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10th March 2010 - New research
PARDOPRUNOX - A PARTIAL DOPAMINE
AGONIST FOR
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Movement Disorders
[2010] Mar 2. [Epub ahead of print] (Bronzova J, Sampaio
C, Hauser RA, Lang AE, Rascol O, Theeuwes A, van de Witte SV, van Scharrenburg
G)
Complete abstract
Pardoprunox is a new partial dopamine agonist from Solvay being assessed for its
potential future use in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. It unusually
combines two effects as if it were two distinct but combined drugs :
partially stimulating dopamine, whose deficiency causes Parkinson's Disease, and
fully stimulating serotonin, which is another chemical naturally produced in the brain.
It is thought that Pardoprunox could avoid some of the severe
side effects that full dopamine agonists cause by lessening the effect of
dopamine when dopamine activity is high. This study examined the efficacy and
safety of Pardoprunox (SLV308), in the treatment of patients with early
Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's Disease symptoms did reduce when taking
Pardoprunox. Activities of daily living in
people with Parkinson's Disease also improved. Nausea was reported by 47% of
patients. Dizziness, somnolence, headache, asthenia were reported far less
commonly. The effects of Pardoprunox are to be assessed further. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
6th March 2010 - New book
THE EFFECTS OF EXERCISE ON PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Michael Sage
Publisher's
description : This book explores the role of exercise in the treatment and
management of Parkinson’s Disease. Detailed and thorough comparisons are made
between various exercise interventions, including sensory attention focused
exercise (PD SAFEx). PD SAFEx is a novel exercise strategy designed to target
underlying neurophysiological deficits in Parkinson’s disease. Namely, it
targets the disrupted sensorimotor integration in Parkinson’s Disease and
focuses participants’ attention to proprioceptive feedback while in motion. It
was found that PD SAFEx and strength training have the greatest symptomatic
benefit for individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
Click here for more details. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to
Parkinson's Disease Books.
3rd March 2010 - New research
MODAFINIL FOR
FATIGUE IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Clinical Neuropharmacology
[2009] 32 (6) : 305-310 (Lou JS, Dimitrova DM, Park BS, Johnson SC, Eaton R,
Arnold G, Nutt JG.)
Complete abstract
Fatigue is a major symptom in Parkinson disease. It is associated with
reduced activity and lower quality of life. Modafinil has been considered for
use in the treatment of fatigue in Parkinson's Disease due to its ability to
release dopamine. For more information go to
Modafinil.
A study has determined whether Modafinil improves
subjective fatigue and physical fatigability in Parkinson's Disease. After a
month Modafinil made no difference. After two months Modafinil helped to some
extent with physical fatigue. However for fatigue generally it still had no
effect. The primary problem in Parkinson's Disease is the inability to produce
optimal amounts of dopamine. The reason for the ineffectiveness of Modafinil in
Parkinson's Disease may be due to it only releasing dopamine. It doesn't form
any additional dopamine in order for more to be released. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
27th February 2010 - New research
THE CHOICE OF DOPAMINE AGONISTS
FOR
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Drug Safety [2010] 33 (2) : 147-161 (Kulisevsky J,
Pagonabarraga J.)
Complete abstract
The tolerability and safety of ropinirole (Requip) in the treatment of
Parkinson's Disease, was compared to those of other dopamine agonists (bromocriptine,
cabergoline,
pramipexole,
rotigotine,
pergolide),
the use of a placebo, and when used
alongside L-dopa. Thirty three
years worth of clinical trials were assessed. In all the studies included, dopamine agonists, including
ropinirole (Requip), exhibited a higher likelihood of adverse events than the use of a
placebo. The occurrence of constipation when using ropinirole (Requip) was only 55% of
that of bromocriptine (Parlodel), and 25% of that of L-dopa. There was no difference
between ropinirole (Requip) and rotigotine (Neupro) regarding constipation and dyskinesia. For
nausea, pergolide (Permax) was worse than ropinirole (Requip), but only
narrowly. Both were worse than rotigotine (Neupro). All were clearly worse than
the use of a placebo. Ropinirole (Requip) was worse than pramipexole (Mirapex)
regarding nausea, dizziness, sleepiness and dyskinesia. Worst for
hallucinations was pergolide (Permax) then rotigotine (Neupro), then pramipexole
(Mirapex), and finally ropinirole (Requip). Hallucinations were far more likely
than when taking a placebo. Confusion and constipation were far worse with
pramipexole (Mirapex) compared with placebo. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
20th February 2010 - News release
THE EFFECT OF IBUPROFEN ON
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
It has been widely claimed that Ibuprofen can
lessen the risk of Parkinson's Disease. For the full details go to the
News release.
The research involved 136,474 people who did not have Parkinson’s Disease at the
beginning of the research. The study found that regular users of Ibuprofen were
40% less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than people who did not take
Ibuprofen. People who took higher amounts of Ibuprofen were less likely to
develop Parkinson’s disease than people who took smaller amounts of the drug.
However, the details have not yet been made available for analysis. Frequently,
the results of medical research do not match the claims made for them. Ibuprofen
is often taken for arthritis or pain. For more information go to
Ibuprofen. It works by preventing the
formation of prostaglandins. However, prostaglandins have nothing at all to do
with the biochemistry of Parkinson's Disease. So the full details might show
that Ibuprofen has little effect on Parkinson's Disease or that there is only an
indirect association. The most comprehensive research concerning the effect of
Ibuprofen on Parkinson's Disease assessed studies carried out over 40 years. The
effects of Ibuprofen were found to be far less than those of the news release,
and statistically could have shown a reduced association with Parkinson's
Disease of only 11%. For more details see the
Complete abstract. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
16th February 2010 - New book
NATURAL THERAPIES FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Dr Laurie Mischley
Publisher's
description : Many patients seek alternative and complementary options. This
book fosters an understanding between conventional and complementary providers.
Chapters on : Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Aluminum, Antioxidants, Beta-carotene, Calorie
Restriction, Carnitine, Chelation, Cholesterol, Choline, Coenzyme Q-10,
Constipation, Creatine, Curcumin (Turmeric), Dairy, DHA (fish oil), Fava Beans,
Glutathione, H.pylori (Helicobacter pylori), Homocysteine, Iron, Manganese,
Marijuana (Cannabis sativa), Mucuna pruriens, Velvet bean, Cowhage, Niacin, Tea,
Vitamin B6, Vitamin D, and other topics.
Click here for more details. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to
Parkinson's Disease Books.
8th February 2010 - News release
BONE MARROW STEM CELL THERAPY
FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE
For years it was being claimed that stem cell
therapy was going to cure Parkinson's Disease. However, stem cell operations
being carried out around the world have failed to have such an effect. One of
the acclaimed stem cell pioneers eventually caused a worsening of symptoms. In
Germany, bone marrow stem cells have been used that have been taken from the
same patient. The treatment begins by collecting a small amount of bone marrow
from the patient’s hip via thin needle mini-puncture under local anaesthesia.
The stem cells are separated from the bone marrow, where they are counted and
their vitality is confirmed. The last step consists of inserting a fine spinal
needle between the patient’s vertebrae and injecting the stem cells into the
cerebrospinal fluid, which flows into the brain. The cost for Parkinson’s
treatment starts at around 7,545 Euros (over 10,000 U.S. dollars). The
XCell-Center in Germany has released results from their follow-up study of 50
Parkinson’s Disease patients. For the full results go to the
News release.
Only just over half of the patients showed any
improvement at all. Improvement was determined merely as any improvement rather
than major improvements. Only 8% of all patients had significant improvement
confirmed by their doctor. A greater number, over 10%, actually got worse. Over
90% of the patients had to continue with the use of Parkinson's Disease drugs.
Standard assessment tests for Parkinson's Disease, such as the UPDRS do not
appear to have been used. Instead, it seems that patients largely assessed
themselves even though surgery for Parkinson's Disease is known to be highly
affected by the placebo effect. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
1st February 2010 - New research
THE WORLD'S HIGHEST INCIDENCE OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Movement Disorders [2010] Jan 27 [Epub ahead of
print] (J.Linder, H.Stenlund, L.Forsgren)
Complete abstract
The incidence of Parkinson's Disease is the rate at which people are being newly
diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. The world's highest incidence of Parkinson's
Disease has been found to occur in Sweden. The incidence rate is 22.5 per
100,000. In a country the size of the U.S. this equates to 67,000 people being
newly diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease every single year. Exceptionally high
levels of Parkinson's Disease are usually found to be due to toxicity. However,
in Sweden there is no such apparent cause. Sweden has a high life expectancy.
Japan has the highest life expectancy. In both countries there has been a recent
escalation in the rates of Parkinson's Disease, most probably due to people
living longer in those countries. This suggests that there could soon be a major
increase in the number of people with Parkinson's Disease due to increased life
expectancy in other countries as well. For every person that has
Parkinson's Disease, 10 people alive right now were considered likely to develop
it. With increasing life expectancies that number could be far higher. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
23rd January 2010 - New research
THE AMERICAN PREVALENCE OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Neuroepidemiology [2010] 34 (3)
: 143-151 .Annals of Neurology [2009]
66 (6) : 792-798 (Wright Willis A, Evanoff BA, Lian M, Criswell SR, Racette BA.)
Complete abstract
The prevalence of Parkinson's Disease in the U.S.A. has been found to differ
enormously according to location, age and race. The prevalence of Parkinson's
Disease in some counties was found to be nearly 12 times higher than in other
counties. Urban areas were more affected than rural areas. Elsewhere, the
opposite is usually true. Parkinson's Disease is far from being evenly spread
across the U.S.A.. The study revealed a concentration of Parkinson's Disease in
the Midwest and Northeast regions of the U.S.A.. Nebraska was previously shown
to be the worst affected
Complete abstract.
In the over 65s there was found to be a prevalence in some areas of 1 in 7,
making it in those places a common medical disorder. Whites were affected with
Parkinson's Disease about twice as much as Blacks and Asians, though this
difference is progressively decreasing, especially between Blacks and Whites. In
order to refer to this article on its own
click here.
19th January 2010 - New research
PYRIDOXINE FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Annals of Neurology [2009]
66 (6) : 792-798 (Elstner M, Morris CM, Heim K, Lichtner P, Bender A, Mehta D,
Schulte C, Sharma M, Hudson G, Goldwurm S, Giovanetti A, Zeviani M, Burn DJ,
McKeith IG, Perry RH, Jaros E, Krüger R, Wichmann HE, Schreiber S, Campbell H,
Wilson JF, Wright AF, Dunlop M, Pistis G, Toniolo D, Chinnery PF, Gasser T,
Klopstock T, Meitinger T, Prokisch H, Turnbull DM.)
Complete abstract
An increased risk of Parkinson's Disease have been found for the gene for
Pyridoxal kinase. Pyridoxal kinase is an enzyme. Enzymes are chemicals
naturally produced by the body that turn one substance in to another in the
body. Pyridoxal kinase ultimately turns the Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) via
pyridoxal in to pyridoxal phosphate. This is why people need to consume vitamin
B6 (pyridoxine) in order to produce pyridoxal phosphate. Pyridoxal phosphate
(and therefore pyridoxine) is very important for Parkinson's Disease because it
is essential for making use of L-dopa. So without pyridoxine and pyridoxal
phosphate, L-dopa is virtually useless. L-dopa simply could not form dopamine.
It is therefore not surprising that a disturbance in the gene that makes
pyridoxal phosphate can make somebody more likely to develop Parkinson's
Disease. Pyridoxine was actually one of the first means of treating Parkinson's
Disease. In the 1940's pyridoxine was independently being used in the U.S.S.R.
and in the U.S.A.. However, large quantities of pyridoxine (30mg or more) can
have a detrimental effect, because it breaks down L-dopa in drug form before it
is used. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
7th January 2010 - New research
WELL WATER AS A CAUSE OF
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Environmental Health
Perspectives [2009] 117 (12) : 1912-1918 (Gatto NM, Cockburn M, Bronstein J,
Ritz B, Manthripragada AD)
Complete abstract
Investigators have hypothesized that consuming pesticide-contaminated well water
plays a role in Parkinson's Disease, and several previous epidemiology studies
support this hypothesis. Researchers investigated whether consuming water from
private wells located in areas with documented historical pesticide use was
associated with an increased risk. They separately examined 6 pesticides
(diazinon, chlorpyrifos, propargite, paraquat, dimethoate, and methomyl) from
among 26 chemicals selected for their potential to pollute groundwater or for
their relevance to Parkinson's Disease, and because at least 10% of their
population was exposed to them. People with Parkinson's Disease were more likely
to have consumed private well water and to have consumed it on average 4.3 years
longer than normal. High levels of three of the pesticides (methomyl,
chlorpyrifos, propargite) resulted in a 70%-90% increase in the risk of
Parkinson's Disease. The study demonstrated that consuming well water presumably
contaminated with pesticides can increase the likelihood of Parkinson's Disease.
In order to refer to this article on its own
click here.
19th December 2009 - New research
THE EFFECT OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE
ON DRIVING ABILITY
Neurology [2009] 73
(24) : 2112-2119 (Uc EY, Rizzo M, Johnson AM, Dastrup E, Anderson SW, Dawson
JD.)
Complete abstract
Overall, drivers with Parkinson's Disease had poorer road safety when driving,
when compared to people that did not have Parkinson's Disease. However, there
was found to be considerable variability among the drivers with Parkinson's
Disease. Some of them performed normally, or even better than normal. Drivers
with Parkinson's Disease committed more safety errors compared to controls. Over
three quarters of people with Parkinson's Disease committed more errors.
However, the number of errors was not much greater (only 1.26 times more).
Lane violations were the most common error category, but that was the same for
people that did not have Parkinson's Disease. Older age made errors more likely
in Parkinson's Disease. Familiarity with the local driving environment
made differences in some error categories insignificant. Although it is often
assumed that Parkinson's Disease makes driving more difficult, overall it does
not reduce driving ability by much in most people, and in some not at all. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
18th December 2009 - New book
THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Anthony D.Mosley, Deborah
S.Romaine, Ali M.D.Samii
Publisher's
description : This encyclopedia by a neurologist specializing in Parkinson's
disease and a medical writer provides an overview of the illness. More than 600
alphabetical entries with cross-references describe all aspects of the disease.
Entries range in length from one paragraph to several pages and include drugs
used in treatment, surgical procedures, anatomy and physiology, related
conditions, practical considerations such as coping with diagnosis, home safety,
biographies, and organizations. Two appendixes list organizations and resources
and state Medicaid offices. A bibliography of books and articles and an index
complete the work.
Click here for more details. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to
Parkinson's Disease Books.
3rd December 2009 - New research
PARKINSON'S DISEASE WAS
DESCRIBED IN 1690
Parkinsonism Related Disorders
[2009] (D.Bereczki)
Complete abstract
A detailed description of Parkinson's Disease has been discovered that dates
from 1690. That is over a century before the first claimed formal
description in 1817 by James Parkinson, after whom Parkinson's Disease was
subsequently named. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease, most frequently tremor,
have been described since ancient times and throughout history. For more
information go to
The History of Parkinson's Disease.
However, the first
systematic description of Parkinson's Disease is usually attributed to James Parkinson in 1817.
Over 127 years before James Parkinson described it, the Hungarian doctor Pápai Páriz
Ferenc (1649-1716) described in his medical text Pax Corporis not only individual signs
of Parkinson's Disease, but all four cardinal signs : tremor, bradykinesia,
rigor and postural instability. The book was published in Hungarian, which because it is
understood by so few people, has resulted in his description of Parkinson's
Disease being
ignored in the medical literature all this time. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
26th November 2009 - New research
DOPAMINERGIC TRANSPLANTS FAIL IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Annals of Neurology [2009] 66
(5) : 591-596 (Olanow CW, Kordower JH, Lang AE, Obeso JA.)
Complete abstract
For years, cell-based therapies that involve the transplantation of dopaminergic
cells in to the brain have attracted considerable interest as possible
treatments for Parkinson's Disease. However, all of the double-blind,
sham-controlled, studies have failed to meet their hoped for efficacy.
Transplantation of dopamine cells derived from the fetal mesencephalon is also
associated with a potentially disabling form of dyskinesia that persists even
after withdrawal of L-dopa. In addition, disability in advanced patients
primarily results from features that are not primarily due to insufficient
dopamine. These features are not adequately controlled with dopaminergic
therapies and are thus unable to respond to dopaminergic transplants. Implanted
dopaminergic neurons have also recently been found to contain Lewy bodies, which
are signs of cell damage, suggesting that even after transplantation they are
dysfunctional and may have been affected by the Parkinson's Disease process.
Although stem cell therapies have been tried in Parkinson's Disease based on the
claim that there is a massive loss of dopamine producing cells in Parkinson's
Disease, not a single study has ever shown this to be true. In
order to refer to this article on its own
click here
18th November 2009 - New research
THE EFFECT OF MOBILE PHONE USE
ON PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Ugeskrift for laeger [2009] 171
(45) : 3268-3271 (Schüz J, Waldemar G, Olsen JH, Johansen C.)
Complete abstract
Researchers assessed the effect
of the use of mobile phones on neurological disorders including Parkinson's
Disease. It has long been suspected that mobile phones have a detrimental effect
on the nervous system. In a huge study, they found that mobile phone use
increased the likelihood of migraine and vertigo by 10% to 20%. However,
long term use of mobile phones actually reduced rather than increased the
likelihood of Parkinson's Disease and dementia by 30% to 40%. The researchers
offer no reason why this might be. Mobile phones emit electromagnetic radiation.
The use of electromagnetic radiation has recently been introduced for the
treatment of Parkinson's Disease. It involves the use of a very low level
electromagnetic field in order to lessen the signs and symptoms. For more
information go to
Magnetic Therapy.
If long term mobile phone use causes any lessening of Parkinson's Disease, given
the similarity of their effects, mobile phone use is likely to be acting
unintentionally by the same means as magnetic therapy.
In order to refer to this article on its own
click here.
13th November 2009 - News release
MICHAEL J.FOX FOUNDATION FUNDS
FOUR NEW APPROACHES FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE
The Michael J.Fox Foundation has
funded four novel approaches for dealing with problems caused by Parkinson's
Disease. (1) Anders Björklund is assessing the hypothesis that the brain’s
Serotonin
system plays a role in dyskinesia, the excessive movements brought on by
long-term dopamine replacement therapy. The team is initiating a pilot study of
Eltoprazine, a medicine capable of blocking inappropriate release of dopamine
from serotonin terminals. (2) Daniel Weintraub will conduct the first
placebo-controlled trial of an agent to treat impulse control disorders
associated with the use of dopamine agonists.
Naltrexone, which blocks opioid receptors, is approved by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of alcohol dependence.
It has been shown to be beneficial for pathological gambling. (3) Alvaro
Pascual-Leone and his colleagues will test the potential of non-invasive
repetitive
Transcranial magnetic stimulation
in order to improve symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease symptoms. (4) Daniel Tarsy
is investigating whether group singing can improve the decreased voice volume
experienced by many people who have Parkinson's Disease. For more information go
to the
News release.
In order to refer to this article on its own
click here.
3rd November 2009 - News release
STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY FOR
PARKINSON'S DISEASE TREMORS
Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)
is claimed to offer a less invasive way to eliminate tremors caused by
Parkinson's Disease than Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and Radiofrequency (RF)
treatments, and is as effective, according to a long-term study. Stereotactic
radiosurgery is a precise form of radiation therapy used primarily to treat
tumors and other abnormalities of the brain. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a
non-surgical procedure that delivers a single high-dose of precisely-targeted
radiation using highly focused gamma-ray or x-ray beams that converge on the
specific area or areas of the brain where the abnormality resides. For more
information go to
Stereotactic Surgery. In a long term
study amongst hard-to-treat tremors caused by Parkinson’s Disease and Essential
Tremors, 84% of patients had significant or complete resolution of tremors. In
patients with Parkinson’s disease, 83% had near or complete tremor resolution,
while those with essential tremor had 87% tremor resolution. For more
information go to the
News release.
In order to refer to this article on its own
click here.
2nd November 2009 - New book
THE MUHAMMAD ALI PARKINSON CENTER 100 QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS ABOUT PARKINSON DISEASE
Abraham Lieberman
Publisher's
description : Whether you're a newly diagnosed patient, or are a friend or
relative of someone suffering from Parkinson Disease, this book offers help. The
Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center 100 Questions & Answers About Parkinson Disease,
Second Edition gives you authoritative, practical answers to your questions
about treatment options, quality of life, and sources of support. Written by an
internationally recognized expert on Parkinson Disease, this book is an
invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of
this devastating disease. All royalties of this book are donated to the Muhammad
Ali Parkinson Center.
Click here for more details. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to
Parkinson's Disease Books.
24th October 2009 - New research
GAUCHER'S DISEASE AND
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
New England Journal of Medicine
[2009] 361 (17) : 1651-1661
(Sidransky et al)
Complete abstract
Gaucher's Disease has been found to make Parkinson's Disease five times more
likely. Gaucher's Disease is an inherited metabolic disorder in which
harmful quantities of a substance called
glucocerebroside can accumulate in the spleen, liver, lungs, bone marrow,
and the brain. Glucocerebroside accumulates
because glucocerebrosidase (the chemical
that breaks it down) is deficient in Gaucher's Disease. It is named after
the French doctor Philippe Gaucher, who originally described it. For more
information go to
Gaucher's Disease. A lot of people are
carriers for Gaucher's Disease without realising it. Around 1 in 100 people are
a carrier for Gaucher's Disease. In Ashkenazi Jews as many as 1 in 15 are a
carrier. Those people that had Gaucher's Disease and Parkinson's Disease
developed Parkinson's Disease at an earlier age, were more likely to have
affected relatives, and were more likely to have atypical clinical
manifestations. Although it is known what causes Gaucher's Disease, it is not
known how that can also cause the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. In order to
refer to this article on its own
click here.
23rd October 2009 - New book
DEEP WITHIN THE BRAIN : LIVING WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Helmut Dubiel, Hubert H.
Fernandez
Publisher's
description : At the age of forty-six, philosopher and university professor
Helmut Dubiel was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In the early stages of his
sickness, fearing censure and ostracism, Dubiel did his utmost to conceal his
condition. But when his symptoms became too obvious to camouflage, he was
obliged to admit defeat and decided to
undergo deep brain stimulation surgery. In this fascinating book, Dubiel
describes the course of his illness with a philosopher's aplomb, ennobling his
personal experience with intellectual flair and scientific insight as he makes
connections between his own medical drama and some of today's most significant
global tendencies.
Click here for more details. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to
Parkinson's
Disease Books.
19th October 2009 - New research
THE EFFECT OF MAO INHIBITORS ON PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Cochrane Database of systematic reviews
[2009] 4 : CD006661 (R.Caslake, A.Macleod, N.Ives, R.Stowe, C.Counsell)
Complete abstract
Researchers compared the effect of MAO-B inhibitors on Parkinson's Disease with
the use of dopaminergic drugs. MAO-B inhibitors that are commonly used with
Parkinson's Disease are Selegiline (Deprenyl) and Rasagiline (Azilect). MAO-B
inhibitors help to sustain the levels of dopamine. For more information go to
MAO inhibitors. Those people taking
MAO-B inhibitors were far more likely to require additional treatments than
those taking L-dopa or dopamine agonists. MAO-B inhibitors were sufficient on
their own in very few people. MAO-B inhibitors caused far fewer motor
fluctuations than L-dopa, but a bit more than dopamine agonists. Withdrawals due
to adverse events were far less common with MAO-B inhibitors than with dopamine
agonists. The authors concluded that MAO-B inhibitors are one option for the
early treatment of Parkinson's Disease, but that they have weaker symptomatic
effects than L-dopa and dopamine agonists. In order to refer to this article on
its own
click here.
15th October 2009 - News release
THE EFFECT OF COGANE ON PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Phytopharm have claimed that Cogane has reversed the effects of Parkinson's
Disease. However, the study did not measure the long term effects, and the full
details of the clinical trial have not been made available for analysis. For more information go to their
News release. Cogane, which can be taken
orally, readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and has been shown to stimulate
the release of GDNF. GDNF can indirectly stimulate the formation of dopamine,
the substance whose insufficiency causes Parkinson's Disease. For more
information go to
Cogane.
However, GDNF deficiency has never been shown to be the cause of Parkinson's
Disease. GDNF was shown to be ineffective in clinical trials in humans. Although
Phytopharm claim that Cogane can reverse the effects of Parkinson's Disease,
Cogane has never reversed the effects of Parkinson's Disease in anyone. The
efficacy study was only carried out on Macaque monkeys. Macaque monkeys do not
have Parkinson's Disease. What is described as Parkinson's Disease in monkeys is
usually only drug induced. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
14th October 2009 - News report
AGENT ORANGE ACCEPTED
AS A CAUSE OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has acknowledged Agent Orange as a
cause of Parkinson's Disease. For more information go to the
News report. Agent Orange is the
name given to a herbicide used by the U.S. Military during the Vietnam War
as a means of warfare. For more information go to
Agent Orange.
In practical terms, those Veterans who served in the Vietnam War and who have
Parkinson's Disease will not have to prove an association between their
Parkinson's Disease and their military service in Vietnam. This acknowledgement
simplifies and speeds up any application they make for benefits. For their web
site go to the
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
Their acknowledgement of an association is based entirely on the "Veterans and Agent Orange Update
2008", which can be read
here.
Although the report claims to "link" Agent Orange to Parkinson's Disease, it
fails to provide any evidence at all showing that Agent Orange had caused
Parkinson's Disease. There have been over
300 published studies on the effects of Agent Orange, yet none of
them have shown that Agent Orange has ever caused Parkinson's Disease.
Toxic exposure can not begin to have an effect on Parkinson's Disease years or
decades after toxic exposure as is often claimed. It can occur in almost anyone
without toxicity being the cause. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
11th October 2009 - New research
DUAL LAYER L-DOPA FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Clinical Neuropharmacology [2009] 32 (4) :
189-192 (Hinson VK, Goetz CG, Leurgans S, Fan W, Nguyen T, Hsu A.)
Complete abstract
IPX054, which is a form of
L-dopa, in which there are two layers, has been shown to be slightly more
effective than conventional forms of L-dopa, despite only having to be taken
twice a day instead of throughout the day. L-dopa usually comes in two different
formats : either the immediate release version, which satisfies the immediate
need for L-dopa, or the controlled release version, which avoids the excessive
effects of L-dopa by spreading out the effect over time. IPX054 combines the two
types of L-dopa, immediate release and controlled release, in one tablet, in two
different layers, aiming to provide the benefits of both formats. In clinical
practice, this ease of administration may offer improved treatment compliance
and effectiveness. In order to refer to this article on its own
click here.
7th October 2009 - News release
MAGNETIC THERAPY FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Pico-Tesla claim to have shown “significant
improvement over placebo” in reducing Parkinson’s disease symptoms using their
magnetic therapy Magneceutical, that persisted for up to two months after
treatment without side effects. The level of improvement was not disclosed. For
more information read the
News
release. Magneceutical Therapy
involves the use of an extremely low-level electromagnetic field applied by a
specially designed device, the Resonator, along with proprietary therapeutic
protocols, intended to improve a number of the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s
and other neurological disorders. Helmholtz coils immerse the entire patient in
a low strength electromagnetic field. The strength and duration of the magnetic
fields are regulated by Pico-Tesla via the internet. The mechanism of action of
magnetic therapy is not known. For more information concerning the method
used go to
The Resonator. In order to refer to this article
on its own
click here.
5th October
2009 - New research
L-SULPIRIDE AS A CAUSE OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Movement Disorders [2009]
Sep 30 [Epub ahead of print] (Shin HW, Kim MJ, Kim JS, Lee MC, Chung SJ.)
Complete abstract
The drug L-Sulpiride has been found to commonly cause the symptoms of
Parkinson's Disease.
Levosulpiride is widely used for the management
of
Dyspeptic
Syndrome, Retarded Gastric Excretion, Vertigo, Vomiting And Nausea.
For more information go to
L-Sulpiride. Little
was known about L-Sulpiride-induced movement disorders (LIM).
So the aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of
patients with L-Sulpiride-induced movement disorders (LIM). The most common
L-Sulpiride-induced movement disorder was Parkinsonism with over 90% of cases,
followed by tardive dyskinesia with about 10% of cases, and isolated tremor
affecting only 3% of cases.
The symptoms are often severe, and
L-Sulpiride-induced movement disorders still persisted even after
withdrawal of L-Sulpiride in nearly half of patients with L-Sulpiride induced
Parkinsonism. In order to refer to this article
on its own
click here.
1st October 2009 - New research
THE EFFECT OF RASAGILINE ON PARKINSON'S DISEASE
New England Journal of Medicine [2009] 361 (13) : 1268-1278 (Olanow CW, et al)
Complete abstract
Claims based on the results of a recent clinical trial that Rasagiline
(Azilect) slows the progression of Parkinson's Disease are not supported at all
by that study's results. Yet it has still been very widely, and falsely claimed
that Rasagiline slows the progression of Parkinson's Disease. Rasagiline is a
MAO inhibitor, which is a type of drug that is often used in Parkinson's Disease
alone, or alongside other treatments. For more information go to
Rasagiline. The clinical trial involved
over a thousand patients. In early-start treatment with Rasagiline at a dose of
1 mg per day, there was actually a worsening of Parkinson's Disease symptoms
throughout the clinical trial. As time progressed during the clinical trial, the
effect of 1mg Rasagiline was found to be no different from those people
that had taken Rasagiline for only half of the time. The use of 2mg Rasagiline
per day was also shown to be no better than the use of 1mg or delaying the use
of Rasagiline. In order to refer to this article
on its own
click here.
30th September 2009
- New book
DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION
Peter Bain, Tipu Aziz, Xuguang Liu, Dipankar
Nandi
Publisher's
description : Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is increasingly used for the
treatment of patients with severe Parkinson's disease, but the technique and
science behind it is still poorly understood by most clinicians. This book is
intended to provide an overview of the use of DBS for movement disorders. The
first part of the book covers the varying surgical techniques involved in
implanting electrodes into various deep nuclei within the brain. The
neuro-physiological techniques involved in this process and the complex issue of
programming the implanted stimulator in order to optimize therapeutic efficacy
and minimize stimulation induced adverse effects. The second part of the book
describes how to select appropriate patients and describes the results of DBS
treatment for Parkinson's disease, dystonia and tremors. Edited by three of the
world's leading experts in the DBS field, this pocketbook provides neurologists,
trainees, and specialist nurses with an overview of the therapeutics use of DBS.
Click here for more details. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to
Parkinson's Disease Books.
September 2009 - New research
OCCUPATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Archives of Neurology
[2009] 66 (9) : 1106-1113 (Tanner CM, Ross GW, Jewell SA, Hauser RA, Jankovic J,
Factor SA, Bressman S, Deligtisch A, Marras C, Lyons KE, Bhudhikanok GS, Roucoux
DF, Meng C, Abbott RD, Langston JW.)
Complete abstract
Work
in agriculture, education, health care, or welding was not associated with
increased risk of Parkinsonism. Unexpected increased risks associated with
legal, construction and extraction, or religious occupations were not maintained after
adjustment for duration. However, having worked in business, finance, legal
occupations, construction and extraction, or transportation and material moving
was associated with postural instability and gait difficulty. None of the occupations,
job tasks, or task-related exposures were associated with Parkinson's Disease
being diagnosed at a younger age. Pesticide use made the
likelihood of Parkinsonism almost twice (1.9 times) more likely.
Use of any of 8 pesticides more than doubled (2.2 times) the likelihood. This
risk was even higher (2.59 times more likely) with the use of
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. In order to refer to this article
on its own
click here.
26th September 2009
- New book
UNDERSTANDING PARKINSON'S DISEASE : A SELF-HELP
GUIDE
David L. Cram, Xiao Gao, Steven Schechter
Publisher's
description : A simple, sympathetic guide to coping with a progressive,
disabling brain disorder. Physician Cram was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
ten years ago. Here he matches his personal experience with his experiences
treating other patients with the disease. Cram is a firm believer in four
elements to self-help : a positive attitude, information about the disease;
partnership with a knowledgeable physician, and a willingness to take action, to
do the things "that make you feel better, help slow the disability, and keep you
as independent as possible for as long as possible.'' Cram goes on to
explain the overall progression of the disease through five stages. The hope he
offers is that early self-help and medication may delay or even prevent the
later stages. He looks at length at emotional considerations, diet, exercise,
and other lifestyle needs, as well as present and possible future medical
treatments.
Click here for more details. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to
Parkinson's Disease Books.
22nd September 2009 - New research
THE PREVALENCE OF HALLUCINATIONS
IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Journal of Neurological Science [2009] Sep 7 [Epub ahead of print] (Fénelon G,
Alves G.)
Complete abstract
Visual hallucinations have been found to be present in about one quarter to one
third of people with Parkinson's Disease. Auditory hallucinations occur in up to
20%. Psychotic symptoms are frequent and disabling in people with Parkinson's
Disease. Tactile (touch) and olfactory (smell) hallucinations are usually not
systematically checked. Minor phenomena such as sense of presence and visual
illusions affect anywhere between 17% to 72% of people with Parkinson's Disease.
Delusions affect only about 5%. Hallucinations persist and worsen and their
prevalence increases with time. The symptoms are usually due to Parkinson's
Disease drugs. Dopaminergic agonists increase the likelihood of symptoms, but
there is no simple dose-effect relationship between dopaminergic treatments and
the presence or severity of hallucinations. Other factors associated with
hallucinations include older age, longer duration of Parkinson's Disease,
disease severity, altered dream phenomena, and daytime sleepiness. In order to
refer to this article on its own
click here.
18th September 2009
- New research
SUICIDE IS FIVE TIMES MORE
LIKELY IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Journal of Neurological
Science [2009] Sep 7 [Epub ahead of print] (Kostic VS, Pekmezovic T, Tomic A,
Jecmenica-Lukic M, Stojkovic T, Spica V, Svetel M, Stefanova E, Petrovic I,
Džoljic E.)
Complete abstract
People with Parkinson's
Disease have been found to be five times more likely to commit suicide. In some
people with Parkinson's Disease, this tendency increases far beyond that.
Current thoughts of death or suicide were found in nearly a quarter of
people with Parkinson's Disease. This tendency was related to mood, especially
depression, rather
than the severity of Parkinson's Disease symptoms. The primary cause of
Parkinson's Disease is insufficient dopamine. Although insufficient dopamine
causes the excessive muscle contraction that is characteristic of Parkinson's
Disease, insufficient dopamine also affects the emotions, tending to make people
more prone to depression. This is why depression is common in many, but
certainly not all people with Parkinson's Disease. So the increased likelihood
of suicide and suicidal thoughts in Parkinson's Disease is largely caused due to
a biochemical deficiency of dopamine rather than by the practical problems and
circumstances that Parkinson's Disease can lead to. In order to refer to this article
on its own
click here.
14th September 2009
- New book
BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY ON FUNCTION
IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Muhammed Al - Jarrah
Publisher's
description : Drugs used to treat PD halt the symptoms of the disease for a few
years, but later can result in serious complications. Surgery as another option
available to treat PD has been shown to carry significant risk factors and treat
only certain symptoms of PD. Several studies demonstrated that exercise provides
protection against PD and lowers the risk of getting PD, but most of these
studies did not examine the physiological mechanisms of how exercise helps
patients with PD. In this book, we conducted experiments to begin to narrow down
the possible changes occurring with exercise in chronic/progressive animal model
of PD that would explain the beneficial outcomes. These mechanisms include the
beneficial effect of exercise on Respiratory parameters such as O2 consumption,
CO2 production, heat production and citrate synthase activity in cardiac and
skeletal muscles.
Click here for more details. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to
Parkinson's Disease Books.
11th September 2009
- News release
THE WORLD'S SMALLEST DEEP BRAIN
STIMULATOR FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Approval has been given
for the world's smallest, longest-lasting rechargeable Deep Brain Stimulator
(DBS) for Parkinson's Disease. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
involves the use in Parkinson's Disease of electrodes that are implanted into
the brain and connected to a small electrical device that can be externally
programmed. For more information go to
Deep
brain stimulation.
The new small device is called the Brio neurostimulator. It is very thin and
light, and only slightly bigger than a man's wrist watch. Additionally, the
device has the greatest recommended implant depth of any rechargeable DBS
device. The thin profile and greater implant depth potentially makes the
neurostimulator less noticeable and more comfortable for patients. The Brio DBS
system delivers mild electrical pulses to specific targets in the brain,
stimulating the structures that are involved in muscular movement. The system
consists of a neurostimulator – a surgically implanted battery-operated device
that generates the electrical pulses – and leads which carry the pulses to the
brain to influence the irregular nerve signals responsible for the symptoms of
Parkinson’s Disease. For more details read the
News release.
In order to refer to this article on its own
click here.
9th September 2009 - New research
THE EFFECT OF ROPINIROLE
(REQUIP) ON PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Clinical neurology and neurosurgery [2009] Sep 2 [Epub ahead of print] (Valldeoriola
F, Cobaleda S, Lahuerta J.)
Complete abstract
Ropinirole is a dopamine agonist that is commonly used in the treatment of
Parkinson's Disease. It is often sold as Requip, Ropark, or Adartrel. For more information go to
Ropinirole. Ropinirole was found to be
mostly used as an add on treatment (in 76% of cases), and as the only treatment
in around a quarter (24%) of those people using it. The average maintenance dose
was found to be 9mg per day, and normally be within the range 4mg to 15mg. Over
a quarter (28%) of people taking Ropinirole reported adverse reactions. The most
frequent adverse reactions were somnolence and sedation (9%), gastrointestinal
symptoms (7%), increase in dyskinesia (6%), and orthostatic symptoms (4%).
Treatment using Ropinirole was withdrawn in 14% of patients, largely because of
either adverse reactions, lack of efficacy, or change in treatment. Over 80% of
people taking Ropinirole were considered by their neurologists to have improved
after taking it. In order to refer to this article on its own
click here.
5th September 2009 - New research
RETINAL STEM CELLS DISAPPEAR
AFTER SURGERY FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Neurology [2009] Sep 2. [Epub ahead of print] (Farag ES, Vinters HV, Bronstein
J.)
Complete abstract
Retinal pigment epithelial cells have been found to disappear after being used
in a form of surgery intended for use in Parkinson's Disease. For years, the use
of implanted stem cells have been claimed to have the potential to rid
Parkinson's Disease. One of these means is the use of RPE (retinal pigment
epithelium) cells. These cells are found in the eyes and can also produce
dopamine, the substance whose deficiency causes Parkinson's Disease. A
68-year-old man underwent surgical implantation of 325,000 RPE cells in
Spheramine (gelatin microcarriers) for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. He
happened to die six months after the surgery took place. This enabled the
researchers to see what happened to retinal stem cells after surgical
implantation. Over 99.9% of the cells had disappeared after only six months.
Implanted stem cells simply failed to survive. A previous study using the same
methods demonstrated only a moderate benefit for six months. For more details
see the
Complete abstract.
Despite different forms of stem cell surgery now being carried out in countries
around the world, there is not even one study in the entire medical literature
showing that anybody has ever been rid of Parkinson's Disease by this means. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
2nd September 2009 - News report
PIMAVANSERIN FAILS CLINICAL TRIAL FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Pimavanserin, a drug in development for psychosis related to Parkinson's Disease
failed to have any beneficial effect in clinical trials. Psychotic episodes,
such as hallucinations and delusions, sometimes occur in Parkinson's Disease.
The drug was being developed by Arcadia and Biovail. For more information go to
Biovail. Parkinson's Disease is largely
due to insufficient dopamine. Psychosis appears to be due to almost the opposite
- an excess or an accumulation of dopamine. This is why anti-psychotic drugs can
cause Parkinson's Disease symptoms, and why Parkinson's Disease drugs can
sometimes cause symptoms of psychosis. Pimavanserin is a "5-HT 2A receptor
inverse agonist". Biochemically that could have no effect on the excessive
dopamine found in psychosis. So the failure of Pimavanserin in clinical
trials is almost predictable. The psychosis sometimes experienced in Parkinson's
Disease is normally due to the excessive use of dopaminergic drugs. So a
reduction in the use of those drugs is a more rational approach than using an
additional drug to combat the effects of dopaminergic drugs. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
25th August 2009 - New research
THE COMPARISON OF L-DOPA AND
DOPAMINE AGONISTS
American Family Physician [2009] 80 (1) : 28-30 (Hitzeman N, Rafii F.)
Complete abstract
Dopamine agonists have been found to have little advantage over the use of
L-dopa in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. Dopamine agonists are being used
increasingly as the initial treatment for Parkinson Disease, but uncertainty
remains about their clinical-effectiveness and cost relative to the use of
L-dopa. Based on 29 clinical trials involving over 5000 people,
dyskinesia, dystonia and motor fluctuations occurred less in people using
dopamine agonists. However, various non-motor adverse effects were worse in
those using dopamine agonists including : edema (fluid accumulation), somnolence
(sleepiness), dizziness, hallucinations, constipation, and nausea. Some agonists
are also known to cause compulsions. People treated with dopamine agonists were
also significantly more likely than people taking L-dopa to discontinue
treatment because of adverse events. The control of Parkinson's Disease symptoms
was found to be better with the use of L-dopa than with dopamine agonists. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
21st August 2009 - New book
THE NON-MOTOR SYMPTOMS COMPLEX OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE
K Ray Chaudhuri, Eduardo Tolosa,
Anthony Schapira, Werner Poewe
Publisher's description : Patients with Parkinson's disease are known to suffer
from motor symptoms, but they also experience non-motor symptoms that are often
present before diagnosis or that inevitably emerge with disease progression.
Researchers have only recently begun to focus on the non-motor symptoms, which
are poorly recognized and inadequately treated. The non-motor symptoms have a
significant impact on patient quality of life and mortality and include
neuropsychiatric, sleep-related, autonomic, gastrointestinal, and sensory
symptoms. While some non-motor symptoms can be improved with currently available
treatments, others may be more refractory and will require research into novel
(non-dopaminergic) drug therapies for the future. Edited by members of the UK
Parkinson's Disease Non-Motor Group (PD-NMG) and with contributions from
international experts, this book summarizes the current understanding of
non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease and points the way towards future
research.
Click here for more details. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to
Parkinson's Disease Books.
19th August 2009 - New research
THE LOSS OF SEX DRIVE IN
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
The journal of sexual medicine
[2009] 6 (4) : 1024-1031 (Kummer A, Cardoso F, Teixeira AL)
Complete abstract
Sexual dysfunction is a frequent but neglected problem in Parkinson's Disease,
as muscular problems are usually seen as the characteristic symptoms. However,
nearly two thirds (65.6%) of people with Parkinson's Disease have been found to
suffer a loss of sex drive. Over 42% of those men with Parkinson's Disease also
complained of erectile dysfunction. Ageing, female gender, lower education, and
depression were most associated with decreased sexual desire. Decreased interest
in sex was not associated with antidepressants. The neurological features that
were most associated with a greater loss of sex drive were predominance of motor
symptoms on the left side of the body, autonomic dysfunction, and severer
Parkinson's Disease. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
16th August 2009 - New report
A FUTURE REPLACEMENT FOR SINEMET
According to a new
report, Depomed are developing a new drug called DM-1992 that could outperform Sinemet in the
treatment of Parkinson's Disease. For their report
click here.
The details are on page 20. Just like Sinemet, DM-1992 is a combination of
L-dopa and carbidopa, which prevents the breakdown of L-dopa.
DM-1992 also includes AcuForm, which makes use of
the properties of certain
polymers. These polymers have long been used to "fluff" ice
cream and are safe to use. For more information go to
Depomed. Upon entering the stomach an AcuForm coated pill expands and
is retained in the stomach for up to 8 hours. This helps to deliver a drug like
Sinemet over a longer period of time. Depomed's formulation was able to
extend the therapeutic duration of L-dopa to nine hours, compared to Sinemet CR's
seven hours. The time to reach peak blood levels was extended to four hours
compared to 2 hours for Sinemet CR. These advantages could enable a decrease in the dosage of L-dopa,
and the ridding of side effects such as nausea and dyskinesia. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
14th August 2009 - Web site
DBS SURGERY WEB SITE
Deep
brain stimulation
(DBS) surgery is often used for Parkinson's Disease. It involves the use of electrodes that are implanted
into the brain and connected to a small electrical device. DBS can reduce the need for
L-dopa and related drugs, which in turn decreases the involuntary
movements called dyskinesias that are a common side effect of L-dopa.
DBS-STN.org
is a web site dealing with all aspects of DBS, which is probably the most
complex subject in Parkinson's Disease. For their web site go to
DBS-STN.org. There
is also a
forum for DBS where people can raise issues
concerning it.
11th August 2009 - New research
THE MICHAEL J.FOX FOUNDATION
FUNDS NINE NEW APPROACHES
The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's
Research is funding nine new research projects for Parkinson's Disease. All of
the nearly four million dollar funding has gone to nine biotech and
pharmaceutical companies. For more information read the
Press release. The research projects consist of seven "neuroprotective approaches", and two
projects concerning the treatment of dyskinesia. The following provides links to
the details of each of the nine projects
:
|
* |
The pharmacodynamics
of ReS9-S7, which concerns early stage research in possible toxicity
[1].
The element being researched, alpha-synuclein, has never been shown to cause
Parkinson's Disease, but has instead has been found only to be affected as a result of it. |
|
* |
Exploring curcumin
(which is found in a curry spice) as a possible treatment of
Parkinson's Disease
[2]. Curcumin
is already been widely used, due to its ready
availability, but has never rid Parkinson's Disease.
|
|
* |
The effect of novel
neuronal nicotinic receptor compounds on dyskinesia
[3].
Smoking has the same effect on the nicotinic receptors due its nicotine
contact, yet does not rid dyskinesia. |
|
* |
Assessment of the
therapeutic efficacy of progranulin in a sub-chronic animal model of
Parkinson’s disease
[4].
Other researchers have already shown that progranulin has no potential in
the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. |
|
* |
Validation of LRRK2 as
a drug target for treatment of Parkinson’s disease using antisense
technology
[5].
LRRK2 concerns only a genetic form of Parkinson's Disease.
|
|
* |
Optimising lead series of small
molecule inhibitors of LRRK2 to deliver tool compounds and clinical
development candidates
[6].
LRRK2 concerns only a genetic form of Parkinson's Disease.
|
|
* |
A novel approach to
characterize the distribution of a potentially therapeutic dominant-negative
inhibitor of TNF in pre-clinical models of PD, and predict the scalability
for an effective delivery of therapy in the human brain
[7].
This aims for drugs to be able to by pass the blood brain barrier.
However, Parkinson's Disease has never been shown to be due to a deficiency
of the blood brain barrier.
|
|
* |
Pre-clinical
development of a Parkinson’s disease therapy using a glucagon-like peptide
(GLP-1) receptor agonist
[8].
It is already approved by the FDA, but for diabetes rather than Parkinson's
Disease.
|
|
* |
Optimization of MOR antagonists for the treatment of L-DOPA-induced
dyskinesias in Parkinson’s Disease
[9].
The theory behind its use does not, even in theory, address the fact that
dyskinesia is due to excessive L-dopa. |
8th August 2009 - New book
ASK THE DOCTOR ABOUT PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Michael S. Okun, Hubert H.
Fernandez
Publisher's
description : Derived from Ask the Doctor, a website column written by the
authors for the National Parkinson Foundation, this book explores frequently
asked questions. It offers detailed answers to the most common questions,
including the role of heredity in Parkinson’s, its symptoms and diagnosis, the
effectiveness of drugs and other treatments, whether the disease’s progression
can be slowed, the future of stem cell treatment in the fight against
Parkinson’s disease, and many others. Written in plain, easy-to-understand
language, it arms readers with the knowledge they need to better understand and
manage the disease.
Click here for more details. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to
Parkinson's Disease Books.
7th August 2009 - New research
WELL WATER AS A CAUSE OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Environmental Health
Perspectives [2009] (Nicole M. Gatto, Myles Cockburn, Jeff Bronstein, Angelika
D. Manthripragada, and Beate Ritz)
Complete report
Consumption of pesticide contaminated well water has often been claimed to be a
cause of Parkinson’s Disease. When researchers investigated consumption of water
from private wells in areas with documented historical pesticide use, they found
that it was associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's Disease. Six
pesticides were examined : diazinon, chlorpyrifos, propargite, paraquat,
dimethoate, and methomyl. People with Parkinson's Disease were found to have
consumed well water an average of more than four years longer than people that
did not have Parkinson's Disease. Consumption of well water contaminated with
the pesticides methomyl, chlorpyrifos or propargite resulted in a 70% to 90%
increase in the risk of developing Parkinson's Disease. Exposure to a higher
number of water soluble pesticides and organophosphate pesticides also increased
the risk of causing Parkinson's Disease. For more information concerning toxic
causes, go to the
Toxic causes of Parkinson's Disease. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
1st August 2009 - New research
THE WORLD'S HIGHEST PREVALENCE
OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Neuroepidemiology
[2009] 33 (3) : 225-230 (Racette BA, Good LM, Kissel AM, Criswell SR, Perlmutter
JS.)
Complete abstract
The world's highest prevalence of Parkinson's Disease by far has been found
among the Amish religious community, where Parkinson's Disease is two to three
times more prevalent than anywhere else in the world.
The Amish are primarily in the
North East of the U.S.A. They are a devoutly religious community who believe in
the literal interpretation of the Bible. They segregate themselves from other
communities, wear traditional clothes, and live a traditional lifestyle that
does not permit the use of electricity, television, radio, or telephones. For
transport they use horses and carriages instead of cars, which they are not
allowed to use. Most speak a German dialect known as Pennsylvania Dutch. For
more information click
here
and
here, and
for a brief video of their lifestyle
click
here.
The prevalence of Parkinson's Disease
amongst the Amish aged 60 or older has been found to be 5,703 per 100,000, which
is enormously high. According to
U.N.Data, 17% of the U.S. population is aged
60 or older. So the prevalence of Parkinson's Disease in the Amish
community as a whole is 970 per 100,000. This is by far the highest
prevalence of Parkinson's Disease in the world, and around three times the
prevalence of the U.S.A., despite the U.S.A having the highest prevalence of any
country. The Amish refuse to take out health insurance. They are also afflicted
by genetic disorders. So it was thought that the cause might be genetic.
However, the more closely related they were, the less they were affected. They
are primarily involved in agriculture, and most of them use pesticides, but the
effect of pesticides was not assessed by the researchers. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
28th July 2009 - New research
HIGH CARBOHYDRATE FOODS LESSEN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Nutrition [2009] Jul 21 [Epub
ahead of print] (Murakami K, Miyake Y, Sasaki S, Tanaka K, Fukushima W, Kiyohara
C, Tsuboi Y, Yamada T, Oeda T, Miki T, Kawamura N, Sakae N, Fukuyama H, Hirota
Y, Nagai M; for the Fukuoka Kinki Parkinson's Disease Study Group.)
Complete abstract
High glycemic carbohydrates have been found to be inversely related to
Parkinson's Disease. Carbohydrates that have a high glycemic index (such as
sugar, white bread, baked potatoes and breakfast cereals) are those that break
down quickly in to glucose in the blood. For more information go to
Glycemic index. The researchers
expected that foods such as these would decrease the risk of Parkinson's Disease
by an insulin-induced increase in brain dopamine. Their theory appears to be
correct, because high glycemic carbohydrates were significantly inversely
associated with the risk of Parkinson's Disease. The greater the intake, the
less was the risk. No association was observed for other dietary carbohydrates,
or dietary fiber intake. It was already known that an inability to make use of
carbohydrates was common in Parkinson's Disease, with 50%-80% of people with
Parkinson's Disease being prone to diabetes. In those people, higher
carbohydrate intakes can not be made use of. For more information see the
Complete abstract. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
26th July 2009 - New report
AGENT ORANGE WRONGLY LINKED TO PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Veterans and Agent Orange Update
2008
Complete report
Based on a new report, it has been widely reported that Agent Orange has been
"linked" to Parkinson's Disease. Agent Orange is the
name given to a herbicide used by the U.S. Military during the Vietnam War
as a means of warfare. For more information go to
Agent Orange.
Despite the claims being made, not even one study in the report shows that Agent
Orange had caused Parkinson's Disease in Vietnam War veterans. Even the report
itself states that there is not sufficient evidence of an association between
Agent Orange and Parkinson's Disease "because chance, bias, and confounding
could not be ruled out with confidence."
There have been over
300 published studies on the effects of Agent Orange, yet none of
them have shown that
Agent Orange has caused Parkinson's Disease. Claims of Agent Orange
causing Parkinson's Disease have usually detailed how Parkinson's
Disease was diagnosed years after possible exposure to Agent Orange.
However, with Parkinson's Disease, if somebody is affected by a toxin,
they usually suffer the effects at their worst soon after exposure to the toxin.
So if Agent Orange caused the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease, they would have
initiated whilst in Vietnam - not decades later. Somebody could be exposed to
Agent Orange and quite independently develop Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's
Disease can occur in almost anyone without toxicity being the cause. In order to
refer to this article on its own
click here.
24th July 2009 - New book and DVD
MOVE IT, AN EXERCISE AND MOVEMENT GUIDE FOR
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Kevin Lockette
Publisher's
description : Move It! is a complete movement, exercise and resource guide for
people with Parkinson's Disease. The book includes : Overview of physical
symptoms; Medication review in easily understandable terms; Techniques and
tricks for improved mobility including bed mobility, transfers, & walking;
Anti-freezing techniques that really work; Adaptive devices for easier everyday
living; Complete exercise programs specific for Parkinson's Disease; Exercise
programs for all physical levels (beginner, intermediate and advanced); Complete
guide and exercise program for flexibility. For
more details of the book click
here. For more details of the DVD click
here. For the web site click
here.
For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to
Parkinson's Disease Books.
22nd July 2009 - New research
ISTRADEFYLLINE FAILS CLINICAL
TRIALS FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Parkinsonism Related Disorders
[2009] Jul 17 [Epub ahead of print] (Fernandez HH, Greeley DR, Zweig RM,
Wojcieszek J, Mori A, Sussman NM)
Complete abstract
Istradefylline is an A(2A) adenosine receptor antagonist, and so does not act by
directly increasing the activity of dopamine, as do the most effective methods
of treating Parkinson's Disease. It has been claimed for years to be a promising
method of treating Parkinson's Disease on its own. However, in new clinical
trials, when used on its own, it failed to demonstrate any beneficial effect.
By the end of the clinical trial its effects were little different from the use
of a placebo. The researchers claim that Istradefylline "is safe and well
tolerated". Yet about two thirds of the people using it reported adverse events,
despite failing to gain any benefit from it. In three previous clinical trials
in 2008, the benefits claimed were minimal, and were accompanied by a range of
side effects
[1]
[2]
[3].
Istradefylline is one of a series of recent novel approaches for treating
Parkinson's Disease that has been claimed, despite not having a sound scientific
basis, to be very promising, yet has failed when clinically tested. In order to
refer to this article on its own
click here.
19th July 2009 - New research
THE EFFECT OF ADDING AGONISTS TO
L-DOPA IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Neural Stem International
Journal of Clinical Practice [2009] 63 (4) : 613-623 (Talati R, Baker WL, Patel
AA, Reinhart K, Coleman CI.)
Complete abstract
Adding the use of dopamine agonists to the existing use of L-dopa has been found
to reduce Parkinson's Disease symptoms, but it increases the side effects. As
the effect of L-dopa tends to wear off, some patients are given dopamine
agonists for an additional effect. Scores on the primary assessment of
Parkinson's Disease, the UPDRS, are reduced when people added dopamine agonists
to the existing use of L-dopa. They also experienced symptoms for less time, and
were able to reduce their dosage of L-dopa. However, the incidence of dyskinesia
and hallucinations was higher when dopamine agonists were added to the existing
use of L-dopa. So the increase in efficacy was paid for with increased adverse
events. Although the effect of L-dopa wears off in time, so does the effect of
dopamine agonists. Dopamine agonists work by stimulating the dopamine receptors.
However, continuous use of dopamine agonists makes the dopamine receptors
progressively less sensitive to dopamine and dopamine agonists. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
17th July 2009 - New research
STEM CELLS MIGRATE IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Neuroscience Letters [2009] Jul
8. [Epub ahead of print] (Feng ZH, Ji MA, Li YU, Gang YU.)
Complete abstract
Neural Stem Cell transplantation has been claimed for decades to have the
potential to treat medical disorders including Parkinson's disease. Researchers
investigated the effect of transplanted Neural Stem Cells in an animal model of
Parkinson's Disease. They found that the implanted stem cells migrated to where
they are needed, rather than merely remain where they are added. A significant
portion of the cells differentiated in to the cells responsible for producing
dopamine, the substance whose deficiency causes Parkinson's Disease. The
researchers claimed that this improved Parkinson's Disease. However, the
Parkinson's Disease symptoms were only induced, and their methods did not
actually assess improvements in Parkinson's Disease. Despite stem cell
operations now being carried out around the world, they have never resulted in
anyone being rid of Parkinson's Disease. Although it is claimed that stem cell
operations are necessary because there is massive cell loss in Parkinson's
Disease, no studies have ever shown that there is massive cell loss in
Parkinson's Disease. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
14th July 2009 - New research
GENETICS MULTIPLY THE EFFECT OF
PESTICIDES ON PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Environmental health
perspectives [2009] 117 (6) : 964-969 (Ritz BR, Manthripragada AD, Costello S,
Lincoln SJ, Farrer MJ, Cockburn M, Bronstein J.)
Complete abstract
The chance of pesticide exposure causing Parkinson's Disease has been found to
be far greater in those genetically inclined to Parkinson's Disease. Genetic defects are not typical in Parkinson's
Disease. However, those people that have them are usually unaware of them. A
defect in the dopamine transporter (DAT) can increase the risk of Parkinson's
Disease by more than one and a half times, and as much as several times. The
dopamine transporter (DAT) rids dopamine after it is produced. There are usually
lower levels of DAT in Parkinson's Disease because there is less dopamine to
rid. The researchers do not explain how this defect can increase Parkinson's
Disease. However, ridding dopamine too readily would explain the increased
prevalence of Parkinson's Disease. In combination with exposure to pesticides,
the risk of
Parkinson's Disease was multiplied. Exposure
to the pesticides paraquat and maneb, which are known causes of Parkinson's
Disease, were increased by three times in those people that had one defect in the
dopamine transporter, and by more than four times in those people that had two
defects in the dopamine transporter. In some people the risks were many times greater
than this. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
12th July 2009 - New research
SCOLIOSIS IS PREVALENT IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Journal of Clinical
Neurology [2009] 5 (2) : 91-94 (Baik JS, Kim JY, Park JH, Han SW, Park JH, Lee
MS.)
Complete abstract
Scoliosis
has been found to be far more common in people with Parkinson's Disease.
Scoliosis is an often painful medical condition in which a person's spine is
curved from side to side. For more information go to
Scoliosis.
Scoliosis was defined as a deviation of the spine of 10 degrees or more. All of the patients submitted to a scanograph to
allow measurement of the degree of scoliosis. Scoliosis was found in a third of
people with Parkinson's Disease. This is far more common than would be expected.
Scoliosis was found to be seven times more likely in women than it is in
men. The likelihood also increased with age. The use of dopaminergic drugs
did not appear to have any effect on the degree of scoliosis. The researchers do not
explain this prevalence of scoliosis in Parkinson's Disease, especially in
women. However, the excessive muscle contraction that occurs in Parkinson's
Disease can cause the upper body to bend towards one side rather than the other. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
10th July 2009 - New research
GULF WAR VETERANS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE
American journal of
industrial medicine [2009] Jul 7 [Epub ahead of print] (Barth SK, Kang HK,
Bullman TA, Wallin MT.)
Complete abstract
It has been suggested that some cases of Parkinson's Disease have been
caused by toxicity due to participation in the
Gulf War
in 1990-1991. This study assessed mortality rates in several conditions
including Parkinson's Disease amongst Gulf War veterans. Over a million veterans
were assessed. However, mortality rates were found to be no greater in Gulf
War veterans with Parkinson's
Disease. Mortality rates were actually lower for Parkinson's Disease, Multiple
Sclerosis and also ALS. However, Gulf War veterans potentially exposed to nerve agents at Khamisiyah,
Iraq, and to oil well fire smoke had an increased risk of mortality due to brain
cancer. As Parkinson's Disease is not a fatal illness, a better measure of the
effects of the Gulf War on Parkinson's Disease would have been the prevalence of
Parkinson's Disease in Gulf War veterans. However, no other studies have so far shown
an increased prevalence of Parkinson's Disease in Gulf War veterans either. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
9th July 2009 - News reports
INTERFERING WITH GLUTAMATE TO
PREVENT PARKINSON'S DISEASE
It has been widely reported that
researchers are aiming to interfere with the formation of Glutamate in order to
prevent Parkinson's Disease. For the news reports go to
Medical News Today
and
Science Daily.
The research was recently presented at a conference. Glutamate is able to form
GABA in the brain. GABA is a chemical produced naturally by the brain, that
affects muscular function. An excess of GABA could provoke symptoms of
Parkinson's Disease. The researchers aim to stimulate "trigger points" in
order to prevent the release of glutamate. By targeting specific receptors they
hope that side-effects will be minimised as fewer targets elsewhere in the brain
will be stimulated. They claim that glutamate causes cell death in Parkinson's
Disease. However, glutamate formation is a healthy function, and has never been
shown, in normal quantities, to cause cell death in people with Parkinson's
Disease. The fundamental weakness in their theory is that glutamate has never
been responsible for causing Parkinson's Disease when dopamine formation is
sufficient either. The primary biochemical fault in Parkinson's Disease
has been proven to be the insufficient formation of dopamine rather than an
excess of glutamate. Yet the approach used by the researchers could not, even in
theory, increase dopamine formation. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
3rd July 2009 - New research
THE LACK OF CENTENARIANS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Journal of Rural Health [2009]
Summer; 25 (3) : 320-325 (Kaye J, Michael Y, Calvert J, Leahy M, Crawford D,
Kramer P.)
Complete abstract
In America alone, there are over 50,000 people over the age of 100. It is widely
claimed that the likelihood of Parkinson's Disease increases with age, almost as
if it is an age related deterioration. In contradiction of this assumption, the
current study found that in centenarians (those over 100 years old) Parkinson's
Disease was rarely found, thereby nullifying the assumption of Parkinson's
Disease being age related. It was also recently found that Parkinson's Disease
started to become less likely at 90 years of age onwards. For the details
click here.
However, some degree of dementia did become the norm in centenarians. Dementia
is far more related to age. Over 60% of centenarians were found to have
dementia, and nearly 30% of them were found to have some form of impairment.
Only around 10% of centenarians were found to be without some degree of
dementia. In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
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