Friday, February 25, 2011

Yoga for Parkinson's Disease..Keeping the Mind and Body Physically Active


Yoga for Parkinson's Disease...Keeping the body physically active on a daily basis is important for everyone and especially people with Parkinson's and other neurological and muscular disorders. Physical activity can improve overall health as well as emotional well-being. Yoga may be a perfect type of exercise for Parkinson's patients because of its gentle and slow movements. According to the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Society, yoga can help people with Parkinson's better manage and live with the disease. Additionally, the Parkinson's Hope Digest reports that a number of Parkinson' patients have reported diminished symptoms and improved motion and emotional spirits after taking yoga classes.Since yoga involves stretching the body, this factor may help people with Parkinson's improve their mobility and range of motion. Some yoga classes that are designed for students with special needs, such as those with Parkinson's disease, incorporate balance training and gentle yoga poses, including back strengthening postures, shoulder movements and meditation. Yoga also stresses the importance of proper breathing techniques into its movements to enhance lung function.The various body poses that are performed in yoga will not stop the progression of Parkinson's disease from progressing, but it can lessen its symptoms and enhance both physical and mental strength. Yoga can have an uplifting emotional impact on people with Parkinson's. It is recommended that people talk to their doctor before starting a yoga practice or any other exercise routine. For more information about exercise or to learn more about the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit us on the web at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Research and New Evidence Suggests: Amphetamine use Increases the Risk of PD

The drugs Benzedrine and Dexedrine, prescribed for hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy, traumatic brain injuries, and in the past for weight loss were found in a study to boost the chances of Parkinson's disease, compared to study participants who never used the drugs.Participants who reported using Benzedrine and Dexedrine were 60 percent more likely to have developed Parkinson's disease. No association between weight loss drugs and the disease was found.The authors say more research is needed to understand how amphetamines increase the chances of developing Parkinson's disease. Van Den Eeden explains it may be the result of dopamine uptake in the brain, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in Parkinson's disease that is also affected by amphetamines. To learn more about new research or about the Parkinson Research Foundation, please follow us on the web at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ Keep checking back for more information about this article and anything pertaining to this studying. As always please consult your physician before beginning a new diet or health regimen. Thank you for your continued support!

Resources: http://www.emaxhealth.com/1020/amphetamine-use-linked-parkinsons-disease

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Nutrition and Parkinson's disease....


Can any foods decrease or increase the risk of PD?
There have been a few studies that suggest that caffeine consumption may decrease the risk of PD, though this is far from proven. There have also been some studies that suggest that excessive carbohydrates, lipids or dairy products could increase risk but, again, this is very preliminary data and is not a good basis on which to make changes in one’s diet.

What are some other nutritional concerns in PD?
Patients who are just beginning to take levodopa are often asked to take it with food to decrease the nausea that sometimes results. Later on in the disease, many patients note that their levodopa does not work as well when taken at or near mealtimes. This can be because protein and levodopa compete to get into the brain. The patient may have to take the medication ½ to one hour before eating or an hour after eating to avoid this. Since some PD patients are at risk for falls, it is often advisable to get checked for osteoporosis and to follow the treatment suggested by the primary care provider. Vitamin D is important for bone health and low levels of this vitamin has recently been implicated as a possible factor in PD. Calcium is important as well. Weight-bearing exercise may also help bone strength.

Do any plants or foods actually contain levodopa?
Fava beans contain levodopa. However, the quantity is probably not consistent enough to be used as a therapeutic option. Mucuna Pruriens is a seed that was used thousands of years ago in Ayurvedic medicine in India. The seeds have been shown to contain levodopa but again, the quantity that might have therapeutic benefit is not known.

Can any foods decrease or increase the risk of PD?
There have been a few studies that suggest that caffeine consumption may decrease the risk of PD, though this is far from proven. There have also been some studies that suggest that excessive carbohydrates, lipids or dairy products could increase risk but, again, this is very preliminary data and is not a good basis on which to make changes in one’s diet. For more information about nutrition or to learn more about the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit us on the web, at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new diet or health regimen. Thank you for your continued support!

Resources:
Eat well, Stay well with Parkinson’s Disease by Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD Cook well, Stay well with Parkinson’s Disease by Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Treatments and Inevitable Factors to Improve Degenerating Dopamine Neurons in Parkinson's disease Patients!

New Treatments and Experiments for Parkinson's disease...according to an article published by The Medical News..Ceregene, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, reported first evidence of neurtrophic factors that help to improve the status of degenerating dopamine neurons in brains on PD patients.Scientists and collaborators have published new experimental findings in support of its Parkinson's disease program which appeared as the lead article in the current issue of Movement Disorders.The publication reports the first evidence that gene transfer can provide targeted expression of a neurotrophic factor, i.e., neurturin or NRTN, intended to restore and preserve dying neurons.provides the first evidence that neurotrophic factors can improve the status of degenerating dopamine neurons in Parkinson's brains. For more information about this article please visit, http://www.news-medical.net/news/20110217/First-evidence-of-neurotrophic-factors-improving-status-of-degenerating-dopamine-neurons-in-Parkinsons-brains.aspx or to learn more about other treatments and experiments, please log onto http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new regime. Thank you for your continued support.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Boxing in the Fight Against Parkinson's disease...


According to an Indiana News Station, A boxing gym with a unique purpose opened a first-of-its-kind facility over the weekend after five years as a growing underground movement in the fight against Parkinson's disease.Rock Steady, a nonprofit foundation, was created by Scott Newman, a former Marion County prosecutor and public safety director, providing nontraditional therapy in the battle against the debilitating disease.The program utilizes no-contact, therapeutic boxing training and techniques to improve brain activity. The gym is inside Peak Performance, a gym at East 62nd Street and Binford Boulevard.The gym, which offers 10 sessions per week, is already working with dozens of Parkinson's patients who are seeking something more than medication and traditional therapy.Through training, patients battle for control over sometimes constant shaking that Parkinson's disease causes.For more information about Parkinson's disease in the news or to learn more about the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit us online at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new regime. Thank you for your continued support.

Resources: http://www.theindychannel.com/news/26930722/detail.html

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

New Treatments Help Gain Motor Skills in Parkinson's disease....

Source: MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Feb 3, 2011

According to the sources, New treatments and studies conducted have shown that Stem cells, delivered intranasally, were shown to help gain motor serve in Parkinson’s disease.Using a rat prototype of Parkinson’s disease, the delving demonstrated that many of the stem cells delivered intranasally survived for at least six months in the brain; that the retard cells in a trice migrated preferentially to the damaged areas of the brain; and that motor curb showed significant improvement.This able occurred because of the demonstrated anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective belongings of the intranasally administered peduncle cells which were derived from bone marrow. Intranasal furnishing of stem cells to the brains is a promising and noninvasive alternative to latest surgical procedures. This is promising evidence, stay tuned and keep checking back for updated information regarding this article. For more information regarding new treatments and experiments, please check us out on the web at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ Please always consult with your physician before beginning a new health regime. Thank you for your continued support.

Resources: http://everxjen84.noadsfree.com/promising-late-treatment-for-parkinsons-improves-motor-exercise-power.html

Monday, February 14, 2011

Berries...Chocolates...New Studies Reveal Foods Rich in Flavonoids may Help Protect People Against Parkinson's Disease...



This may sweeten your day...in the news today, studies suggest that people who eat foods rich in antioxidants also known as flavonoids, especially berries, may be protecting themselves from developing Parkinson's disease. In addition to berries, flavonoids are found in a variety of foods such as apples, chocolate, and citrus fruits. Get out the chocolates and berries and celebrate Valentine's Day..while helping promote your health and protecting yourself from the risk of developing PD. Although, it is too early to tell if eating berries can truly ward off Parkinson's disease, benefits of berries have been reported in several previous studies, for example, lowering risk of hypertension and they have many of health benefits. More for information of what's in the news or to learn more about the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit us on the web at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new diet or health regime. Thank you for your continued support!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Neuroprotection and Drugs of the Future....

The Parkinson Research Foundation proudly welcomes Dr. Robert Hauser to speak at our upcoming conference in Tampa, Florida on Monday, March 28, 2011 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott. He will be speaking about Neuroproctection and Drugs of the Future. Dr. Hauser is a professor of Neurology at the University of South Florida and Director of the Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders Center. He went to Temple University where he completed his Medical Degree.Dr. Hauser provides expert evaluation and care for individuals with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders including Parkinsonism, tremor, chorea, dystonia, and restless legs syndrome. He is an authority on botulinum toxin injections for the treatment of movement disorders, having performed such injections for over 20 years. Dr. Hauser's research focuses on the development of new treatments for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders including essential tremor, cervical dystonia, blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, Huntington's disease, and restless legs syndrome. His expertise includes clinical trial design and execution. Dr. Hauser is the lead investigator for several national and international clinical trials and he serves on steering committees for multiple drug development programs and individual clinical trials. Developing medications to slow or stop the progression of neurodegenerative disorders is a top priority. He is American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology and American Society of Neuroimaging certified. He has authored or co-authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications and has lectured frequently at scientific meetings around the world. It is a great honor to have such prominent doctor and speaker join our staff and faculty at our conference. For more information about the upcoming conference, please visit our website at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ We hope to see you there! Thank you for your continued support!

Monday, February 7, 2011

What a FUN Way to Learn....


This Caribbean Adventure is like nothing you’ve experienced before from the destinations of Grand Cayman and Cozumel to education programs, organized activities, and the social activities.This cruise will allow patients to have access to prominent experts in the field of Parkinson’s disease.The education programs feature prominent Parkinson’s experts that will be speaking on various topics including; Non-motor Symptoms, Diagnosis, Causes, and Treatments; Nutrition; and Neuroprotection and Drugs of the Future. Organized activities include Voice AerobicsTM, Yoga, Physical Therapy Exercise; Ask the Doctor, and Support Groups. Social Activities include a fun, interactive scavenger hunt, pirate themed parties, and optional shore excursions. There’s so much packed in this 5-day adventure, this is definitely an opportunity of a lifetime.The cruise, February 26th- March 3rd, 2011 will feature a “pirate” theme and will combine informative educational programs, as well as fun social events including a scavenger hunt, themed parties, and optional shore excursions. Don’t forget your swords, patches, jewels, and parrots; or you may just have to walk the plank. Hurry to call and reserve your cabin today, because the ship won’t wait around forever.The program for the cruise will include presentations by prominent Parkinson’s disease physicians and clinicians; Dr. Juan Sanchez-Ramos, Eman Nakshabendi, Jeanne Csuy, etc. Patients and their caregivers will also be given the opportunity to participate in support group meetings, exercise classes and wellness seminars. For more information, please visit us at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ or call us at (941)870-4438. We hope to see you on board! Thank you for your continued support!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Scientific New Discovery and Identifying New Genes.....

According to recent news published about findings discovered, Scientists believe they have identified five new genes linked to Parkinson's disease in a large genetic analysis of the illness, according to the studies conducted. The discovery doesn't mean there are any new treatments just yet, but experts are optimistic they are getting closer.Scientists were unsure as to the causes of Parkinson's disease, but pinpointed factors relating to the environment. Including exposure to chemicals or past head injuries which have been significantly to blame.On average, a person typically has a 2.5 percent chance of developing Parkinson's disease in their lifetime, and those who have a relative with the disease have a 6 percent risk of developing the disease. Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder of unknown cause that affects nearly 1.5 million people in the United States. While there is no test that can clearly identify the disease, there are a variety of tests, such as brain scans, that can help doctors decide if a patient has true Parkinson's disease or some other disorder that resembles it. As more information develops regarding this new scientific discovery, PRF will help to share the information with it's patients, and caregivers. For more information about research or to learn more about the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit our website at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org As always please consult your physician before beginning a new regime. Thank you for your continued support.