Summary: Both a new drug and new method of delivery for an old drug, have been developed for the treatment of Parkinson's patients. The new drug, SLV308, caused significant reductions of Parkinson's symptoms, such as treamors. In addition, a new patch delivery symptom for levodopa was also effective in the reduction of symptoms.

Comment: More consistant and effective methods of Parinson's treatment, such as these new medications and methods, are very important to improving the quality of life of Parkiinson's patients as well as helping them battle the disease.

Summary: When the economy goes into a recession money for prescription drugs can be cut. This is dangerous for your health, so tips are provided to spend less on your prescriptions. The tips include choosing generics, checking online, using a discount program, mail-order medications, and shopping around.

Comment: Parkinson's disease medications can be expensive, yet they are very important to your health. Using half of the prescribed amount, or skipping doses, can be very dangerous and even ineffective towards treating the condition. Taking dangerous steps to save money, such as sharing a prescription, can be avoided if the patients follow the tips and are smart about their prescriptions.

Summary: Researchers have identified to key pathways in adult stem cells which control the repair and replacement of damaged tissue. The used this information to slightly change the cells to react to certain biochemical signals, giving the older stem cells the ability to repair almost as well as younger stem cells.

Comment: This research could create a new and extremely effective method for the treatment of age-related degenerative conditions, such as Parkinson's disease. Also, this study's use of adult stem cells, already present in existing tissue, eliminates the moral and ethical concerns often associated will stem cell treatments.

Summary: The first and only oral, once-daily, non-ergot dopamine agnostic drug for Parkinson's disease, called Requip XL, has recently been approved by the FDA. This new drug has been created to try to reduce the "off" time (the time during which a patient's medication wears off and symptoms return) that patients will experience. With this drug patients will not only be able to have a once-a-day medication, but may also be able to control symptoms better.

Comment: More than one million people in the United States suffer from Parkinson's disease. Requip XL has been formulated to treat the symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Side effects include: drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, headache, or sudden uncontrolled movements.

Summary: Scientists have identified molecules which will allow them to awaken or put to sleep brain cells. The activation of these cells may allow scientists to transform them into neurons, which can, in turn, be employed in the repair of damaged brain tissue. The impact of this research may be far reaching, allowing for new methods of treating Alzheimer's and Parkinsons's diseases.

Comment: It was previously thought that stem cells to be used in this process could only be found in two parts of the brain. This research, however, has proved that stem cells can be found throughout the brain, giving doctors and scientists much greater possibilities in the development of this treatment.

Summary: Many Americans voluntarily participate in clinical trials, from taking health surveys, to allowing analysis of their DNA, or even testing new medicines. Now some researchers are questioning whether they should share the results of the test with the volunteers, and if they should share the overall results, or just the results of the single volunteer.

Comment: There are many sides to the issue, including the ethics, privacy issues, and the financial problems of preparing the results for each individual person. Researchers are unsure, but may possibly study the outcomes of sharing results. They believe that there is a possibility for the NIH and local Institutional Review Boards to require communication plans as a part of each study.

Summary: In a list published by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy five low-cost online pharmacies have been labeled "Not Recommended". However, PharmacyChecker.com, the internet's largest independent verification service of online pharmacies, advises consumers that these pharmacies are ethical and meet all verification requirements. It has been suggested that the NABP, which works with the FDA and is sponsored by Pfizer, a drug company, is attempting to scare consumers away from these low-cost pharmacies.

Comment: The NABP's list of verified pharmacy sites only includes 15 members, which consist largely of US based pharmacy chains and benefits managers. It does not even include lower-cost US sites such as Costco.com, while Canadian and other foreign pharmacies are barred entirely from inclusion. Meanwhile PharmacyChecker.com is dedicated to certifying online, low-cost pharmacy options for consumers.

Summary: A new law has been passed to protect patients in the US from genetic discrimination by keeping their genetic information secure. This legislation prohibits insurers from denying or canceling coverage based on a patient's genetic information, allowing for patient privacy even as scientific advancements make individualized health care possible for patients.

Comment: Genetic testing has the potential to greatly advance diagnosis and treatment of disease. However, it is important that genetic information be protected to prevent any discrimination based on a patient's genetics. The American Medical Association has expressed their support of the passage of this new law.

Summary: The American Heart Association and American College of Sports Medicine have established guidelines recommending 30 minutes of moderate daily activity for adults. Among older adults, experts have found that leisure activities that keep people engaged and physically active help to promote a healthier life and help prevent many diseases linked to aging. Ballroom dancing, for example, develops movement and balance, keeps the mind active, and requires participants to be emotionally engaged. Other suggested forms of movement are gardening, yoga, water aerobics, and tai chi.

Comment: The most beneficial leisure activities are those are intellectual, physical, spiritual, social, and purposeful. In fact, any purposeful movement, even as simple as playing the Nintendo Wii, provide significant benefits to elderly people over more sedentary activities.

Summary: Two studies at the Mayo Clinic in Florida conclude that Parkinson's disease is caused primarily by inherited genetic mutations passed through families over several hundred years. These findings overturn common beliefs that the disease is due primarily to either environmental or random factors.

Comment: The gene in question, LRRK2, can carry at least seven mutations that are linked to typical, late onset development of Parkinson's disease in populations around the world. The research may eventually allow scientists to predict how common genes combine with environmental risks to make some people susceptible to the disease.