| Daily Updates | View All |
|
By Matt Nilsen Usually we do not write about the same subject in back-to-back updates. However, we feel some guarded excitement for the results from the gene study conducted at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center in Manhattan. You can listen to an interview from The Lancet podcast discussing the new gene therapy for Parkinson's disease. Scroll down the page and choose The Lancet 23 June 2007. In this interview with one of the champions of the new gene therapy, Dr. Matthew During explains the process of the gene implantation surgery and the behavior of the genetic material injected into patients' brains. Interestingly, Dr. During compares the gene infusion surgery to DBS surgery. It is amazing to live in a civil society where the rule of law generally helps us. Nevertheless, one of the exceptions we have seen too much of in the last few months is the confusion that can occur between people with Parkinson's and police officers. Another case of a police officer reportedly misunderstanding a person with Parkinson's disease surfaced in California last week. Arleen Avila dozed off while she was waiting in the drive-through line at a local fast food restaurant. Unfortunately, a local police officer learned about the situation when some of the confusion ensued. You can read the account in the story Visalia woman with Parkinson's arrested from the Tulare Advance-Register to read the details from the accounts they gathered. There are actually a few different tests in development that may prove useful in diagnosing Parkinson's disease. We've written about an experimental blood test that uses neuromelanin to detect Parkinson's, as well as another type of scan, the SPECT scan, that may diagnose Parkinson's disease. There is a third test that has been widely publicized this week that can detect alpha-synuclein using a blood test. Alpha-synuclein is a protein that appears in large amounts in many people with Parkinson's disease. Scientists identified a genetic mutation that triggers the overproduction of alpha-synuclein in PWPs. They also suspect inflammation may cause Parkinson's disease in people. Parkinson's disease experts have known for quite some time that people who experience head trauma run a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Over the last few months and years those same experts have further defined the link between pesticide exposure and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. So, when you read a headline stating "Pesticide Exposure and Head Blows Increase Parkinson's Risk" do you wonder if this is really new information? - by Patricia Lightner
I decided to see for myself how a metronome would help keep my Parkinson's disease at bay. If I remember correctly, this was around the mid to late 1990's. I called around to stores inquiring if they sold metronomes and they replied in the negative. The store that ultimately had metronomes was a local music shop. Following up on the brief update we posted last night, SCHWARZ PHARMA announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Neupro (Rotigotine Transdermal System) for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of early-stage idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Sources tell My Parkinson's Info that Neupro will be commercially available in late June 2007. We have yet to confirm that date. There are a few hints that someone may be coming down with Parkinson's disease. You probably know that a diminished sense of smell can be a precursor. Depression and anxiety are also precursors. However, only a tiny percentage of people diagnosed with depression or anxiety will actually develop Parkinson's disease. So, what if some of the blood tests that are under development for PD can help diagnose it a year or two early? Would it be worth administering to people diagnosed with depression or anxiety? Today in an email exchange with one of our acquaintances, she reminded us of a tradeoff that people with Parkinson's should be aware of. She explained that there is: Today's blog entry will cater to those of you who are still in the workforce while you live with Parkinson's disease. The reality is that this is a minority within the Parkinson's community, as the average age at diagnosis is in the mid-60s. - by Patricia Lightner
 What do you think of when you hear the word "metronome?" The dictionary defines it as a device that marks time by ticking at a set rate. Do you envision the picture above and recall school days, from quite some time ago, when you hear the word "metronome?" |
|
| Solutions | View All |
|
Save up to 70% on the drug store items you use most
Parkinson's disease creates a lot of extra expense in your life. Overstock Drug Store can help lower the cost of the drug store items you use every day.
Get 33% off your first order of Vitaline CoQ10!
Get a break on the cost of your prescription medication
Get a $500 discount on a Theracycle You are never too old to benefit from exercise Stop falls - Increase mobility - Overcome freezing episodes You can address your balance problem and overcome freezing episodes by using advanced walking aids. |
|