Parkinson's disease

A recently published study by researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that a tiny protein called PNA5 appears to have a protective effect on brain cells, which could lead to treatments for the cognitive symptoms of Parkinson's disease and related disorders.

Parkinson's disease, a neurological disorder best known for causing tremors, stiffness, slow movement and poor balance, also causes cognitive symptoms that can progress to Parkinson's dementia.

"When patients are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, 25% to 30% already have mild cognitive impairment. As the disorder progresses into its later stages, 50% to 70% of patients complain of cognitive problems," said Lalitha Madhavan, MD, PhD, an associate professor of neurology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine -- Tucson.

"The sad part is we don't have a clear way to treat cognitive decline or dementia in Parkinson's disease."

Bernard said inflammation plays a significant role in Parkinson's disease when microglia, specific immune cells in the brain, enter a supercharged state.