PARKINSON'S DISEASE NEWS

Mercury toxicity from a wide variety of sources is a known cause of symptoms that include those of Parkinson's Disease, especially tremor. It does this by lowering dopamine levels.

Sources of mercury : dietary fish intake, ethnic over-the-counter medications, occupational exposures to mercury vapour, possession of dental amalgam fillings, gold production, skin ointment, some soaps.

Means of toxicity : One of the chief targets of the toxin is the enzyme pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH). The enzyme is irreversibly inhibited by several mercury compounds. The lipoic acid component of the multienzyme complex binds mercury compounds tightly and thus inhibits PDH. However, the cause of the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease is likely to be due to the fact that mercury potently causes the release of dopamine, thereby lowering dopamine levels.

Symptoms : Parkinson’s Disease [1]; tremor [2, 3]; hand tremor, balance and gait disturbance with bradykinesia, paresthesias of the upper extremities, neurobehavioral abnormalities, slight memory loss, and spatial disorientation. Psychoneurological examination revealed dementia, Parkinson's syndrome and ataxia of the lower limbs [4]; tremor, paralysis, and excessive salivation as well as tooth loss, skin problems, and pulmonary complaints [5]; fine hand tremor, depression, hypochondria symptoms, introvert behaviour, concentration difficulty, psychomotor, perceptual and motor co-ordination disturbances [6]; tremor, loss of memory, sleeplessness, metallic taste [7]; emotional changes (symptoms of depression and anxiety) and neurological changes (amnesia, insomnia and tremor of the tongue) [8]; impaired short term verbal and spatial memory, impaired sustained and divided attention, and impaired motor speed; elevated clinical levels of psychiatric symptomatology, including anxiety, depression and phobic avoidance, and neurological symptoms of tremor, weakness in the limbs, and excessive sweating [9]; intention tremor, dysdiado-chokinesis and mild rigidity [10]; tremor, reduced coordination ability [11].

A huge survery was carried out in 15 countries on the knowledge of stem cell therapy and the attitudes to it, in: Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, Sweden, U.S.A., Japan and Israel. The most knowledgeable were those in Sweden and Denmark, where 86% knew of stem cell research. Less than 45% of those in Poland, Austria, Israel and Japan even knew of it. Only about 40% to 50% of people had any real understanding of it. There was an even poorer understanding of how stem cells are extracted and the implications for the embryo, with U.S.A. at only 30%, being the most knowledegable.

In most countries stem cell research was viewed as useful. However, there were considerable reservations about the risk of moral dilemnas. The Danish and Dutch believed there to the least risk. Americans, Austrians and Japanese were at the other extreme. Views regarding the morality of the use of stem cells differed a lot. It was viewed as immoral by a majority in the U.S.A., Austria, Germany, Poland, Japan, and Israel. Those countries disagreeing most with the claims of immorality were Denmark, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Italy.

Possible medical benefits were considered more important than the rights of the embryo in Spain, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark, France and the Netherlands. The rights of the embryos were considered more important in the U.S.A., Austria, Ireland, Germany, Poland, Japan and Israel. People in most countries accepted the use of spare embryos left over from fertility treatments more than the use of embryos created specifically for research. Most countries are against the use of hybrid embryos, mostly because of the fear that the technique could get out of control and because it could lead to dangerous uses. For more information go to the Complete article.

16th May 2008 - New review

CYANIDE AS A CAUSE OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE
                                                                                                                                                                               Cyanide, usually from the consumption of potassium cyanide or sodium cyanide can result in Parkinsonism.

Common sources : Cyanide is contained in drugs such as potassium cyanide and sodium cyanide. Cyanides can be produced by certain bacteria, fungi, and algae, and are found in a number of foods and plants. Cyanide occurs naturally in cassava roots (aka manioc), which are potato-like tubers of cassava plants grown in tropical countries; these must be processed prior to consumption (usually by extended boiling). Fruits that have a pit, such as cherries or apricots, often contain either cyanides or cyanogenic glycosides in the pit. Bitter almonds, from which almond oil and flavoring is made, also contain cyanide.

Hydrogen cyanide is contained in vehicle exhaust and in tobacco smoke. The smoke of burning plastics contains hydrogen cyanide, and house fires often result in cyanide poisonings. A deep blue pigment called Prussian blue, used in the making of blueprints, is iron (III) ferrocyanide. Cyanides are one of the very few soluble compounds of gold, and thus are used in electroplating, gold mining, metallurgy and jewellery for chemical gilding, buffing, and extraction of gold. Cyanides and hydrogen cyanide are used in the production of chemicals, photographic development, making plastics, fumigating ships, and some mining processes. Potassium Ferrocyanide is used to achieve a blue colour on cast bronze sculptures during the final finishing stage of the sculpture.

Means of toxicity : Cyanide interrupts the electron transport chain in the inner membrane of the mitochondrion because it binds more strongly than oxygen to the Fe3+ in cytochrome a3, preventing this cytochrome from combining electrons with oxygen. Cyanide also occupies the place of oxygen in hemoglobin (which transports oxygen). Oxygen is required for the formation of L-dopa. So carbon monoxide may cause Parkinson's Disease symptoms by interefering with the availability of oxygen to the brain. However, the precise means by which it causes Parkinson's Disease has still not been proven.

Symptoms : Severe parkinsonian syndrome, characterized primarily by akinesia and rigidity [1]; Parkinsonism, that regressed slowly after the poisoning apart from dysarthria, bradykinesia of the upper limbs, and very brisk monosynaptic reflexes [2]; Progressive Parkinsonism, dystonia and apraxia of eye opening [3]; severe Parkinsonian syndrome [4]; a combination of severe parkinsonism and progressive dystonia [5]; severe parkinsonian symptoms, including profound micrographia and hypersalivation [6]; Parkinsonism that regressed slowly after the poisoning apart from dysarthria, bradykinesia of the upper limbs and very brisk monosynaptic reflexes [7]

12th May 2008 - New research

REIMPLANTATION GREATLY IMPROVES THE EFFECT OF DBS SURGERY
                                                                                                                                                                              
Archives of Neurology [2008] 65 (5) : 612-616 (M.Anheim, A.Batir, V.Fraix, M.Silem, S.Chabardès, E.Seigneuret, P.Krack, A.Benabid, P.Pollak) Complete abstract

DBS is a surgical method of treating Parkinson's Disease that uses electrodes implanted into the brain. For more information go to Deep Brain Stimulation. The misplacement of electrodes is a possible explanation for a poor response to STN (bilateral subthalamic nucleus) stimulation in some people with Parkinson Disease after DBS surgery. A study was carried out to assess whether reimplantation of the electrodes could produce improvement in patients' symptoms.

All patients but one displayed improvement following the reimplantation. Assessed whilst not taking Parkinson's Disease drugs, motor scores had been improved by 26% before reimplantation, but by 59% after reimplantation. The average L-dopa dosage after reimplantation was less than half of what it needed to be before reimplantation. The threshold before any adverse effects were seen was also improved. The mean distance from the theoretical target had been reduced from 5.4 mm to 2.0 mm. The authors concluded that a poor response to DBS surgery as a result of electrode misplacement can benefit a lot from reimplantation closer to the theoretical target.

10th May 2008 - New research

RHINORRHEA IS INCREASED IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
                                                                                                                                                                               Movement Disorders [2008] 23 (3) : 452-454 (Friedman JH, Amick MM) Complete abstract

Rhinorrhea is excessive liquid produced from the nose. For more information go to Rhinorrhea. Researchers found that rhinorrhea is increased in people with Parkinson's Disease, but only a single publication supported this observation. So they performed two further studies to assess the prevalence of rhinorrhea in Parkinson's Disease. They also questioned subjects as to whether rhinorrhea might be associated with olfactory impairment, which is known to be common in Parkinson's Disease.

They found that rhinorrhea affects about half of people with Parkinson's Disease, which is significantly more than in people that do not have Parkinson's Disease. It was found to be an early feature of Parkinson's Disease, being present at the time of presentation. It was also associated with a self-perceived reduction in the sense of smell, which raises the question of whether some olfactory impairment found in Parkinson's Disease could be confounded by rhinorrhea, and also whether rhinorrhea may be a premotor symptom. The association of rhinorrhea with Parkinson's Disease is not explained by the researchers. Rhinorrhea normally occurs as a symptom of the common cold and allergies. So it's odd that they coincide to such an extent.

9th May 2008 - New research

MORTALITY RATES IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Neurology [2008] 70 (16 Pt 2) : 1423-1430 (Driver JA, Kurth T, Buring JE, Gaziano JM, Logroscino G.) Complete abstract

Over 20,000 people were assessed in order to evaluate the mortality rate in Parkinson disease. Over 500 of these people had Parkinson's Disease. Each person with Parkinson's Disease was matched with somebody who did not have Parkinson's Disease. Of those that died within 6 years, nearly 36% of those with Parkinson's Disease had died, in comparison to 23% of those people who did not have Parkinson's Disease.

The increased mortality risk was apparent even in those people who'd had Parkinson's Disease for less than two years. The risk levels remained stable with increasing duration. Even for those who were 80 years old or older the death rate in Parkinson's Disease was double that of people that did not have Parkinson's Disease. The risk of mortality associated with Parkinson's Disease was not different according to how much somebody smoked. Overall, people with Parkinson Disease had an increased risk of all-cause mortality that was not affected by disease duration or age of onset.

The researchers only asked yes or no for general health conditions (such as cerebral vascular disease). So they could not know how serious each person's condition was. They could therefore have matched somebody who had Parkinson's Disease with somebody who did not have Parkinson's Disease, with the Parkinson's Disease patient having far more serious cerebral vascular disease than the person that did not have Parkinson's Disease. The researchers also accepted self-reporting to determine their more than 500 Parkinson's Disease subjects, despite Parkinson's Disease being a widely misdiagnosed condition. They did not do a SPECT, and do not state that they even did a clinical examination in order to asses whether the subjects had Parkinson's Disease.

8th May 2008 - New book

the stranger comes at sundown : living and dying with Parkinson's Disease

Jane Kriete Awalt

Publisher's description : This diary reveals the day-to-day and year-to-year struggles faced by those with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers. Despite significant advances in our understanding and treatment of Parkinson's disease, this graphic glimpse into the effects of the disease emphasize the great need for more research and better therapies, especially those with the potential to stop, reverse, or at least slow its progression. Caregivers will find this book to be a valuable source of information, strength, and inspiration. Jane Awalt's book on her life as a caregiver for her husband Bob Awalt and his battle with Parkinson's disease allows great insight into the disease and its affect on both the patient and the family and the spouse. Click here for more details  

7th May 2008 - New research

FOOD CONTAMINANTS INCREASE PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Neurotoxicology [2008] Mar 14; [Epub ahead of print] (Petersen MS, Halling J, Bech S, Wermuth L, Weihe P, Nielsen F, Jorgensen PJ, Budtz-Jorgensen E, Grandjean P.) Complete abstract

Neurology. 2008 Apr 15;70(16 Pt 2):1423-30. Related Articles, LinkOut

This study aimed to investigate the association of Parkinson's Disease with dietary exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and methylmercury (MeHg). Polychlorinated biphenyls have a wide range of industrial uses. For more information go to Polychlorinated biphenyls. They are known to be highly toxic and have caused large scale environmental contaminations, particularly in the U.S.A.. Polluting rivers caused fish to be contaminated. Polychlorinated biphenyls dumped in sewage plants was passed on as sludge to be used by farmers and gardeners, leading to contaminated food supplies. The community used to investigate the association were the Faeroe Islands, a Danish territory north of the British Isles. This is because the Faeroe Islands presently has the highest incidence of Parkinson's Disease, and because there is known to be increased exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and methylmercury there.

Serum concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other related contaminants were slightly increased in Parkinson's Disease. Beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH) was significantly related to Parkinson's Disease. In the Faeroe Islands, increased intake of whale meat and blubber was significantly associated with Parkinson's Disease, suggesting that their main source of contamination had been from marine sources. Measures of occupational exposure to solvents, pesticides and metals also suggested an increased risk for Parkinson's Disease.

6th May 2008 - New research

THE ARABIC ORIGINS OF GENETIC PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Movement Disorders [2008] Apr 28 [Epub ahead of print] (Benamer HT, de Silva R, Siddiqui KA, Grosset DG.) Complete abstract

The present report systematically reviewed the medical literature concerning Parkinson's Disease in Arabs. Over twenty studies were used. The prevalence of Parkinson's Disease amongst Arabs was found to be only 27 to 43 people per 100,000. The prevalence amongst Americans is up to 10 times greater than that. The incidence of Parkinson's Disease amongst Arabs (the rate of diagnosis) is reported at 4.5 per 100,000 people per year. The incidence is up to 5 times greater amongst Americans. The reason for such very low levels in Arabs is unknown.

However, the genetic form of Parkinson's Disease, the G2019S LRRK2 mutation, is up to 20 times more common in Arabs than in Europeans and North Americans, suggesting that it originated there, most probably many centuries ago. It is by far the most common form of genetic Parkinson's Disease in Arabs, causing about 40% of genetic Parkinson's Disease, in comparison to only 2%-3% in Europeans and North Americans. Three other genetic forms of Parkinson's Disease have been found in Arabs : Parkin, PINK1 and PARK9. The clinical features of Parkinson's Disease in Arabs is not different from those reported elsewhere. Parkinsonism was the commonest movement disorder founfamongst Arabs. Parkinson's Disease was the cause of dementia in around 7% of Arabs. 

2nd May 2008 - History

leonardo da vinci's descriptions of  parkinson's disease

the cause of tremor

Journal of Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry [2008] 79 (5) : 514-521 (Plaha P, Filipovic S, Gill SS.) Complete abstract

Precisely what happens in the brain when tremor occurs wass not clearly known. Researchers hypothesized that tremor in Parkinson's Disease occurs when two parts of the brain : the caudal zona incerta and the subthalamic nucleus are deprived of dopamine, and that they consequently become increasingly responsive to alpha and beta frequency oscillations. Oscillations are basically increases and decreases in stimulation. They tested their idea by stimulating the part of the brain they claimed to be responsible (the caudal zona incerta) with alpha and beta oscillations using deep brain stimulation (DBS) in people with Parkinson's Disease who did not have any tremor. DBS leads were also implanted in other sites within the brain.

Tremor was produced by stimulating two parts of the brain (the caudal zona incerta and the ventrolateral thalamocortical neurons). Tremor was also seen following stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus, but only after very high levels of stimulation. No tremor was found after stimulating any other areas of the brain. The researchers consequently claim that tremor originates primarily via the caudal zona incerta and the ventrolateral thalamocortical neurons, instead of other areas in the brain in which it was previously assumed that tremor originated in Parkinson's Disease (in the cortico-ZI-VL-thalamocortical loop rather than in the cortico-basal-ganglia-thalamocortical loop).