What is a DaTscan and should I get one?

DaTscan: A test to help in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s What is a DaTscan and how is it performed? In 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an imaging test to help diagnose Parkinson’s disease (PD) called DaTscan (dopamine transporter scan). In this test, a radioactive tracer, Ioflupane (123I), also known as DaTscan, is injected […]

Gene therapy for Parkinson’s disease

What is gene therapy and can it help people with Parkinson’s? You may have read about efforts to use gene therapy as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD). It’s an exciting prospect and studies are underway, with some positive results so far. Understanding these studies and therapies requires some background information about what genes are […]

Lewy Bodies, Dementia, and Parkinson’s – What Does it all Mean?

Understanding Cognitive Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease: PDD vs. DLB Cognitive challenges are a very common non-motor symptom of Parkinson’s disease (PD). When the cognitive challenges are severe enough to interfere with daily activity, they are known as Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). You may have heard of another condition called Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). Although […]

What Worsens Parkinson’s Disease’s Motor Symptoms?

Understanding what factors may worsen Parkinson’s symptoms Many people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experience variation in their motor symptoms (e.g. tremor, stiffness, slowness, trouble walking, balance difficulties) throughout the day and from one day and the next. This variability is often related to medication dosing, and you and your doctor may focus on adjusting the […]

What We Know About Parkinson’s Disease in Women

Differences of Parkinson’s Disease in Women Parkinson’s disease (PD) impacts millions of people around the world, and it does not discriminate based on gender. But while PD affects men and women with some similarities, the manifestation, progression, and even treatment responses can differ significantly between genders, in addition to important discrepancies related to healthcare access […]

Uniting and Supporting the Black Parkinson’s Disease Community

Meet Denise and Bernard Coley, Leaders in the Black Parkinson’s Community You’ve seen us put a spotlight on APDA-funded researchers as well as interesting and inspiring people living with PD, and today we are excited to introduce you to Denise and Bernard Coley – two special people who are extraordinary advocates for the PD community […]

Are there different types of Parkinson’s disease?

An Interview With ADPA Researcher, Dr. Abdulmunaim Eid About Parkinson’s Subtypes Our A Closer Look blog is designed to educate, inform, and inspire you through a variety of topics and insights about Parkinson’s disease (PD). One way we do that is through our Interview with APDA Researchers series within this blog so you can get a closer look at […]

Exploring Deep Brain Stimulation & Focused Ultrasound for Parkinson’s Disease

Insights from Dr. Ihtsham Ul Haq and Tom Liodice on APDA’s Dr. Gilbert Hosts Deep brain stimulation (DBS) and focused ultrasound (FUS) are two medical procedures that may be considered for certain people with PD to help alleviate symptoms. On a recent episode of APDA’s Dr. Gilbert Hosts, I spoke with Dr. Ihtsham Ul Haq, a movement […]