Thursday, February 9, 2012

Gene Research Offers Clues to Parkinson's Disease
In certain people with Parkinson's disease, mutations in the parkin gene disrupt the proper function of dopamine, the brain chemical that controls body movement.

http://ping.fm/992kN

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

New Test to Help Doctors Identify, Treat Early Stage Parkinson Patients

Now the pairing of a new drug and a high-tech nuclear brain scan is offering long-awaited help in the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD).

http://ping.fm/Du75Y
Exercise can help minimize effects of Parkinson’s

Medication can be used for symptom relief and to minimize adverse effects, but a growing number of studies suggest the exercise approach brings greater benefits for functional performance in individuals with PD than relying on medication alone.


http://ping.fm/8qrhC

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Deep brain stimulation: A competitor for Medtronic in America?


It looks like Medtronic, which had the lucrative deep brain stimulation market all to itself in the U.S., may find itself with some competition.


http://ping.fm/icKTX
Mediterranean diet 'halves risk of Parkinson's disease'
A Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruit, vegetables and fish can almost halve the risk of Parkinson's disease, according to new research.
The study revealed healthy eating habits slashed the risk of the incurable brain disorder by up to 46 per cent.

http://ping.fm/X9EIn
Doctors should screen Parkinson’s patients for signs of abuse
Neurologists treating Parkinson’s disease patients should add one more item to their checklist when visiting with a patient. In addition to checking balance, walking speed and other neurological signs, they should check for signs of physical abuse.

http://ping.fm/jRU9p

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

MSU Researchers Identify Path To Treat Parkinson’s Disease
MSU researchers have demonstrated the possibility of treating Parkinson's disease at its inception by treating the protein that triggers it before the disease can sicken the patient.

http://ping.fm/DJIpq