Summary: A new study found that trichloroethylene (TCE) is a risk factor for Parkinsonism, a group of nervous disorders with symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. TCE is an industrial chemical that leaches into drinking water, surface water, and soil.

Comment: Previous research has concluded that pesticides and other neurotoxins can lead to Parkinson's disease. This particular study specifically linked the chemical TCE to the broader group of neurological disorders.

Summary: In a small trial, patients with Parkinson's disease have been injected with a gene that stabilized the chemistry in the brain, improving their symptoms and suggesting that damage might be reversed.

Comment: Following these promising results, the gene therapy will be subject to a larger patient trial.

Summary: A new website, Riskometer.org, from the American Council on Science and Health ranks the leading risk factors for death in the United States.

Comment: This helpful website puts your health risks into context by ranking their relative contribution to premature disease and death.

Summary: In an animal model of Parkinson's disease, the antioxidant compounds found in green tea protect dopamine neurons. The level of protection increases with the amount of green tea consumed.

Comment: Researchers hope that green tea polyphenols can be developed into a safe, effective drug for Parkinson's disease.

Summary: UCB has asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve Neupro as adjunctive therapy to levodopa in patients with advanced-stage Parkinson's disease.

Comment: The drug was approved earlier this year for treatment of early-stage Parkinson's.

Summary: Children often struggle to understand why a grandparent with dementia acts strangely or cannot remember their name. Adults can help ease the confusion by anticipating a child's questions and staying involved.

Comment: Although written for families affected by Alzheimer's disease, this article offers helpful tips for helping children understand how a neurological disease affects a patient's behavior.

Summary: Natural genetic differences might help predict the most effective antipsychotic drug for a particular patient with Parkinson's disease.

Comment: Differences in the dopamine D2 receptor (a protein present on brain cells) affect brain activity and memory processing, including how well a patient will respond to certain drugs.

Summary: Immediate blood relatives of people who have Parkinson's disease have an increased risk for developing depression and anxiety disorders, and not just because of the emotional toll of support a family member with a chronic disease.

Comment: Future research will explore whether genetic or environmental factors, or a combination of the two, make family members susceptible.

Summary: Adult stem cells produced in the brain make only specialized kinds of connections and do not adapt to other functions. For instance, a neural stem cell originating in the brain cannot replace damaged cells in the spinal cord.

Comment: This new study raises questions about other research investigating whether adult brain stems cells can replace neurons damaged by Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injuries.

Summary: A new study suggests that omega-3 fatty acids protect the brain against Parkinson's disease.

Comment: The findings may help in preventing the onset and progression of the disease.