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LOW RESOLUTION VERSION : This is the low resolution version of Parkinson's Disease News. It is intended for those people that either : use 800x600 resolution on their monitors, or have eyesight difficulties, or have slow Internet speeds. back to HIGH RESOLUTION VERSION E-MAIL NOTIFICATION : If you would like to be notified by e-mail when any new research, news reports, new books, or ne w resources are added to Parkinson's Disease News, please double click on E-MAIL NOTIFICATION, or e-mail mail@viartis.net. No form of identity is required. E-mail addresses are not used for any other purpose.back to PARKINSON'S DISEASE home page
17th May 2012 - New research NEW GENETIC CAUSE OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE Annals of Neurology [2012] 71 (3) : 370-384 (Pankratz N, Beecham GW, DeStefano AL, Dawson TM, Doheny KF, Factor SA, Hamza TH, Hung AY, Hyman BT, Ivinson AJ, Krainc D, Latourelle JC, Clark LN, Marder K, Martin ER, Mayeux R, Ross OA, Scherzer CR, Simon DK, Tanner C, Vance JM, Wszolek ZK, Zabetian CP, Myers RH, Payami H, Scott WK, Foroud T) Complete abstractA new genetic cause of Parkinson's Disease has been discovered. The gene is known as RIT2, which is on Chromosome 18. Although the gene was previously known, it had not previously been linked to Parkinson's Disease. The researchers do not know how the RIT2 gene leads to Parkinson's Disease being more likely. There are 18 previously known genetic causes of Parkinson's Disease, known as PARK 1 to PARK 18. They are mutations of specific genes. They do not make Parkinson's Disease inevitable, but instead to varying extents, depending on the gene, make Parkinson's Disease progressively more likely. The number of people with Parkinson's Disease who have these genetic mutations is not known, but estimates have suggested that as many as 10% to 15% of people who have Parkinson's Disease have them. For a printable version of this article click here. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
3rd May 2012 - New research
CAUSES OF SUDDEN WORSENING IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE Most people who experienced a sudden worsening of symptoms recovered fully, but a third of people experienced recurrent episodes. One in six people suffered permanent decline. Those people most prone to sudden or transient worsening were those who had Parkinson's Disease for nearly eight years or more, had more severe symptoms, had greater use of dopaminergic drugs, and had a greater prevalence of motor complications. For a printable version of this article click here. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
18th April 2012 - News release LEVODOPA-CARBIDOPA INTESTINAL GEL CLINICAL TRIAL RESULTS Abbott’s have announced the results of the Phase 3 clinical trial in the U.S.A. of their investigational treatment for advanced Parkinson’s Disease. The treatment involved levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG). The treatment is already approved in many countries outside the U.S.A. as Duodopa. LCIG contains the same active medication as Sinemet, which is levodopa-carbidopa IR tablets. LCIG was administered using a procedurally-implanted tube connected to a portable pump that delivers the medication directly into the small intestine, where it is absorbed into the bloodstream, providing a continuous delivery of medication during the 16 hours a day of pump use. Participants had had Parkinson's Disease for an average of over 10 years, and experienced an average of over 6 hours "off" time. Their average "off" time decreased by 4 hours per day with LCIG, which was 1.9 fewer hours of "off" time compared to levodopa-carbidopa IR in tablet form. Adverse events occurred in 95% of people on LCIG, and 100% of people on levodopa-carbidopa IR tablets. The most common adverse events were complication of device insertion (51%), abdominal pain (42%), procedural pain (32%), nausea (25%), constipation (21%), orthostatic hypotension (18%), post-operative wound infection (17%), and incision site erythema (16%). Treatment-related serious adverse events were reported in 14% of the LCIG patients, and 21% of the levodopa-carbidopa IR tablet patients. For more information go to the News release. For a printable version of this article click here. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
9th April 2012 - New research THE COMMUNITY WITH THE WORST PREVALENCE OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE Neuroepidemiology [2012] 38 (3) : 154-163 (E.M.Khedr, G.S.Al Attar, M.R.Kandil, N.F.Kamel, N.Abo Elfetoh, M.A.Ahmed) Complete abstract Along the River Nile in Egypt has been found to have one of the world's highest prevalences of Parkinson's Disease. With a prevalence rate of 557 per 100,000 it makes Egypt the country with the world's second highest prevalence of Parkinson's Disease behind Albania. The greatest difference in the prevalence of Parkinson's Disease was between the illiterate and the literate, with a ratio of 3.93 to 1, especially in rural areas. This means that illiterate Egyptians in rural areas along the Nile south of Cairo are far more likely to develop Parkinson's Disease than any other community in the world, with a prevalence rate of 1,103 per 100,000. This difference is probably related to poverty rather than literacy. In some of the villages south of Cairo there are only mud roads and open sewers. Amongst those in their seventies, more than 7% of Egyptians were found to have Parkinson's Disease. There were far more people in rural areas with Parkinson's Disease, with a ratio of 3.2 to 1. Consistent with most other countries, there were more men than women with Parkinson's Disease, with a male female ratio of 1.7 to 1. Those with Parkinson's Disease were characterized by a high prevalence of mood disorders, cognition dysfunction and gastrointestinal symptoms. For more information go to the Prevalence of Parkinson's Disease. For a printable version of this article click here. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
4th April 2012 - News release NEUPRO APPROVED FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved the use of UCB's drug Neupro (rotigotine transdermal system) in the U.S.A. for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of advanced stage idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease and as a treatment for moderate-to-severe primary Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). The FDA has also approved UCB’s new formulation of Neupro. Neupro will be available in U.S. retail pharmacies in July 2012. For more information go to the News release. In April 2008, Neupro was withdrawn from use in the U.S.A. because specific batches of Neupro had deviated from their specification. In June 2009, UCB proposed new refrigerated storage conditions to alleviate crystallization on the patches. UCB made progress in reformulation and remained committed to bringing Neupro to U.S. patients. For more information go to the News release. Neupro is a dopamine agonist patch that provides continuous drug delivery. Rather than being in tablet form, Neupro uses a transdermal patch. For more information go to Neupro. For the most recent clinical trial results of Neupro go to Clinical trial results. For a printable version of this article click here. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
25th March 2012 - New research THE WORLD'S HIGHEST PREVALENCE OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE Neuroepidemiology [2012] 38 (3) : 138-147 (Kruja J, Beghi E, Zerbi D, Dobi D, Kuqo A, Zekja I, Mijo S, Kapisyzi M, Messina P.) Complete abstract Albania has been found to be the country with the world's highest prevalence of Parkinson's Disease by far. The prevalence figures for Parkinsonism were found to be 800 per 100,000. To put that in perspective, the countries with the next highest prevalence of Parkinson's Disease (per 100,000) are the U.S.A. with 329 and Israel with 256. Parkinsonism includes some other disorders. So the Albanian figure for only Parkinson's Disease would be lower, but still far higher than any other country. The prevalence of neurological disorders in Albania was found to be high generally. It was not only Parkinson's Disease that is common there. Albania is one of the poorest nations in Europe, but poverty is not related to the prevalence of Parkinson's Disease. There are some isolated communities elsewhere that have a very high prevalence of Parkinson's Disease. This includes the Amish religious community in the U.S.A., the Parsi community of Mumbai, and the vicinities of ferromanganese plants near Brescia in Italy. For more information go to the Prevalence of Parkinson's Disease. For a printable version of this article click here. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
22nd March 2012 - News release CLINICAL TRIAL RESULTS - DIPRAGLURANT FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE DYSKINESIA Addex Therapeutics have announced data from a Phase II clinical trial of Dipraglurant in people with Parkinson's Disease who have dyskinesia caused by L-dopa. Dipraglurant is an orally taken drug presently being developed that inhibits glutamate receptor 5. For more information go to Dipraglurant. L-dopa induced dyskinesias are very commonly observed during the long-term treatment of people with Parkinson's Disease. No drug is presently approved for its treatment. The Michael J. Fox Foundation, who have supported the clinical trial, consequently suggest that it satisfies an important unmet medical need. Dipraglurant met its primary objective of demonstrating safety and tolerability in people with Parkinson's Disease. The incidence of adverse events was slightly higher in those taking Dipraglurant (88%) than in those taking a placebo (75%). Adverse events typical with drugs of this kind, such as vertigo, visual disturbances, and feeling drunk, were seen in less than 10% of people taking Dipraglurant, but were not severe. Exploratory efficacy data showed an anti-dyskinetic effect. People taking Dipraglurant had as much as 70 minutes more on-time without dyskinesia than people taking a placebo. During Week 4, patients also reported a reduction in daily off-time of 50 minutes, suggesting an effect on parkinsonian motor symptoms in addition to the observed reductions in dyskinesia. For more information go to Addex Therapeutics. For a printable version of this article click here. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
14th March 2012 L-DOPA PRODRUG CLINICAL TRIAL RESULTS Clinical Neuropharmacology [2012] Mar 7 [Epub ahead of print] (Lewitt PA, Ellenbogen A, Chen D, Lal R, McGuire K, Zomorodi K, Luo W, Huff FJ.) Complete abstract
XP21279 is a new chemical entity being developed for the treatment of
Parkinson's Disease. XP21279 uses naturally-occurring, high-capacity nutrient
transporters in the gastrointestinal tract to generate active, efficient
absorption into the body. Once absorbed, XP21279 is rapidly converted into
L-Dopa, a drug that acts to replace dopamine.
For more information go to
Xenoport. The L-dopa prodrug XP21279 aims to replace
the use of L-dopa, which has many undesirable
effects
including its rapid breakdown by gastric and peripheral enzymes, only a short
duration in the blood after oral consumption, which leads to fluctuation of drug
plasma concentrations when taken frequently, and a limited period for possible
absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
11th March 2012 - News report NOBEL PRIZE WINNER DIES WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE Nobel Prize winning chemist Frank Sherwood Rowland (1927-2012) died, aged 84, on 10th March 2012 due to the complications of Parkinson's Disease. For more information go to the News report. His research mainly concerned atmospheric chemistry and chemical kinetics. His best known work was the discovery in 1974 that chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. In 1978, his discovery led to CFC-based aerosols being banned in the U.S.A.. His discovery then also led to the 1987 Montreal Protocol, an international environmental treaty to stop the production of the CFC-based aerosols. In 1995 he won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry along with Mario Molina and Paul Crutzen for their contribution towards various fields. For more information go to Frank Sherwood Rowland.
7th March 2012 - New research THE DEVELOPMENT OF HALLUCINATIONS IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Movement Disorders [2011] 26 (12) : 2196-2000 (Goetz CG, Stebbins GT, Ouyang B.)
Complete abstract Isolated visual hallucinations dominate the early years of Parkinson's Disease, but visual plus non-visual hallucinations accounted for progressively higher proportions of people with Parkinson's Disease. Hallucination severity was highly associated with somebody currently having visual plus non-visual hallucinations. After 6 months with Parkinson's Disease, virtually nobody had hallucinations. However, after 4 years, over a quarter (26%) of people with Parkinson's Disease had hallucinations. After 6 years, nearly half (47%) of people with Parkinson's Disease had hallucinations. After 10 years with Parkinson's Disease, 60% of people had hallucinations. Once somebody had both visual and non-visual hallucinations, the risk of continuing to have them was high. Although hallucinations commonly occur in Parkinson's Disease, hallucinations are not Parkinson's Disease symptoms. They eventually occur because of the effect of dopaminergic drugs such as L-dopa. Because the effects of these drugs on Parkinson's Disease symptoms wears off over time, higher dosages are usually required to have the same effect. These progressively increasing dosages makes hallucinations progressively more likely. For a printable version of this article click here. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
4th March 2012 - New research THE EFFECT OF GENDER ON DYSKINESIA
Journal of Neurology [2011] 258 (11) : 2048-2053 (Hassin-Baer S, Molchadski I,
Cohen OS, Nitzan Z, Efrati L, Tunkel O, Kozlova E, Korczyn AD.)
Complete abstract People with L-dopa induced dyskinesias (LID) were younger when Parkinson's Disease first developed. So developing Parkinson's Disease early makes L-dopa induced dyskinesias more likely. A longer time from diagnosis to being treated for Parkinson's Disease also increased the likelihood of developing L-dopa induced dyskinesias. Age and how long somebody had Parkinson's Disease had no effect on the likelihood of developing L-dopa induced dyskinesias. Females were found to be more prone to developing L-dopa induced dyskinesias more quickly, with an average of 4 years rather than 6 years for men. For a printable version of this article click here. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
3rd March 2012 - New research CLR01 CLAIMED TO SLOW PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Neurotherapeutics [2012] Feb 29 [Epub ahead of print] (Prabhudesai S,
Sinha S, Attar A, Kotagiri A, Fitzmaurice AG, Lakshmanan R, Ivanova MI, Loo JA,
Klärner FG, Schrader T, Stahl M, Bitan G, Bronstein JM.)
Complete abstract To determine whether CLR01 was also protective in animals, the researchers used a zebrafish, which is a type of fish commonly used in Parkinson's Disease research because it is easily manipulated genetically, and because some of its biochemistry is similar to that in humans. CLR01 significantly improved zebrafish survival, suppressed the aggregation of α-synuclein, and also reduced cell death caused by α-synuclein. This occurred without evidence of toxicity. The authors consequently claimed that CLR01 stopped the progression of Parkinson's Disease in an animal model, and is therefore a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. However, zebrafish do not have Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's Disease was not simulated in the zebrafish either. There were therefore no measures of whether or not Parkinson's Disease symptoms altered as a result of CLR01. So it could not reasonably be claimed that CLR01 was shown to stop or slow the progression of Parkinson's Disease, even in animals. A lot of the toxicity that could occur in humans would not be detectable in zebrafish either. Researchers measured the effects in terms of α-synuclein, which does not indicate Parkinson's Disease. It occurs in other medical disorders and often fails to occur in Parkinson's Disease. For a printable version of this article click here. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
17th February 2012 - New research ROTIGOTINE (NEUPRO) CLINICAL TRIAL RESULTS
Parkinsonism Related Disorders [2012] Feb 9 [Epub ahead of print] (L.W.Elmer,
E.Surmann, B.Boroojerdi, J.Jankovic)
Complete abstract The average exposure to Neupro was just over 5 years. Less than half of the people using Neupro completed the clinical trial. Nearly a quarter (24%) withdrew because of adverse events. Some of those involved (6%) ceased using Neupro because of lack of efficacy. The most common adverse events were : somnolence (23%), falls (17%), peripheral edema (14%), nausea (12%), application site reactions (12%). Just over a quarter (26%) did not initiate L-dopa. Dyskinesias were reported by a quarter (25%) of patients. The vast majority of those reported their first episode of dyskinesia after initiating L-dopa. The average scores on the UPDRS (a Parkinson's Disease symptom questionnaire) remained below where they started for up to two years. For a printable version of this article click here. In order to refer to this article on its own click here. In April 2008, Neupro was withdrawn from use in the U.S.A. because specific batches of Neupro had deviated from their specification. In June 2009, UCB proposed new refrigerated storage conditions to alleviate crystallization on the patches. UCB has already made progress in reformulation and remains committed to bringing Neupro to U.S. patients. For more information click here.
12th February 2012 - New research THE EFFECT OF TAI CHI ON PARKINSON'S DISEASE
New England Journal of Medicine [2012] 366 (6) : 511-519 (F.Li, P.Harmer,
K.Fitzgerald, E.Eckstrom, R.Stock, J.Galver, G.Maddalozzo, S.S.Batya)
Complete abstract Out of the previous studies in the medical literature concerning Tai Chi and Parkinson's Disease, four were either non-randomised or uncontrolled clinical trials. Two failed to show any effect. Only one study showed Tai Chi to be superior to conventional exercise for Parkinson's Disease. So the evidence is insufficient to suggest that Tai Chi is effective in Parkinson's Disease. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
11th February 2012 - New research PARDOPRUNOX CLINICAL TRIAL RESULTS
Parkinsonism Related Disorders [2012] Feb 6 [Epub
ahead of print] (O.Rascol, J.Bronzova, R.A.Hauser, A.E.Lang, C.Sampaio,
A.Theeuwes, S.V.van de Witte)
Complete abstract Pardoprunox was taken in dosages of up to 42mg per day. Pardoprunox reduced OFF time by 1 hour 37 minutes per day, but even a placebo reduced the OFF time by 55 minutes per day. So the actual benefit of Pardoprunox beyond that of a placebo was a reduction in OFF time of only 42 minutes per day. Pardoprunox made no significant difference to scores on the PDQ-39, which assesses Parkinson's Disease symptoms. There was a high drop-out rate (37% of people) due to adverse events suggesting that the selected dose range may have been too high, or that the increase in dose may have been too rapid. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
26th January 2012 - New research DUODENAL L-DOPA CAN CAUSE POLYNEUROPATHY Journal of Neurology [2012] Jan 24 [Epub ahead of print] (Santos-García D, de la Fuente-Fernández R, Valldeoriola F, Palasí A, Carrillo F, Grande M, Mir P, De Fabregues O, Casanova J.) Complete abstract Neurology [2011] 77 (22) : 1947-1950 (Y.A.Rajabally, J.Martey) Complete abstract Reports have emerged describing the occurrence of polyneuropathy related to vitamin B12 deficiency and Guillain-Barré syndrome in people with Parkinson's Disease who are being treated with continuous duodenal L-dopa infusion. Duodenal L-dopa is administered as a gel throughout the day using a portable pump directly into the small intestine through a surgically placed tube. This ensures a flow of L-dopa that can be adjusted according to the patient's individual needs. For more information on polyneuropathy go to Polyneuropathies. At least 12 cases of polyneuropathy related to vitamin B12 deficiency, and a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome have been reported in people with Parkinson's Disease treated with duodenal L-dopa infusion. L-dopa gel infusion may cause a decrease in vitamin B12 levels, leading to peripheral neuropathy. Other detrimental effects include alterations related to the metabolism of L-dopa, abnormal L-dopa absorption, and direct neurotoxicity of L-dopa at high doses. Vitamin B12 supplements may need to be considered in people with Parkinson's Disease on duodenal L-dopa infusion therapy, because vitamin B12 deficiency in people on duodenal L-dopa infusion therapy may be more frequent than the published data suggest. In another new study, over a third (37%) of people with Parkinson's Disease were found to have neuropathy. Vitamin B12 deficiency was the most common cause. This could be made more likely by the long term use of L-dopa in any form. Many people with Parkinson's Disease who have neuropathy or Vitamin B12 deficiency are unaware of it. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
24th January 2012 - New research DEMENTIA IS LINKED TO INSULIN RESISTANCE IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Journal of Neurological Science [2012] Jan 20. [Epub ahead of print] (Bosco D,
Plastino M, Cristiano D, Colica C, Ermio C, De Bartolo M, Mungari P, Fonte G,
Consoli D, Consoli A, Fava A.)
Complete abstract People who have Parkinson's Disease and dementia were assessed for their resistance to insulin. When insulin is produced in order to prevent high blood glucose levels, insulin sometimes does not have affect. This can be due to insulin resistance, which is the inability of insulin to stimulate the insulin receptors. Brain function largely requires glucose in order to function. Nearly two thirds (62%) of people with Parkinson's Disease who had dementia were found to have insulin resistance. 30% of them also had impaired glucose tolerance. These percentages were significantly higher when the disease duration was longer and when the movement disability was worse. So dementia in Parkinson's Disease appears to be affected by the inability to make use of glucose rather than be a direct result of Parkinson's Disease. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
14th January 2012 - New research THE PREVALENCE OF PAIN IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE Movement Disorders [2012] Jan 9 [Epub ahead of print] (M.P.Broen, M.M.Braaksma, J.Patijn, W.E.Weber) Complete abstract Pain has been found to occur in over two thirds of people with Parkinson's Disease. Pain has been studied more intensely as a symptom of Parkinson's Disease in recent years. However, studies on the characteristics and prevalence of pain in Parkinson's Disease have given conflicting results, prompting a systematic review of the medical literature. In the relevant studies, the frequency of pain in Parkinson's Disease ranged from 40% to 85% with an average of 67% (just over two thirds of people). Pain in Parkinson's Disease is most frequently located in the legs, with almost a half (46%) of all people with Parkinson's Disease complaining about musculoskeletal pain. The pain fluctuates with on-off periods. A lot of the pain suffered is unrelated to the biochemistry of Parkinson's Disease, and is therefore not due to it. Surprisingly, only just over half (52%) of people with Parkinson's Disease with pain used analgesics (pain killers), most often non-opioids. This means that a lot people with Parkinson's Disease who suffer pain are going without any treatment for it. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
11th January 2012 - New book PSYCHIATRY OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE K.P.Ebmeier, J. O'Brien, J.-P. Taylor, W. F. Gattaz, W.P.Kaschka Publisher's description : This book assembles short reviews from experts in the field to chart the various psychiatric syndromes known in Parkinson's disease, their presentation, etiology and management. Presented are special topics on epidemiology of psychiatric symptoms, and other topics. Rarely discussed issues are also reviewed. This publication is essential reading for old age psychiatrists, gerontologists and neurologists who work with patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. Health practitioners who deal with senior patients, as well as scientists who need a quick update on the progress in this important clinical field will find this volume a helpful reference. Click here for more details. In order to refer to this article on its own click here. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to Parkinson's Disease Books.
7th January 2012 - New research URINARY DYSFUNCTION IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE Journal of Neurological and Neurosurgical Psychiatry [2011] 82 (12) : 1382-1386 (T.Uchiyama, R.Sakakibara, T.Yamamoto, T.Ito, C.Yamaguchi, Y.Awa, M.Yanagisawa, Y.Higuchi, Y.Sato, T.Ichikawa, T.Yamanishi, T.Hattori, S.Kuwabara) Complete abstract
Urinary dysfunction is common in Parkinson's Disease, but little is known about
urinary dysfunction in early and untreated Parkinson's Disease. Nearly two
thirds (64%) of people with Parkinson's Disease complain of urinary symptoms.
However, there were found to be actual urinary problems in 85% of people with
Parkinson's Disease. All of the 64% of people complaining of urinary symptoms
had difficulty controlling the retention of urine, or lost control of urinary
retention (storage abnormalities). Over a quarter (28%) had difficulty in
urinating (voiding difficulties). Over half (58%) had detrusor overactivity. The
detrusor muscle is the muscle that contracts when urinating to squeeze out
urine. However, whilst urinating, detrusor underactivity rather than
overactivity occurred in half of people.
7th January 2012 - New book DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION Kelvin L. Chou, Susan Grube, Parag Patil Oxford Publisher's description : Deep brain stimulation has dramatically changed the lives of many patients with uncontrollable tremors. Patients often can resume normal activities, such as feeding and dressing themselves. The need for anti-tremor medications is often reduced or eliminated. Though it's no longer considered experimental, DBS is, for now, still used as a second- or third-line treatment, reserved for patients with more advanced cases of the disease and those for whom medication alone is inadequate or can't be adjusted precisely enough to keep their tremors and writhing under control. Deep Brain Stimulation is the first book to be written by a team of experts that clearly explains the benefits, pros, and cons of this revolutionary new treatment. Click here for more details. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to Parkinson's Disease Books.
18th December 2011 - News release PROSAVIN CLINICAL TRIAL RESULTS FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE Oxford BioMedica, a gene therapy company, have announced updated clinical data from a Phase I/II clinical trial of ProSavin for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. ProSavin uses Oxford BioMedica's own LentiVector gene delivery technology to deliver the genes for three enzymes that they suggest are required for the formation of dopamine, the substance whose deficiency causes Parkinson's Disease. The product is administered locally to the relevant region of the brain in order to increase the brain's own capacity for the formation of dopamine. For more information go to ProSavin. The degree of efficacy is quite moderate and declines after six months. The average improvement in Parkinson's Disease symptoms for all the dosages was about 27% after 3 months. This improved slightly to about 31% after 6 months. The improvements started to decline after that down to 29% after 1 year, and declined further down to only 23% after 2 years. Three dosages were assessed : 1x, 2x and 5x. The level of efficacy declined when the higher 5x dosage was used. More results are expected in 2012 for the 5x dose. An enhanced administration procedure that facilitates higher dosing was used with some patients, but failed to demonstrate any additional benefit. The safety profile was described as being favourable with no serious adverse events, but details of the side effects were not provided. Oxford BioMedica have claimed that the method could potentially provide more than a 10-fold increase in dopamine formation. However, the moderate improvement in efficacy is entirely inconsistent with that suggestion. Although they have claimed that three genes and enzymes are required for dopamine formation, only two of them are actually needed. Stimulating gene and enzyme levels artificially as they are doing reduces a person's own formation of those genes and enzymes, which is probably why the results start to deteriorate after six months. For more information go to the News release. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
15th December 2011 - New research INFLUENZA TREBLES THE RISK OF PARKINSON SYMPTOMS Influenza and other respiratory viruses [2011] 5 (5) : 328-333 (S.Toovey, S.S.Jick, C.R.Meier) Complete abstract Influenza has been found to treble the risk of Parkinson symptoms. Influenza has been associated with Encephalitis Lethargica, a medical disorder causing the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease following the 1918 influenza pandemic. For more information go to Encephalitis Lethargica.Recent influenza (influenza in the past month) was associated with a trebling of the likelihood of Parkinson symptoms. Influenza some time in the past year was associated with only a small increase in the likelihood of Parkinson symptoms. The number of previous attacks progressively increased the likelihood of Parkinson symptoms. However, influenza did not increase the likelihood of actual Parkinson's Disease. The relevance of this research may be that people could be wrongly diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, when what they have actually had is influenza. Around 25% of people are wrongly diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and do not actually have it. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
10th December 2011 - New research DUODOPA WITH COMT INHIBITORS FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE European Journal of Neurology [2011] Dec 5 [Epub ahead of print] (D.Nyholm, A.Johansson, H.Lennernäs, H. Askmark) Complete abstract Duodopa is a combination of L-dopa and carbidopa in the form of a gel. It is administered throughout the day using a portable pump directly into the small intestine through a surgically placed tube. This ensures a flow of L-dopa that can be adjusted according to the person's needs. It enables more consistent plasma concentrations of L-dopa. The side effects of Duodopa are similar to those observed with oral administration of L-dopa and carbidopa. For more information go to Duodopa. COMT inhibitors (Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors) may be used to decrease the need for L-dopa, because they reduce its breakdown. COMT inhibitors have already been successfully used orally as Stalevo, which is a combination of L-dopa and carbidopa (the same as Sinemet), plus a COMT inhibitor (Entacapone). So researchers have investigated whether COMT inhibitors can also be taken orally in order to reduce the L-dopa requirement used with Duodopa. Both major COMT inhibitors (entacapone and tolcapone) were tested. The additional oral use of either of the COMT inhibitors was found to reduce the need of L-dopa by 20%. They did this without altering plasma L-dopa concentrations, reducing symptoms, or by reducing "off" time. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
9th December 2011 - News report BOXING LEGEND DIAGNOSED WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE The former world boxing champion, the Colombian Antonio Cervantes, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. After Muhammad Ali he is the most successful boxer ever to have Parkinson's Disease. Antonio Cervantes grew up in Colombia shining shoes and selling contraband cigarettes in order to survive. He became a professional boxer whilst still only 18. He became the World Light Welterweight champion in 1972. He held the world title twice, from 1972 to 1976 and 1977 to 1980. He successfully defended his world title 16 times, and had a total of 21 world championship contests. He retired from boxing in 1983 having had 106 contests. For more information go to Antonio Cervantes. Doctors said that he had serious health problems, including difficulties in communicating and eating. He is 65 years old. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
7th December 2011 - New research PRAMIPEXOLE (MIRAPEX) INCREASES THE RISK OF HEART FAILURE
Pharmacological Research [2011] Nov 23 [Epub ahead of print] (Mokhles
MM, Trifirò G, Dieleman JP, Haag MD, van Soest EM, Verhamme KM, Mazzaglia G,
Herings R, de Luise C, Ross D, Brusselle G, Colao A, Haverkamp W, Schade R, van
Camp G, Zanettini R, Sturkenboom MC.) Complete abstract
2nd December 2011 - News release NEW INHALED VERSION OF L-DOPA The Michael J. Fox Foundation has awarded a grant to Civitas Therapeutics for clinical trials of CVT-301, which is a new inhaled version of L-dopa. It is claimed that CVT-301 has the potential to produce rapid, consistent and durable relief from the motor fluctuations associated with Parkinson’s Disease. Civitas has conducted a range of preclinical studies demonstrating CVT-301’s ability to deliver more rapid and consistent systemic exposure of L-dopa compared to the oral administration of L-dopa. The efficacy of oral L-dopa is significantly compromised by delayed absorption and excessive variability in the circulating drug concentrations. It is anticipated that the inhaled version of L-dopa would be used alongside the use of oral L-dopa. For more information go to the News release. CVT-301 uses the ARCUS inhalation technology, which delivers a reliable and consistent drug dose with a compact, breath actuated inhaler. It uses a proprietary dry powder and inhaler combination that is unique in its ability to deliver a large, precise dose independent of inspiratory flow rate from a simple, easy-to-use device suitable for convenient self-administration. The platform has successfully delivered more than one million doses to patients incorporating active agents ranging from small molecules to large proteins. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
19th November 2011 - New research SMOKING REDUCES THE RISK OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE Fukuoka Igaku Zasshi [2011] 102 (8) : 254-265 (Kiyohara C, Kusuhara S.) Complete abstract
The risk of developing Parkinson's Disease has been found to be far lower in people that smoke. Current smokers reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's Disease down to 31%. Those people that have ever been smokers reduce the risk down to 55%. Former smokers reduce the risk to 72%. The risk of Parkinson's Disease therefore effectively increases over time if somebody gives up smoking. These results were obtained by assessing all the possible studies concerning smoking and Parkinson's Disease. What the results do not show is whether those people inclined to be smokers are for some reason less likely to develop Parkinson's Disease, or if smoking has an effect on the biochemistry involved in Parkinson's Disease. Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that are MAO inhibitors. MAO inhibitors are a type of drug (such as Selegiline and Rasagiline) used commonly in Parkinson's Disease. MAO inhibitors affect Parkinson's Disease by maintaining dopamine levels. The main drug in tobacco, which is nicotine, is heavily involved in the activity of acetylcholine, a chemical in the body that affects the activity of dopamine. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
17th November 2011 - New research TRICHLOROETHYLENE MULTIPLIES THE RISK OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE Annals of Neurology [2011] Nov 14 [Epub ahead of print] (S.M.Goldman, P.J.Quinlan, G.W.Ross, C.Marras, C.Meng, G.S.Bhudhikanok, K.Comyns, M.Korell, A.R.Chade, M.Kasten, B.Priestley, K.L.Chou, H.H.Fernandez, F.Cambi, J.W.Langston, C.M.Tanner) Complete abstract
Exposure to the solvent Trichloroethylene has been found to multiply the risk of Parkinson's Disease by six times. Results were similar for estimates of exposure duration and cumulative lifetime exposure. Trichloroethylene is a solvent that is used extensively in industry and the military and is a common environmental contaminant. It has been used to extract vegetable oils, in coffee decaffeination, and in the preparation of flavouring extracts from hops and spices. Much of its use has been banned because of toxicity. Trichloroethylene is the most common organic contaminant in groundwater, and so can cause toxicity via the water supply. Around 30% of U.S. water supplies are contaminated by Trichloroethylene. For more information go to Trichloroethylene. A previous study showed that workers with workstations adjacent to the source of Trichloroethylene and who were subjected to chronic inhalation and dermal exposure from handling Trichloroethylene soaked metal parts all had Parkinson's disease. Lesser chronic respiratory exposure to Trichloroethylene led to many features of Parkinsonism. For more information go to the Complete abstract. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
14th November 2011 - New blog THE DOPAMINE CHRONICLES
The Dopamine Chronicles is the new Parkinson's Disease blog of cartoonist Martin Bee. His blog specialises in Parkinson's Disease cartoons. In the words of Martin Bee "Any of you diagnosed with this disease probably can relate to the reaction. The Dopamine Chronicles is all about me continuing my art, my toons and so on. So I decided to do (almost) a cartoon a day about Parkinson’s and me." Martin Bee is a 60 year old Vietnam Veteran who was a Navy Corpsman stationed with the 1st Marine Division whilst he was in Vietnam. After leaving the Navy, he graduated in Art and then worked in design and illustration. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, which included a shaking right hand, he could still draw. Although Parkinson's Disease hindered his drawing technique, he altered the techniques he used in order to overcome the problems it caused him. For The Dopamine Chronicles web site click here. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
5th November 2011 - New research NEUROPATHY IS COMMON IN PARKINSON'S DISEASENeurology [2011] Nov 2 [Epub ahead of print] (Y.A.Rajabally, J.Martey) Complete abstract Neuropathy has been found to be nearly seven times more prevalent in Parkinson's Disease. Neuropathy is the malfunction of nerves throughout the body. Neuropathy can cause a pins-and-needles sensation, numbness, burning pain, loss of vibration sense, and a loss of position sense, which is not knowing where the arms and legs are. Walking and even standing can become unsteady. The effects of neuropathy can progress to far more widespread and serious symptoms. For more information go to Polyneuropathy. The researchers found that Vitamin B12 deficiency was a more common cause of neuropathy. Vitamin B12 levels were found to be significantly lower in people with Parkinson's Disease. They believed that the Vitamin B12 deficiency in Parkinson's Disease could be related to the effect of long term use of L-dopa. They consequently suggested that both Vitamin B and Vitamin B12 monitoring and supplementation, as well as serial clinical assessment for neuropathy, may be advisable in people with Parkinson's Disease. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
29th October 2011 - New clinical trial CLINICAL TRIAL OF DIABETIC DRUG FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASEA drug normally used for diabetes, called Pioglitazone, is to undergo clinical trials in people with early Parkinson’s Disease. The aim is to determine whether it can slow clinical decline over a 44 week period. Pioglitazone is being given in 15mg and 45 mg dosages. For full details of the clinical trials go to PDtrials and ClinicalTrials.gov. Pioglitazone is an FDA approved drug for the treatment of diabetes. It has not been previously studied in people with Parkinson's Disease. Pioglitazone is marketed in tablet form as Actoplus, Duetact, and Actos. It acts primarily by decreasing insulin resistance. For more information go to Pioglitazone. Neither source for the clinical trials provides a rationale for the use of Pioglitazone in Parkinson's Disease. Insulin resistance has never been shown to cause Parkinson's Disease. Preliminary studies have been carried out using Pioglitazone on animals concerning Parkinson's Disease. However, the circumstances of those studies are not comparable with idiopathic Parkinson's Disease in humans. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
28th October 2011 - New book MOVEMENT DISORDERS 4 Anthony H.V.Schapira, Anthony E.T.Lang, Stanley Fahn
Publisher's description : Movement Disorders 4, the newest volume in the Blue Books in Neurology series provides you with access to practical, clinical guidance on the diagnosis and pharmacologic treatment on the full range of movement disorders. Emphasizes the vast array of pharmacologic therapeutics, backed by clinical trials of the past 15 years to help you determine the best and most up-to-date drug therapy. Presents the surgical management of Parkinson's Disease to help you determine when to recommend surgery and for which patients. Includes comprehensive information on Parkinson's so you can better diagnose and treat patients. Offers more clinical details on tremors, differentiating between PD and other movement disorders. Click here for more details. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to Parkinson's Disease Books.
19th October 2011 - News release AZILECT FAILS TO SLOW PARKINSON'S DISEASE PROGRESSIONIn It has been claimed by the FDA (the U.S. drug administrators) that Azilect fails to slow the progression of Parkinson's Disease. Azilect is the brand name of Rasagiline, which is an MAO-B inhibitor. MAO-B inhibitors increase dopamine levels by inhibiting Monoamine Oxidase B, which is an enzyme that metabolizes dopamine. Rasagiline is used either on its own or alongside other methods. For more information go to Azilect. The manufacturer, TEVA, claimed that the 1 mg dose of rasagiline (in the ADAGIO clinical study) and the 2 mg dose of rasagiline (in the TEMPO clinical study) could demonstrate a disease modifying benefit in patients with early untreated idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. However, the FDA's analyses "do not support the claim for a disease modifying benefit associated with either dose of rasagiline based on the primary protocol specified analyses or when sensitivity / secondary analyses are applied to the study data sets." For more information go to the FDA report. In fifteen previous studies Rasagiline caused a moderate reduction in symptoms. It caused a moderate reduction in "off" time in four of those studies. The treatment effect was still evident six weeks after drug discontinuation. One of those studies found Rasagiline to be more effective than Selegiline, which is another MAO-B inhibitor. However, these studies did not demonstrate any slowing of Parkinson's Disease progression. Rasagiline caused infrequent cardiovascular or psychiatric side effects. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
16th October 2011 - New research PRAMIPEXOLE CLINICAL TRIAL RESULTSNeurology [2011] 77 (8) : 759-766 (W.Poewe, O.Rascol, P.Barone, R.A.Hauser, Y.Mizuno, M.Haaksma, L.Salin, N.Juhel, A.H.Schapira) Complete abstract Neurology [2011] 77 (8) : 767-774 (A.H.Schapira, P.Barone, R.A.Hauser, Y.Mizuno, O.Rascol, M.Busse, L.Salin, N.Juhel, W.Poewe) Complete abstract Clinical trials compared the clinical efficacy in Parkinson's Disease of the more convenient to use extended-release (ER) formulation of the dopamine agonist pramipexole, and the standard immediate-release (IR) pramipexole. Pramipexole is also known as Mirapex, Mirapexin, or Sifrol. For more information go to Mirapex and Mirapex ER. In the first clinical trial, both forms of pramipexole were more effective than a placebo. Both formulations (extended release and immediate release) were similarly effective in Parkinson's Disease and were equally tolerated. In the second clinical trial, both forms of pramipexole were more effective than a placebo. Off times decreased by up to 150 minutes per day, but a placebo achieved an 84 minute reduction in off times, thereby lessening the actual reduction in off time to just over an hour per day. Immediate release pramipexole was slightly more effective than extended-release pramipexole, but otherwise, extended-release pramipexole could be readily substituted for immediate-release pramipexole. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
13th October 2011 - New product WIRELESS SENSOR FOR MEASURING PARKINSON'S DISEASE TREMORKinesia HomeView device has been developed to assess Parkinson's Disease tremor. It has been approved for sale in the U.S.A. and several other countries. It combines wireless sensors and a touch-screen tablet to help patients and physicians assess whether medications or neurostimulation therapy are working properly. The patient takes home a motion sensor worn on the finger, plus a touch-screen tablet that includes videos explaining how to take Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale tests. The tablet gives reminders to take the test several times a day. It measures tremors and, with a built-in camera, records videos of patients whilst taking the test. Patients can keep a diary of their symptoms on the tablet. Via a Web portal, physicians get a report from the system showing the types of tremors and the time of day of each test. Users can also watch videos of the tremors. For a video of the procedure click here. For more information go to Kinesia. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
9th October 2011 - History LEONARDO DA VINCI'S DESCRIPTIONS OF PARKINSON'S DISEASEThe Italian artist, engineer and scientist Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) also studied anatomy, physiology and medicine. Leonardo da Vinci kept secret notebooks in which he wrote and sketched his ideas and observations, in handwriting that only he could read. So keen was he to study the human body that he went out at night to dissect human corpses. For more information go to Leonardo da Vinci. Over 300 years before James Parkinson formally described Parkinson's Disease, Leonardo da Vinci saw people whose symptoms coincided with those seen in Parkinson's Disease. Leonardo wrote in his notebooks that "you will see.....those who.....move their trembling parts, such as their heads or hands without permission of the soul; (the) soul with all its forces cannot prevent these parts from trembling." In a translation of Da Vinci's notebooks "The movements of paralytics of those benumbed by cold, whose head and members move without control of the soul, who cannot stop the movements." The combination of difficulty with voluntary movement ("paraletici") and tremor ("tremanti') leave little doubt of the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. At the end of his life Leonardo was unable to paint due to the loss of control of movement in his hands. It has been suggested that, by then, Leonardo da Vinci had Parkinson's Disease himself. Due to most of his notebooks remaining secret for centuries, Leonardo did not receive any credit for contributing to the recognition of Parkinson's Disease. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
9th October 2011 - News release WORLD'S BEST EVER SQUASH PLAYER DIAGNOSED WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE Jansher Khan, who is arguably the world's best ever squash player has been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at the age of 42, following a series of tests. During his career, Jansher Khan won the World Open a record eight times, and the British Open six times. Jansher Khan officially announced his retirement from squash in 2001. He had won 99 professional titles and was ranked the World No.1 for over six years. Jansher Khan has been showing signs of a mystery illness since last year. His hands would start shaking suddenly. Sometimes he used to act strangely as he his mind went out of control. For more information go to the News release.
8th October 2011 - New research THE EFFECT OF BALANCE TRAINING ON PARKINSON'S DISEASE Neurorehabil Neural Repair. [2010] 24 (9) : 826-834 (N.Smania, E.Corato, M.Tinazzi, C.Stanzani, A.Fiaschi, P.Girardi, M.Gandolfi) Complete abstract Postural instability is a disabling sign of Parkinson's Disease that is not easily amenable to treatment with medication. The effect of balance training on postural instability was evaluated in people with Parkinson's Disease. People with postural instability were randomly assigned to balance training or for general physical exercises. Each person received 21 treatment sessions of 50 minutes each. People were evaluated using the following scales : Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC), postural transfer test, self-destabilization of the centre of foot pressure test, number of falls, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), modified Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) Staging Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). At the end of treatment, those undergoing balance training showed significant improvements in all outcome measures, except for the UPDRS and the H&Y scale. No significant changes in performance were observed in those undergoing general physical exercise, showing that a program of balance training can improve postural instability in people with Parkinson's Disease. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
19th September 2011 - New research SAFINAMIDE CLINICAL TRIAL RESULTS Movement Disorders [2011] Sep 12 [Epub ahead of print] (F.Stocchi, R.Borgohain, M.Onofrj, A.H.Schapira, M.Bhatt, V.Lucini, R.Giuliani, R.Anand) Complete abstract Safinamide is a new type of drug being developed for Parkinson's Disease. Safinamide is believed to have both dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic actions, including the inhibition of monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) and inhibition of glutamate release. It is intended to be added on to the existing use of L-dopa or dopamine agonists. In people with early Parkinson's Disease taking a dopamine agonist, the effect of 200mg safinamide was found to be little different from that of a placebo. The effect of 100mg safinamide was found to be significantly better than a placebo. In previous clinical trials, after six months, once daily dosages of 50mg to 100mg Safinamide improved Parkinson's Disease symptoms, and reduced "off" time when added on to the use of existing Parkinson's Disease treatments. However, the reduction in "off" time in comparison to the use of a placebo was minimal. The increase in "on" time beyond that of a placebo was only 40 minutes for 50mg safinamide, and 50 minutes for 100mg safinamide. The side effects of the clinical studies were not disclosed. Higher dosages did not have any beneficial effect. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
18th September 2011 - New book PARKINSON'S DISEASE : NON-MOTOR AND NON-DOPAMINERGIC FEATURES C.Warren Olanow (Editor), Fabrizio Stocchi (Editor), Anthony Lang (Editor)
Publisher's description : Over 50% of Parkinson's patients suffer symptoms unrelated to the dopamine system. The dopaminergic features of Parkinson's Disease are now well controlled in most patients. Clinicians are increasingly focused on non-dopaminergic symptoms, which can lead to disability and severely restricted quality of life in patients. A world-class Editorial team has assembled a stellar roster of scientists and clinicians to present the clinical importance of non-dopaminergic pathology in Parkinson's Disease. Significant research is examined and its relevance to clinical practice, both now and in the future, is assessed. Click here for more details. In order to refer to this article on its own click here. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to Parkinson's Disease Books.
15th September 2011 - News release IRON CHELATOR FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE A clinical trial is to be carried out with the iron chelator Deferiprone (Ferriprox) in Parkinson’s Disease. The clinical trial is being sponsored by Parkinson's UK. It has been claimed in medical studies that iron accumulates in the brains of people with Parkinson's Disease, and that iron can therefore cause further deterioration. Deferipone is an iron chelator, which is able to remove excess iron from the body. It is consequently being assessed to see if it can reduce an accumulation of iron in the brains of people with Parkinson's Disease. The long term aim of the therapy, if the clinical trial is successful, is to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease. As this is a pilot study, the theory at present is completely untested. For more information go to Deferiprone. There are a number of weaknesses in the theory behind the method used : (1) The claims made in studies that there is an accumulation of iron in Parkinson's Disease are not matched by the details of the results of those studies. When the results are age controlled, most people with Parkinson's Disease have only a mild accumulation of iron or no iron accumulation at all. (2) Iron is absolutely essential for the formation of dopamine, due to it being a cofactor for the formation of L-dopa. A restriction or lowering of iron intake can therefore be seriously counterproductive. (3) When L-dopa formation is low as occurs in Parkinson's Disease, iron, as an essential cofactor for L-dopa formation, can accumulate in order to overcome that deficiency. It is a compensatory mechanism rather than a cause of Parkinson's Disease. (4) If iron accumulation caused Parkinson's Disease, those people with Hereditary Haemochromatosis, which causes an accumulation of iron, would all have Parkinson's Disease. Yet in a study of people with Hereditary Haemochromatosis, none of them had Parkinson's Disease. (5) When iron was used therapeutically in Parkinson's Disease, all of the people tested reduced rather than increased their Parkinson's Disease symptoms. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
4th September 2011 - New research MALNUTRITION IS PREVALENT IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE Nutrition Reviews [2011] 69 (9) : 520-532 (J.M.Sheard, S.Ash, P.A.Silburn, G.K.Kerr) Complete abstract Malnutrition has been found to occur in up to 24% of people with Parkinson's Disease. Up to 60% of people with Parkinson's Disease have been found to be at risk of malnutrition. However, the studies assessed vary greatly in their figures. People with Parkinson's Disease may be at higher risk of malnutrition because of the symptoms associated with Parkinson's Disease and the side effects of the medication used to manage it. A decline in nutritional status is associated with many adverse outcomes related to health and quality of life. The researchers consequently suggest that it is important to screen for malnutrition at the time of Parkinson's Disease diagnosis. Dopamine, whose deficiency causes Parkinson's Disease, is often falsely assumed to be inevitably produced unless toxicity interferes with its formation. However, dopamine is made from dietary substances, including vitamins, minerals and L-tyrosine, which is usually obtained from high protein foods. For more information go to the Biochemistry of Parkinson's Disease. The deficiency of any of these nutrients could consequently lessen the amount of dopamine produced. The malnutrition that is common in Parkinson's Disease could therefore not only contribute to its onset but could worsen the symptoms over time even further. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
3rd September 2011 - New book THE COGNITIVE NEUROPSYCHIATRY OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE Patrick McNamara Publisher's description : Patients with Parkinson's Disease suffer most visibly with such motor deficits as tremor and rigidity and less obviously with a range of nonmotor symptoms, including autonomic dysfunction, mood disorders, and cognitive impairment. The neuropsychiatric disturbances of Parkinson's Disease can be as disabling as its motor disorders, but they have only recently begun to be studied intensively. The author offers a cognitive theory that accounts for both their neurology and their phenomenology. He offers an up-to-date review of current knowledge of neuropsychiatric manifestations of Parkinson's Disease such as cognitive deficits, personality changes, speech and language symptoms, sleep disorders, apathy, psychosis, and dementia. Click here for more details. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to Parkinson's Disease Books. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
25th August 2011 - New research DOPAMINE AGONISTS INCREASE THE RISK OF VALVULAR REGURGITATION Movement Disorders [2011] 26 (5) : 801-806 (V.G.Rasmussen, K.Østergaard, E.Dupont, S.H.Poulsen) Complete abstract The use of dopamine agonists increases the risk of valvular regurgitation in people with Parkinson's Disease. Valvular regurgitation is when a cardiac valve becomes diseased or damaged, and is no longer able to close properly. Leakage of blood occurs across the valve. This leakage of blood is referred to as regurgitation. Valvular regurgitation can lead to abnormal cardiac function. For more information go to Mitral valvular regurgitation. Cabergoline, which is also known by the brand names Dostinex and Cabaser, was the worst of those dopamine agonists assessed. The likelihood of valvular regurgitation in people with Parkinson's Disease taking Cabergoline was more than six times greater than would otherwise be expected. For a full review of Cabergoline go to the Review of Cabergoline. The dopamine agonist Pergolide, which is also known as Permax, makes valvular regurgitation in people with Parkinson's Disease more than three times more likely. The likelihood of Permax causing valvular regurgitation led to its withdrawal in the U.S. in 2007, but it is still used elsewhere. Other dopamine agonists were not assessed. So it is not known to what extent they are harmful in this respect or if they are harmful at all. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
9th August 2011 - New research THE LONG TERM EFFECTS OF DBS ON PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Archives of Neurology [2011] Published online August 8 ( Researchers assessed the outcome of Deep Brain Stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) in people with Parkinson's Disease over a period of 10 years. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) involves the use of electrodes that are implanted into the brain and connected to a small electrical device called a pulse generator that can be externally programmed. DBS requires careful programming of the stimulator device in order to work correctly. For more information go to Deep brain stimulation. DBS improved the Parkinson's Disease symptom score by 25% in comparison to no treatment, including resting and action tremor by over 85%, and bradykinesia by 23%. It did not stop deterioration in speech, walking, and postural instability, including falling and freezing. L-dopa dosages reduced to about 63% of what they were initially. Daily living activity also improved. Dyskinesia and motor fluctuation scores also remained significantly lower. Potential adverse events included : a trend to weight loss, visual hallucinations, impulse control disorders possibly related to dopamine agonists, progressive cognitive decline culminating in dementia, device related infections. In order to refer to this article on its own click here.
3rd August 2011 - New book IMAGING IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE David Eidelberg Publisher's description : Imaging in Parkinson's Disease provides up-to-date information concerning new applications of brain imaging to the study of Parkinson's Disease. Written by experts in the field, the book focuses on structural and functional imaging methods that have recently been applied to study Parkinson's Disease, with emphasis on the development of the major motor manifestations of the illness as well as cognitive impairment and dementia. Individual chapters address the role of imaging in differential diagnosis and the evaluation of treatment effects. Covering a wide range of subjects and being beautifully illustrated, it is a valuable reference for neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, and for biomedical students. Click here for more details. In order to refer to this article on its own click here. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to Parkinson's Disease Books.
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