hold clues to novel strategies for treating or preventing Parkinson’s disease,” concludes Tomas Deierborg, Professor and head of the laboratory.
Understanding neural circuits and treatments
Other research groups, such as the Basal Ganglia Pathophysiology group, zoom out to study what happens in the signaling between neurons in circuits connected to both motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. They also evaluate pharmacological treatments that can alleviate specific symptoms.
“It is of paramount importance to define the mechanisms through which Parkinson’s affects brain cells and causes neurological dysfunction. We also feel a sense of urgency to translate this knowledge into new and better treatments,” says Angela Cenci Nilsson, Professor and head of the group.
Defining the neural basis of mood symptoms
Depression and other mood-related symptoms reduce the quality of life for many Parkinson’s patients beyond the impact of their motor symptoms. Therefore, the newly established Molecular Neuroanatomy group selectively targets distinct neuronal populations and assesses how these manipulations affect behavior in mice.
If we can reveal the neurocircuitry underlying mood changes in Parkinson’s, we can find ways to treat them
“If we can reveal the neurocircuitry underlying mood changes in Parkinson’s, we can find ways to identify these non-motor symptoms early and develop interventions to treat them, ultimately improving patients’ well-being,” says Åsa Mackenzie, Senior Lecturer and head of the laboratory.
How diabetes impacts Parkinson’s disease
A disease rarely comes alone. That is why the Translational Neurogenetics group investigates which aspects of diabetes can impact Parkinson’s disease by using mixed animal models—knowledge that is crucial as promising new diabetes therapies are emerging on the market.
“It’s important to understand which aspects of new diabetes treatments might be beneficial for individuals with Parkinson’s disease,” explains Maria Swanberg, Associate Professor and leader of the group.
Detecting early motor signs
The research group Rehabilitation in neurodegenerative diseases studies clinical cohorts to identify early and subtle motor signs in individuals at risk of developing Parkinson’s. They collect data from clinical assessments, reported outcomes from study participants, and digital measures to determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of different motor aspects.
Early detection facilitates early treatment and support
“Early detection facilitates early treatment and support,” says Maria H. Nilsson, Associate Professor, physiotherapist, and head of the group.
Specialized Parkinson care at home
The Restorative Parkinson Unit investigates how caregiving can be adapted to maintain quality of life as much as possible for patients in the most severe stages of Parkinson’s disease and atypical parkinsonism, when palliative care is needed.
“Specialized Parkinson’s nurses provide care in the patient’s home, and we evaluate the patients before and after this intervention,” says Per Odin, Professor and consultant physician in neurology at Skåne University Hospital.
With a collaborative research environment, researchers continuously get one step closer to deeper understanding, better treatments, and improved quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease.
