.gif) VIARTIS
|
|||||||||||
|
|
PARKINSON'S DISEASE NEWS
|
|
|||||||||
|
Parkinson's Disease News covers all significant new research, reports, books, and resources concerning Parkinson's Disease. Articles are chosen on the basis of their medical significance or potential interest. Our overwhelming priority is the facts, regardless of whether they contradict prevailing views or vested interests. Analysis and further information are provided either to explain the background or implications, or to balance misleading claims. If you notice errors or inadequacies, or dispute what is written, or want to propose articles, please e-mail mail@viartis.net.
LOW RESOLUTION VERSION : There is a low resolution version of this web page INTENDED FOR THOSE PEOPLE THAT EITHER : use 800x600 resolution on their monitors, or have eyesight difficulties, or have slow Internet speeds. GO TO LOW RESOLUTION VERSION
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
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.
RSS FEED : If you would like to be notified in your news reader when any new articles are added to Parkinson's Disease News, go to RSS feed, and then copy the web page address, or simply copy it from here http://rss.icerocket.com/xmlfeed?id=559427 then add it to your news reader.
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
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%
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
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
7th January 2012 - New book DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION Kelvin L. Chou, Susan Grube, Parag Patil
18th December 2011 - News release PROSAVIN CLINICAL TRIAL RESULTS FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE
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.
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
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
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.
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 Movement Disorders [2011] Nov 16 [Epub ahead of print] (Searles Nielsen S, Gallagher LG, Lundin JI, Longstreth WT Jr, Smith-Weller T, Franklin GM, Swanson PD, Checkoway H.) 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. Even the risk for passive smokers was reduced to only 34%. 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
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
5th Novem ber 2011 - New researchNEUROPATHY 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
|
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| GO TO OCTOBER 2011 | |||||||||||
|
ARCHIVES 2011 : January February March April May June July August September October March April May June July August September October November December March April May June July August September October November December2008 : January February March April May June July August September October November December |
|||||||||||
.gif) |
|||||||||||
| ©2006-2011 Viartis | |||||||||||
| mail@viartis.net | |||||||||||
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
E-MAIL NOTIFICATION : If you would like to be
notified by e-mail when any new articles are added to Parkinson's Disease News, please merely
e-mail
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 
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 
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.
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.
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.
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
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 
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
The
use of pramipexole by people with Parkinson's Disease has been found to increase
the risk of heart failure. Pramipexole is a dopamine agonist that is also
known as Mirapex, Mirapexin, or Sifrol. For more information go to
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
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
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
and
serious symptoms. For more information go to