Summary: A century old drug, methylene blue, may be able to provide a cure for Parkinson's and Alzheimer's by slowing the cellular aging. The dose required is very low, the equivalent of a few raindrops in four Olympic sized pools, but the small dose slows the cellular aging and improves mitochondrial functions, which helps people with Parkinson's or Alzheimer's to stay healthier for longer.

Comment: Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are often affected by aging, so this drug that slows aging could slow the progress of the diseases. The researchers believe that even though this drug was never previously considered as a treatment it could provide a higher quality of life for those with the diseases. They also believe that after more research methylene blue could become a commonplace drug like aspirin, and that it could also be prescribed as a blood thinner.

Summary: Parkinson's disease is characterized by the accumulation of alpha-syn proteins in the dopaminergic nerve cells. It was found that yeast has a protein that protects itself from protein aggregation, but this protein does not exist in mammals. This protein is called Hsp104 and can reduce alpha-syn aggregates such as those that cause Parkinson's disease.

Comment: It has long been suggested that being able to block alpha-syn protein aggregates could help cure or lessen the symptoms for those with Parkinson's disease. This new protein from yeast could allow a new kind of Parkinson's treatment that could actually cure the disease. More research still needs to be done to test the safety of Hsp104 on the brain.

Summary: A new therapy, called deep brain stimulation, has great potential in relieving or eliminating tremors. The therapy works through the implantation of an electrode which then delivers mild electrical signals deep in the brain. This stimulation reorganizes the brain's own electrical impulses.

Comment: Deep brain stimulation has been called a "pacemaker for the brain". This therapy has also been used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder and debilitating headaches. It has also become an approved treatment for Parkinson's patients who no longer respond to drugs or who experience severe side effects.

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: 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: Parkinson's disease can be an expensive to treat. So it may seem as if your doctor is doing you a favor to offer you free samples of medicines. But samples are often for very expensive brand-name medicines. When the sample runs out, you get to pay for them--often at a higher co-pay.

Comment: This article outlines five questions you should ask your doctor before accepting samples, such as how long you'll be taking the drug, and whether a generic or cheaper alternative is available. The article also links to other articles with advice on cutting the cost of your prescription drugs, including two reports on how to enroll in drug assistance programs and how to find the best prices on prescription medications.

Summary: Yoga is becoming an increasingly popular means of relieving pain and increasing comfort for people with many different types of disabilities. Many patients practice adaptive yoga, which takes into consideration a patients wants and concerns as well as their limitations. Those with multiple sclerosis, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, post-surgical conditions, Parkinson's disease, stroke, arthritis, or simply a very sedentary lifestyle have been helped by doing yoga.

Comment: Instructors have noted that yoga helps students strengthen muscles and increase mobility in joints. It also aids patients in relaxation techniques as they learn to breathe better and gain a better sense of their body. If you have a disability and are struggling with managing your body or symptoms yoga could be a very good option.

Summary: University of Minnesota researchers have discovered that each segment or region of the spinal cord has its own "generator" that controls rhythmic movements such as walking. They were able to map where each of these generators reside. This insight could help lead to treatments for central nervous system maladies such as Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries.

Comment: The study also found that dopamine, a human hormone used to treat Parkinson's disease, can turn on the generators. These findings suggest that movement disorders could possibly be treated by focusing on the chain reaction that occurs within the series of generators when a neuron fires--good news for patients with Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological disorders.

Summary: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this month posted new survey information at the Hospital Compare website, offering consumers more insight about the hospitals in their communities. The website provides three critical types of information about healthcare providers: quality information, patient satisfaction survey information, and pricing information for specific procedures. This information can help consumers make effective decisions about the quality and value of the healthcare available to them through local hospitals.

Comment: Much of the information is based on the first nationwide survey of patients about their experience during a hospital stay. Although the pricing and volume information pertains specifically to Medicare payments, the quality and satisfaction results provide useful comparison data for any patients, regardless of who pays for the services. A link to the Hospital Compare website is provided below.

Summary: Drug-maker UCB has begun recalling batches of its Parkinson's drug Neupro, but not due to contamination or toxicity. The company says the clinical performance of some product on the market was not up to standard. As a result of the recall, pharmacies in the U.S. may be out-of-stock of Neupro in late April.

Comment: Patients should not discontinuing Neupro because of the recall. The product is safe to use. However, because the defective batches may not be as effective as they should be, and because the product will be out-of-stock soon, patients should talk to their doctor about whether they need to alter their regimen.