29th November 2012 - News release

In the clinical trial patients took either 40 mg of Pimavanserin or a placebo once a day for six weeks. Patients also received stable doses of their existing Parkinson’s Disease treatments throughout the study. Those people taking Pimavanserin reduced their score on the SAPS-PD scale by 5.79. Those people taking a placebo reduced their score by 2.73. Although the results were described as "representing a highly significant and clinically meaningful treatment" the effects of Pimavanserin were quite moderate when compared to those taking a placebo. Half the effect of Pimavanserin was achieved by effectively taking nothing at all. The study also fails to assess the long term effects of Pimavanserin as it lasted only 43 days. All drugs, due to a process called "feedback inhibition" end up reducing their over time. The most common adverse events were urinary tract infection and falls, but these were at a rate very little more than for those taking a placebo.  Most symptoms of psychosis in Parkinson's Disease are due to Parkinson's Disease drugs themselves. 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. 

28th November 2012 - New book

UNSHAKEN FAITH

Machele Coleman Bess

Publisher's description : When Machele Bess is diagnosed with Parkinsons disease her life becomes a little shaky. Coming from a Christian family, however, Machele has learned to have faith in God and continue to think positive. While Machele has been diagnosed with an uncommon disease, she strives to appreciate the little things in life and remember that He (God) alone is her fortress and she will not be shaken. Machele is not the only person who has to struggle with her disease, however. Her family was impacted by her daily struggles. Travel with Machele through her path to recovery as she exposes her struggles, but enlightens those diagnosed with Parkinsons, or even those working to help a Parkinsons patient. Click here for more details. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to Parkinson's Disease Books.  

                                                                                                                                                                                10th November 2012 - News release

AcuForm helps to deliver a drug like Sinemet over a longer period of time. Depomed's formulation was able to extend the therapeutic duration of L-dopa to nine hours, compared to Sinemet CR's seven hours. The time to reach peak blood levels was extended to four hours compared to 2 hours for Sinemet CR. This could enable a decrease in the dosage of L-dopa, and the ridding of side effects such as nausea and dyskinesia. In a recent clinical trial, DM-1992 reduced off time from 5.4 hours per day to 4.5 hours per day. DM-1992 was generally well tolerated, and there were no serious adverse events. For the news release click here. For a printable version of this article click here. In order to refer to this article on its own click here. 

8th November 2012 - New book

NAVIGATING LIFE WITH PARKINSON DISEASE

Sotirios Parashos (Author), Rosemary Wichmann (Author), Todd Melby (Contributor)

Publisher's description : Containing the most up-to-date information on the disease, it discusses the available treatments and provides practical advice on how to manage the disease in the long term. Emphasizing life-style adjustments that will provide a better quality of life and moderate the burden for patients and their loved ones, the book answers many questions and clarifies misunderstandings regarding the disease. The book is approachable and easily understandable. Question and answer sections are provided, while "hot topics" are highlighted for easy visibility. The authors have included patient stories that will both inspire and instruct, and they have addressed several topics often not mentioned in physician-directed disease management. Click here for more details. For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to Parkinson's Disease Books.