Latest news with #Produodopa
New York Post
13 hours ago
- Health
- New York Post
Simple tool could detect Parkinson's disease early — it was 96% accurate in experiments
This pen truly is mightier than the sword. A team of researchers at UCLA has developed a high-tech diagnostic pen that can detect signs of Parkinson's disease with over 96% accuracy, offering a low-cost way to identify the neurodegenerative disorder far earlier than now. A pilot study in the journal Nature Chemical Engineering unveiled the device, which looks much like a regular pen. 3 A patient with PD using the diagnostic pen for a writing task. Nature Chemical Engineering It's able pick up on subtle motor dysfunctions before they're visible to the naked eye, all by analyzing how people write. So, how does this futuristic fountain pen work? The tip is made of a flexible silicone material infused with magnetic particles, and it writes using a special ferrofluid ink that contains nanomagnets. As someone writes, pressure from the hand deforms the tip, causing changes in magnetic fields that produce electrical signals — like a Morse code of motor function. Those signals are then analyzed to detect the difference between healthy and Parkinson's-affected motor patterns. In tests with 16 participants — including 3 with Parkinson's — the system nailed the diagnosis with 96.22% accuracy. Even more impressive? The pen worked whether people wrote on paper or in the air, meaning it doesn't even require a surface. 3 Nature Chemical Engineering Today, Parkinson's is largely diagnosed based on observations, which are subjective, or by biomarker-based imaging, which can be expensive. This diagnostic pen is portable, inexpensive and doesn't rely on a neurologist to interpret results, making it a promising option for remote screenings, home use or even telehealth checkups. 'Our development of the diagnostic pen represents a low-cost, widely disseminable and reliable technology with the potential to improve PD diagnostics across large populations and resource-limited areas,' the researchers wrote. With further validation in a larger population, the device could be used not just for early diagnosis, but for ongoing symptom tracking and personalized treatment monitoring. 3 Today, Parkinson's is largely diagnosed based on observations, which are subjective, or by biomarker-based imaging, which can be expensive. highwaystarz – This is just the latest innovation aimed at tackling Parkinson's disease, which affects more than 10 million people worldwide and has no known cure. A recent study found that psilocybin — the psychedelic compound that gave 'magic mushrooms' their trippy reputation in the 1960s — showed serious promise for improving mood and motor function in people with Parkinson's disease. Tavapadon — a new drug that mimics dopamine by targeting certain receptors — has also shown promise in clinical trials by reducing motor fluctuations and maintaining symptom control with fewer side effects than traditional therapies. Produodopa — a continuous infusion therapy first administered in the UK — was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration last fall. Innovative approaches targeting the psychological aspects of the disease have been successful as well — with tandem cycling proving to be especially popular. Some New Yorkers even find relief by playing pingpong.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
County Durham man first in England to benefit from new drug
A County Durham man is one of the first patients in England to benefit from a new Parkinson's disease treatment. Anthony Quinn, a patient at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, is being treated with a new drug called Produodopa. This is a combination of levodopa and foscarbidopa, which is given to patients through a small pump that delivers the medication continuously under the skin for over 24 hours. The new treatment reduces the need for multiple daily tablets and can improve motor symptoms, energy levels, and overall quality of life for Parkinson's disease patients. Since starting the treatment, Mr Quinn has said he now enjoys activities that were previously out of reach, such as three-mile bike rides and late-night gaming sessions. (Image: Supplied) He said: "This new treatment has given me a new lease of life. "I can now do things that weren't possible before, like riding my bike and playing video games. "Even simple everyday tasks have become easier. "It really has changed my life." The County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is the first acute trust outside of a neuroscience centre to administer the treatment, which is aimed at helping people with the fastest-growing neurological condition worldwide. Jeremy Cundall, executive medical director at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said: "It is fantastic that our Movement Disorder Team have introduced this groundbreaking therapy, which can profoundly improve the quality of life for patients like Anthony. "Being at the forefront of this new drug, as the first acute trust outside of a neuroscience centre, is a testament to the dedication and innovation of the team. "As a trust, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge, high-quality care that can improve outcomes and make a positive difference in the lives of our patients and the communities we serve."
