Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an incurable neurodegenerative disease and the most common form of dementia. Research is ongoing to better understand AD pathogenesis and explore potential treatments. Genome editing tools like CRISPR/Cas9 offer new approaches to study and potentially treat AD. Key Facts: AD pathogenesis likely involves multiple genetic and environmental factors Gene mutations linked …
Recent research provides evidence that Parkinson’s disease (PD) is associated with thinning of specific retinal layers that can be detected years before diagnosis. Key facts: Individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) had thinner retinal ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers compared to controls. Thinning of the inner nuclear layer, which contains dopamine cells, was also seen …
Sinemet is a pharmaceutical drug engineered by Merck that combines Carbidopa (a peripheral enzymatic inhibitor of DOPA decarboxylase) and Levodopa (an agent that crosses the blood-brain barrier to increase central concentrations of dopamine); hence it is frequently referred to as “Carbidopa-Levodopa.” The drug was initially approved by the U.S. FDA in 1988 for the treatment …
Requip (Ropinirole) is a drug initially approved in 1997 by the United States FDA for the treatment of [early or advanced-stage] idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. In the management of Parkinson’s disease, Requip can be utilized either as: a standalone agent or as an adjunct to L-DOPA. After its initial approval for the attenuation of Parkinson’s symptoms, …
Mirapex (Pramipexole) is a drug that is approved by the FDA for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and RLS (restless leg syndrome). Classified as a dopamine receptor agonist, pramipexole elicits partial or full agonism upon D3 receptors, D2 receptors (2L/2S), and D4 receptors. Interestingly, pramipexole also appears to modify mitochondrial function, and to a negligible …
Mirapex (Pramipexole) is a medication that was approved by the FDA in 1997 for the treatment of idiopathic (early-stage and advanced) Parkinson’s disease. Analysis of the drug’s pharmacodynamics reveals its function as a mixed partial/full dopamine agonist, with highest affinity for: D3 receptors, D2 receptors (D2S and D2L), and D4 receptors (in that order). To …
We all know that getting enough sleep promotes healthy brain function and optimal cognitive performance. Most sources recommend getting approximately 8 hours of sleep per night, but the amount of sleep it takes for you to feel refreshed should be individualized. Someone who is training for a marathon will generally need more sleep (over 8 …