Carbon monoxide may help explain the long-observed but perplexing association between smoking and a lower risk for Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease is significantly less common among people who smoke cigarettes. It’s a paradox that has perplexed researchers for decades, drawing speculation that tobacco smoke somehow protects the brain from developing the neurodegenerative condition.

A new study by investigators from the Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute has identified common genetic variants in the MC1R gene as markers of faster motor decline in people with Parkinson's disease (PD).

Medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD Key Takeaways Parkinson’s is a neurological movement disorder caused by environmental and genetic factors that change the brain’s chemical makeup.Parkinson’s can cause movement problems and nonmotor symptoms,

Parkinson’s disease is caused by decreased dopamine activity in a brain region. It often has no identifiable trigger, but known triggers include genes, head trauma, and environmental toxins.

A new study suggests carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke may help explain smokers' reduced Parkinson’s risk, offering insights into potential therapeutic applications.

Independent Safety Monitoring Committee recommends advancement to Cohort 2 following blinded review of Cohort 1 safety and tolerability data – - Pharmacokinetic observations at the lowest dose evaluat