PARKINSON’S DISEASE: NEUROPROTECTION AND DRUGS OF THE FUTURE
FIFTH ANNUAL PRF PARKINSON’S DISEASE CONFERENCE
MOBILITY FOR PD PATIENTS
Tampa Westshore Marriott - Tampa, Florida
Monday, March 28, 2011
Program Chair: Dr. Juan Sanchez-Ramos
On March 28, 2011, the Parkinson Research Foundation (PRF) will host its annual spring educational conference in Tampa, Florida. The conference is a unique educational opportunity for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, families, and caregivers to learn about the latest advances in PD research, medication, and treatment innovations that greatly improve quality of life. The conference also provides an open forum for patients and caregivers to share their concerns and successes with Parkinson’s experts, and each other.
PRF announced that the 2011 spring educational conference features mobility expert Jeanne Csuy, a notable educator in the movement disorder field. Ms Csuy received her Master’s of Science in Health Education from Gulf Coast University in 2005. In 2008, she collaborated with John Argue, to create the “Parkinson’s Disease & Activities of Daily Living” DVD. This DVD offers solutions to everyday difficulties faced by Parkinson’s patients, including techniques to transition from sitting to standing, bed mobility exercises, and walking techniques that help minimize falls. Ms. Csuy told PRF her main goal in creating the DVD was to “help patients take back their strength.”
“There’s something empowering about regaining your skills you thought you’d lost,” Ms. Csuy told Parkinson’s patients in a recent mobility presentation, “Don’t let anyone do something for you that you can do yourself, maintaining that physical capability offers you a mental toughness that is essential for enduring Parkinson’s disease.” Ms. Csuy provides community education to healthcare professionals and Parkinson’s patients. She is the Hope Parkinson Program Coordinator and credited with developing several community programs designed to assist Parkinson’s patients in Southwest Florida.
The spring educational conference will have general session presentations, including Ms. Cusy’s Mobility Presentation, beginning in the morning followed by breakout workshops in the afternoon, exhibition sessions during the sponsored snack breaks, and a question and answer session at the end of every speaker’s session.
Morning Sessions will include:
• Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
• Treatments of the Future
Afternoon Workshops include:
• Mobility
• Voice Aerobics TM
• Dance for Parkinson’s disease
• Nutrition
About the Parkinson Research Foundation (PRF)
The Parkinson Research Foundation (PRF) is a nonprofit health organization providing Parkinson’s patients with access to research, education, information and advocacy. PRF distinguishes itself from other Parkinson organizations by focusing on education and awareness, not only for patients, but also for families and caregivers. PRF explores a variety of issues affecting the care and treatment of Parkinson’s disease, with a goal of bringing new advances in treatment to the forefront by, making this knowledge widely available through seminars and conferences.
The money raised by PRF funds research, information programs, and advocacy and awareness efforts that support the over one million people with Parkinson's disease in communities across America.
For more information about PRF or to register for this March 28, 2011 conference, please contact Ms. Rosa Seminario at rseminario@parkinsonresearchfoundation.org or call (800) 869-1551 ext. 0. Thank you for your interest and support.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Gene Therapy Successful in Treating Parkinson’s disease in Second Phase of Clinical Trial
In a first successful Phase II clinical trial, funded by Neurologix, Inc, researchers used a gene therapy called NLX-P101 to reverse symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The success of the gene therapy is the result of 20 years of research and the first to be used for Parkinson’s disease or any neurological disorder. Gene therapy normalizes chemical signals in Parkinson’s disease
The gene therapy works by normalizing chemical signals in the brain, eliminating symptoms of tremor, stiffness and difficulty moving. Typically, patients with the disease walk with a shuffling gait, finding it difficult to pick up their feet from rigidity of the limbs.
The treatment uses a gene known as glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). An inert virus is used to get the gene into the brain. GAD then signals brain cells to produce GABA that binds to the brain’s neurons, normalizing defects found in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
As a control, patients were given a sham therapy while they wereawake so they could respond to commands to move their limbs from the researchers, making them believe they were receiving the gene therapy. The control group was also given a saline injection instead of the gene, using the same delivery system as the therapy group.
The findings are published in the Lancet Neurology that could be a major advance for treating Parkinson’s disease, but longer trials would be needed to assess safety of the treatment.
In the study, the gene therapy dramatically improved symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in over half of the patients, compared to 14 percent of the control group at six months, with improvement seen at one month. Dr. During says the success of the Phase II trial means the NLX-P101 therapy is closer to being used in clinical practice for treatment of the debilitating neurological disorder. Neurologix, Inc., co-founded by Dr. Kaplitt, is seeking FDA approval for a Phase III clinical trial.
To learn more about How to Fight Parkinson's disease, we invite you to attend our educational conference on Monday, March 28th, 2011 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott in Tampa, Florida.
The conference is a unique educational opportunity for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, families, and caregivers to learn about the latest advances in PD research, medication and treatment innovations that greatly improve quality of life.
To learn more about the conference or the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit us at http://parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.
References: http://www.emaxhealth.com/1020/gene-therapy-treats-parkinson%E2%80%99s-disease-second-clinical-trial
The gene therapy works by normalizing chemical signals in the brain, eliminating symptoms of tremor, stiffness and difficulty moving. Typically, patients with the disease walk with a shuffling gait, finding it difficult to pick up their feet from rigidity of the limbs.
The treatment uses a gene known as glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). An inert virus is used to get the gene into the brain. GAD then signals brain cells to produce GABA that binds to the brain’s neurons, normalizing defects found in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
As a control, patients were given a sham therapy while they wereawake so they could respond to commands to move their limbs from the researchers, making them believe they were receiving the gene therapy. The control group was also given a saline injection instead of the gene, using the same delivery system as the therapy group.
The findings are published in the Lancet Neurology that could be a major advance for treating Parkinson’s disease, but longer trials would be needed to assess safety of the treatment.
In the study, the gene therapy dramatically improved symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in over half of the patients, compared to 14 percent of the control group at six months, with improvement seen at one month. Dr. During says the success of the Phase II trial means the NLX-P101 therapy is closer to being used in clinical practice for treatment of the debilitating neurological disorder. Neurologix, Inc., co-founded by Dr. Kaplitt, is seeking FDA approval for a Phase III clinical trial.
To learn more about How to Fight Parkinson's disease, we invite you to attend our educational conference on Monday, March 28th, 2011 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott in Tampa, Florida.
The conference is a unique educational opportunity for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, families, and caregivers to learn about the latest advances in PD research, medication and treatment innovations that greatly improve quality of life.
To learn more about the conference or the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit us at http://parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.
References: http://www.emaxhealth.com/1020/gene-therapy-treats-parkinson%E2%80%99s-disease-second-clinical-trial
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
If I have Parkinson's disease...Should I Get a Nutritionist?
It is always good to seek the professional advice of a nutritionist right after your Parkinson's Disease diagnosis so that you can get some solid information on what to eat and what to avoid. Most health care plans cover consultations with nutritionists so it will not cost you any extra money (except the co-pay). The nutritionist can take into account all of your special circumstances.
Perhaps you have other conditions (e.g. high blood pressure or diabetes) that require special diets. The nutritionist can help you to decide what if any new foods to add to or to drop from your existing diet. Ask your neurologist to refer you to a good nutritionist and get some solid information on how to eat right when you have PD.
To learn more about How to Fight Parkinson's disease and nutrition, we invite you to attend our educational conference on Monday, March 28th, 2011 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott in Tampa, Florida.
The conference is a unique educational opportunity for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, families, and caregivers to learn about the latest advances in PD research, medication and treatment innovations that greatly improve quality of life.
To learn more about the conference or the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit us at http://parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.
References: Weiner, W. J., Shulman, L.M. and Lang, A. E. (2007). Parkinsons Disease, Second Edition, A Complete guide for patients and families. Johns Hopkins Press Book, Baltimore.
Perhaps you have other conditions (e.g. high blood pressure or diabetes) that require special diets. The nutritionist can help you to decide what if any new foods to add to or to drop from your existing diet. Ask your neurologist to refer you to a good nutritionist and get some solid information on how to eat right when you have PD.
To learn more about How to Fight Parkinson's disease and nutrition, we invite you to attend our educational conference on Monday, March 28th, 2011 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott in Tampa, Florida.
The conference is a unique educational opportunity for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, families, and caregivers to learn about the latest advances in PD research, medication and treatment innovations that greatly improve quality of life.
To learn more about the conference or the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit us at http://parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.
References: Weiner, W. J., Shulman, L.M. and Lang, A. E. (2007). Parkinsons Disease, Second Edition, A Complete guide for patients and families. Johns Hopkins Press Book, Baltimore.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Brain Stimulation, New Treatment for Many Parkinson's Patients...
Not everyone with Parkinson's is eligible for deep-brain stimulation, which has been available in the United States in various forms since the late 1990s. But the latest version of the $65,000 procedure, approved by the Food and Drug Administration for Parkinson's in 2002, can offer patients significant relief of symptoms and less need for high doses of medicine to cope with one of the most common nervous-system disorders in older adults.
"These are the happiest patients I have," said Cozzens, chairman of SIU's neurosurgery division. "They're thrilled with the results. They get their life back."
Cozzens, 58, a Chicago-area native who was trained at Northwestern University's medical school, brought deep-brain stimulation to Springfield. He has performed about 300 of the procedures in his career, making him one of the most experienced practitioners in Illinois.
Deep-brain stimulation also can be used to treat chronic pain, and research is under way on its use in treating depression, Tourette syndrome, high blood pressure and even obsessive-compulsive disorder.
But the most proven benefits are in patients with Parkinson's and other movement disorders, Cozzens said. So at least for now, those are the only patients receiving the procedure in Springfield.
Deep-brain stimulation works by scrambling the abnormal brain signals that cause Parkinson's symptoms, but it hasn't been proven to halt the progression of the disease itself.
Because of the risk of infection, stroke and brain damage, deep-brain stimulation is considered only when medicine isn't working well to ease the tremors, limb stiffness, slow movement and coordination problems caused by Parkinson's, Elble said.
Elble, who works with Cozzens, said patients must be selected carefully.
"Some people who come to us have been misdiagnosed," Elble said. "Some people have never been given adequate trials of medicine."
About 20 percent of Parkinson's patients - often those younger than 60 or those whose primary symptoms are tremors - could benefit from deep-brain stimulation, Elble said.
But 90 percent of his patients have seen at least some improvement, and 80 percent have experienced major improvements, he said.
*What is it: A surgical procedure to treat a variety of disabling neurological symptoms, most commonly symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
*What happens during surgery: A battery-operated device similar to a heart pacemaker is surgically implanted to deliver electrical stimulation to targeted areas in the brain that control movement, blocking the abnormal nerve signals that cause tremors and other Parkinson's symptoms. Patients don't feel the insertion of the electrode or the electrical current because nerve cells in brain tissue don't detect pain.
*Cost of the surgery: About $65,000. The procedure is covered by Medicare and Medicaid and is commonly covered by private insurance.
*Risks: Infection, allergic reaction, dizziness, speech or vision problems, stroke and other brain damage.
*About Parkinson's: 50,000 to 60,000 new cases of Parkinson's are diagnosed in the United States each year, and 1 million Americans have the disease, for which there is no cure. An estimated 20 percent of Parkinson's patients could benefit from deep-brain stimulation.
To learn more about How to Fight Parkinson's disease, we invite you to attend our educational conference on Monday, March 28th, 2011 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott in Tampa, Florida.
The conference is a unique educational opportunity for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, families, and caregivers to learn about the latest advances in PD research, medication and treatment innovations that greatly improve quality of life.
To learn more about the conference or the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit us at http://parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.
References: http://www.behealthyspringfield.com/sections/local-news/brain-stimulation-new-treatment-for-many-parkinsons-sufferers
"These are the happiest patients I have," said Cozzens, chairman of SIU's neurosurgery division. "They're thrilled with the results. They get their life back."
Cozzens, 58, a Chicago-area native who was trained at Northwestern University's medical school, brought deep-brain stimulation to Springfield. He has performed about 300 of the procedures in his career, making him one of the most experienced practitioners in Illinois.
Deep-brain stimulation also can be used to treat chronic pain, and research is under way on its use in treating depression, Tourette syndrome, high blood pressure and even obsessive-compulsive disorder.
But the most proven benefits are in patients with Parkinson's and other movement disorders, Cozzens said. So at least for now, those are the only patients receiving the procedure in Springfield.
Deep-brain stimulation works by scrambling the abnormal brain signals that cause Parkinson's symptoms, but it hasn't been proven to halt the progression of the disease itself.
Because of the risk of infection, stroke and brain damage, deep-brain stimulation is considered only when medicine isn't working well to ease the tremors, limb stiffness, slow movement and coordination problems caused by Parkinson's, Elble said.
Elble, who works with Cozzens, said patients must be selected carefully.
"Some people who come to us have been misdiagnosed," Elble said. "Some people have never been given adequate trials of medicine."
About 20 percent of Parkinson's patients - often those younger than 60 or those whose primary symptoms are tremors - could benefit from deep-brain stimulation, Elble said.
But 90 percent of his patients have seen at least some improvement, and 80 percent have experienced major improvements, he said.
*What is it: A surgical procedure to treat a variety of disabling neurological symptoms, most commonly symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
*What happens during surgery: A battery-operated device similar to a heart pacemaker is surgically implanted to deliver electrical stimulation to targeted areas in the brain that control movement, blocking the abnormal nerve signals that cause tremors and other Parkinson's symptoms. Patients don't feel the insertion of the electrode or the electrical current because nerve cells in brain tissue don't detect pain.
*Cost of the surgery: About $65,000. The procedure is covered by Medicare and Medicaid and is commonly covered by private insurance.
*Risks: Infection, allergic reaction, dizziness, speech or vision problems, stroke and other brain damage.
*About Parkinson's: 50,000 to 60,000 new cases of Parkinson's are diagnosed in the United States each year, and 1 million Americans have the disease, for which there is no cure. An estimated 20 percent of Parkinson's patients could benefit from deep-brain stimulation.
To learn more about How to Fight Parkinson's disease, we invite you to attend our educational conference on Monday, March 28th, 2011 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott in Tampa, Florida.
The conference is a unique educational opportunity for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, families, and caregivers to learn about the latest advances in PD research, medication and treatment innovations that greatly improve quality of life.
To learn more about the conference or the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit us at http://parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.
References: http://www.behealthyspringfield.com/sections/local-news/brain-stimulation-new-treatment-for-many-parkinsons-sufferers
Monday, March 14, 2011
Fighting Parkinson's disease with Exercise!
Fighting Parkinson's with Exercise..Six days a week, you can find Jim Patterson at the gym.The tremor in is hands is nothing like it once was. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003, and feeling symptoms as early as the late 1990's, Jim has taken the battle with P.D. head-on.Prior to his P.D., Jim was employed by the F.B.I., working counter-terrorism by conducting surveillance on suspected threats to the U.S. He was even the man they wanted to be the driver while chasing down the bad guys in fast and dangerous situations.
"I’ve been one of 45 people or so that have become an advocate for the association. We encourage clinical trials because less than one percent of the people who have Parkinson’s in America have participated in clinical trials. So, the P.D.F. people have really pushed that and I’m glad to be a member," Patterson continued.
Yes, clinical trials. If a cure is to be found for Parkinson’s and other diseases of the brain, it will most likely come from clinical trials done at places like Sarasota’s Roskamp Institute.
Patterson wants to be there when it happens. "I’m going to continue to exercise, of course, and I’m going to continue to educate the people when I can about Parkinson’s and the need for clinical trials. And, I’m going to go on the journey and keep it up until there’s cure for Parkinson’s.
To learn more about How to Fight Parkinson's disease, we invite you to attend our educational conference on Monday, March 28th, 2011 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott in Tampa, Florida.
The conference is a unique educational opportunity for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, families, and caregivers to learn about the latest advances in PD research, medication and treatment innovations that greatly improve quality of life.
To learn more about the conference or the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit us at http://parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.
References:http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/fighting-parkinson's-with-exercise-031411
"I’ve been one of 45 people or so that have become an advocate for the association. We encourage clinical trials because less than one percent of the people who have Parkinson’s in America have participated in clinical trials. So, the P.D.F. people have really pushed that and I’m glad to be a member," Patterson continued.
Yes, clinical trials. If a cure is to be found for Parkinson’s and other diseases of the brain, it will most likely come from clinical trials done at places like Sarasota’s Roskamp Institute.
Patterson wants to be there when it happens. "I’m going to continue to exercise, of course, and I’m going to continue to educate the people when I can about Parkinson’s and the need for clinical trials. And, I’m going to go on the journey and keep it up until there’s cure for Parkinson’s.
To learn more about How to Fight Parkinson's disease, we invite you to attend our educational conference on Monday, March 28th, 2011 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott in Tampa, Florida.
The conference is a unique educational opportunity for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, families, and caregivers to learn about the latest advances in PD research, medication and treatment innovations that greatly improve quality of life.
To learn more about the conference or the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit us at http://parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.
References:http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/fighting-parkinson's-with-exercise-031411
Friday, March 11, 2011
Educational Symposium on Parkinson's Disease...
The Parkinson Research Foundation cordially invites you to our annual Parkinson’s disease educational conference. This year’s conference will be held on March 28th, 2011 at the Tampa Westshore Marriott in Tampa, Florida.The conference is a unique educational opportunity for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, families, and caregivers to learn about the latest advances in PD research, medication and treatment innovations that greatly improve quality of life.
What makes our event unique? Participation! We complement informational presentations from leaders in the Parkinson’s field with interactive elements, encouraging attendees to share questions, concerns, and ideas with nationally known Parkinson’s experts, local doctors, fellow patients and caregivers. Useful hands-on workshops such as “Mobility for PD patients” and “Voice AerobicsTM” will present time-tested techniques and ideas that encourage a more active and comfortable lifestyle for PD patients.
The conference will run from 9:00am-4:30pm with registration beginning at 8:00am. Speakers and presenters include some of the most notable and prominent names in the Parkinson’s community, including Conference Chair, Dr. Juan Sanchez-Ramos, Dr. Robert Hauser and several others.
To register or for more information about the March 26th Educational Conference, please contact Ms. Rosa Seminario at: rseminario@parkinsonresearchfoundation.org or call (800) 869-1551 ext. 0. I look forward to seeing you at the conference. To learn more about the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit us online at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/. We look forward to seeing you at our educational conference. Thank you for your continued support!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
A Major Breakthrough in Parkinson's Research....Could This Really be the Medication to Stop the Progression?
A major breakthrough in Parkinson's research could lead to the development of a drug able to stop the progression of the neurodegenerative condition.A drug has been found to halt the progression of Parkinson's disease in mice and is now being tested on humans, scientists have said.Research published online in the Journal of Biological Chemistry found that the drug phenylbutyrate switches on a gene which is able to protect dopamine neurons in people with Parkinson's disease."Drugs currently used to treat Parkinson's disease just treat symptoms; they do not stop the disease from getting worse," said senior author Curt Freed, MD, who heads the division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology at the CU School of Medicine. "We've now discovered that we can prevent the progression of the disease by turning on a protective gene in the brain."
Lead author Wenbo Zhou, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, and Freed, a national pioneer in Parkinson's research, have found that the drug phenylbutyrate turns on a gene that can protect dopamine neurons in Parkinson's disease. The gene, called DJ-1, can increase production of antioxidants like glutathione to reduce the debilitating effects of excess oxygen in brain cells. In addition, activating DJ-1 helps cells eliminate abnormal proteins that otherwise accumulate and kill brain cells. Dopamine neurons are particularly susceptible to too much oxygen and abnormal protein deposits. Parkinson's disease is caused by dying midbrain dopamine neurons.
Zhou and Freed have studied the DJ-1 gene since 2003 when a European group discovered that mutations in DJ-1 could cause Parkinson's disease. The Colorado scientists immediately started work to see why the gene was so important and have published a series of papers on the subject since 2005. But to convert their findings into a practical treatment for Parkinson's disease, they needed to find a drug to turn on the DJ-1 gene.
After testing many drugs, the team found that phenylbutyrate could activate DJ-1 and keep dopamine neurons from dying. Next, they put the drug in the drinking water of mice genetically programmed to get Parkinson's disease as they aged.
Aging mice receiving the drug were able to move normally, had no decline in mental function, and their brains did not accumulate the protein that causes Parkinson's. By contrast, older animals that did not get the drug saw a steady decline in their ability to move as their brains were damaged by abnormal proteins.
The researchers began giving phenylbutyrate to people in 2009, to test the safety of the drug in Parkinson patients.
Zhou and Freed will publish the human results in the coming months.
This is exciting and encouraging news in Parkinson's research, please keep checking our Facebook page, our blog, and our website as new information emerges we will share it will everyone. To learn more about about the Parkinson Research Foundation and our mission in educating patients or to learn more about our educational conference on Monday, March 28, 2011 please visit us at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.
References: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-03/uocd-rfd030811.php
Lead author Wenbo Zhou, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, and Freed, a national pioneer in Parkinson's research, have found that the drug phenylbutyrate turns on a gene that can protect dopamine neurons in Parkinson's disease. The gene, called DJ-1, can increase production of antioxidants like glutathione to reduce the debilitating effects of excess oxygen in brain cells. In addition, activating DJ-1 helps cells eliminate abnormal proteins that otherwise accumulate and kill brain cells. Dopamine neurons are particularly susceptible to too much oxygen and abnormal protein deposits. Parkinson's disease is caused by dying midbrain dopamine neurons.
Zhou and Freed have studied the DJ-1 gene since 2003 when a European group discovered that mutations in DJ-1 could cause Parkinson's disease. The Colorado scientists immediately started work to see why the gene was so important and have published a series of papers on the subject since 2005. But to convert their findings into a practical treatment for Parkinson's disease, they needed to find a drug to turn on the DJ-1 gene.
After testing many drugs, the team found that phenylbutyrate could activate DJ-1 and keep dopamine neurons from dying. Next, they put the drug in the drinking water of mice genetically programmed to get Parkinson's disease as they aged.
Aging mice receiving the drug were able to move normally, had no decline in mental function, and their brains did not accumulate the protein that causes Parkinson's. By contrast, older animals that did not get the drug saw a steady decline in their ability to move as their brains were damaged by abnormal proteins.
The researchers began giving phenylbutyrate to people in 2009, to test the safety of the drug in Parkinson patients.
Zhou and Freed will publish the human results in the coming months.
This is exciting and encouraging news in Parkinson's research, please keep checking our Facebook page, our blog, and our website as new information emerges we will share it will everyone. To learn more about about the Parkinson Research Foundation and our mission in educating patients or to learn more about our educational conference on Monday, March 28, 2011 please visit us at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.
References: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-03/uocd-rfd030811.php
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Mediterranean Diet and Parkinson's Disease
Everyone knows that what you eat can influence your health. If you eat junk food you are sooner or later going to feel it in terms of reduced fitness. But what about risk for Parkinson's disease?
Scientists have shown that a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, fish, and poultry and a low intake of saturated fat and a moderate intake of alcohol may protect against PD —- in other words the more fruit, veggies, beans and fish you eat the lower your risk for PD. Some scientists call this sort of diet (add a splotch of garlic and a glass of red wine!) the ‘Mediterranean diet’ because it is generally what people eat when they live around the Mediterranean sea.
Researchers from Greece and Italy carried out a meta-analysis on data from more than half a million participants in 50 previous studies to determine the effect of the Mediterranean diet on MS and its individual components, including blood pressure, waist size, and blood sugar levels.
The team found an associated reduction in overall and cardiovascular mortality in the incidence of some types of cancer and death from cancer and in the incidence of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's diseases. Also, the diet affected participants’ waist measurement, HDL-cholesterol levels, triglycerides levels, blood pressure levels, and glucose metabolism, MNT reported.
There are lots of theories as to why such a diet would be protective against PD but probably one common effect of this sort of diet is that it reduces the overall level of ‘oxidative stress’ your system sustains on a daily basis. It prevents free radicals, or small molecules of unattached oxygen, from harming cells. Whatever the causes of the PD protective effect of a Mediterranean style diet, its clear that the diet is good for most people’s health. Speak to your doctor about your diet. He or she may recommend you see a nutritionist in order to find the right diet for you.
For more information about nutrition and How to Fight Parkinson's Disease, please visit our website at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ we will be featuring a workshop session focusing on nutrition and Parkinson's disease at our Annual Educational Conference on Monday, March 28, 2011 in Tampa, Fl. We hope to see you there. As always, please consult your physician before beginning a new diet or health care regimen. Thank you for your continued support.
References:http://parkinsons.about.com/od/parkinsonsdiseasebasics/a/diet_and_PD_risk.htm
http://www.theepochtimes.com/n2/health/mediterranean-diet-helps-reduce-metabolic-syndrome-risks-study-52608.html
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Link Between Parkinson's Disease and Ibuprofen...
People who take ibuprofen two or more times a week are considerably less likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those who don't take the drug, according to a study published online March 2 in the journal Neurology.The finding suggests this common over-the-counter painkiller (sold under brand names that include Advil, Motrin and Nuprin) may actually protect the brain against the degeneration that produces the symptoms of Parkinson's, including shaking, muscle stiffness and other difficulties with movement and coordination.
The latest analysis examined health and medical reports from a study group of 98,892 female nurses and a group of 37,305 male health professionals, following them for six years beginning in 2000. Those who took ibuprofen regularly had a 38 percent lower risk of ending up among the 291 patients diagnosed with Parkinson's during that time. The likelihood of getting Parkinson's dropped with increasing weekly doses of ibuprofen.
For years scientists have suspected that painkillers in a class called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a group that includes ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen, protect the brain from the damage associated with diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's by controlling inflammation.
The investigators speculate this distinction could be due to ibuprofen's special ability to act on a particular signaling pathway in the brain that involves inflammation, the accumulation of destructive molecules called free radicals, and programmed cell death.
An accompanying editorial says doctors should "absolutely not" begin prescribing ibuprofen for patients with Parkinson's disease. Why? Because it may be that ibuprofen protects against the "initial insult" that leads to Parkinson's but is useless once symptoms appear, or it may be it's not ibuprofen at all but some separate characteristic of ibuprofen users that actually protects against the condition, explains the lead editorialist, James H. Bower, M.D., associate professor of neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Meanwhile, he says, long-term ibuprofen use comes with the risk of serious side effects. These include irritation and stomach bleeding and increased risk of heart and kidney problems.
In his editorial, Bower compares the findings on ibuprofen to similar observational findings on smoking, caffeine consumption and high blood levels of uric acid, all of which have been associated with lower risk of Parkinson's. Rather than suggest people try these approaches, he says, scientists have incorporated them into research that tests their effect in a safe form and controlled environment.
Mya Schiess, M.D., director of movement disorders and neurodegenerative diseases at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, says she has followed research on the issue closely, and does recommend ibuprofen for patients who have a sharply increased risk of developing Parkinson's — for example, those with a rare and disruptive problem called rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, in which they act out their dreams.
Schiess says although she screens patients for problems that could make ibuprofen riskier, and watches them for side effects, the amount linked to reduced risk for Parkinson's is generally not dangerous. "This study is based on whether people use ibuprofen a minimum of two times a week, and that's not an excessive amount of medicine," she says. "It's not a daily, scheduled amount of medicine. I would think that that has to be strongly taken into consideration."
Resources:http://www.aarp.org/health/drugs-supplements/info-03-2011/ibuprofen-may-protect-against-parkinsons-disease.2.html
Written by: Katharine Greider
For more information about the Parkinson Research Foundation or to learn more about How to Fight Parkinson's Disease, our upcoming conference is on Monday, March 28th, 2011 in Tampa, Fl. Please visit us at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ As always please consult your physician before beginning a new health regimen. Thank you for your continued support.
Monday, March 7, 2011
New Study Discovers Link Between Pesticides and Parkinson's Disease...
According to new research there shows a link between use of two pesticides, rotenone and paraquat, and Parkinson's disease. People who used either pesticide developed Parkinson’s disease approximately 2.5 times more often than non-users.The study was a collaborative effort conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), which is part of the National Institutes of Health, and the Parkinson's Institute and Clinical Center in Sunnyvale, Calif. The authors studied 110 people with Parkinson’s disease and 358 matched controls from the Farming and Movement Evaluation (FAME) Study(http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/epi/studies/fame/index.cfm) to investigate the relationship between Parkinson’s disease and exposure to pesticides or other agents that are toxic to nervous tissue. FAME is a case-control study that is part of the larger Agricultural Health Study (http://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/atniehs/labs/epi/studies/ahs/index.cfm), a study of farming and health in approximately 90,000 licensed pesticide applicators and their spouses.There are no home garden or residential uses for either paraquat or rotenone currently registered. Paraquat use has long been restricted to certified applicators, largely due to concerns based on studies of animal models of Parkinson's disease. Use of rotenone as a pesticide to kill invasive fish species is currently the only allowable use of this pesticide.The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov. Stay tuned for more information regarding this study. To learn more about the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit us on the web at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ Thank you for your continued support!
Resources:Tanner CM, Kamel F, Ross GW, Hoppin JA, Goldman SM, Korell M, Marras C, Bhudhikanok GS, Kasten M, Chade AR, Comyns K, Richards MB, Meng C, Priestly B, Fernandez HH, Cambi F, Umbach DM, Blair A, Sandler DP, Langston JW. 2011. Rotenone, paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. Environ Health Perspect; doi:10.1289/ehp.1002839 [Online 26 January 2011].
Resources:Tanner CM, Kamel F, Ross GW, Hoppin JA, Goldman SM, Korell M, Marras C, Bhudhikanok GS, Kasten M, Chade AR, Comyns K, Richards MB, Meng C, Priestly B, Fernandez HH, Cambi F, Umbach DM, Blair A, Sandler DP, Langston JW. 2011. Rotenone, paraquat and Parkinson’s disease. Environ Health Perspect; doi:10.1289/ehp.1002839 [Online 26 January 2011].
Thursday, March 3, 2011
PARKINSON’S DISEASE: NEUROPROTECTION AND DRUGS OF THE FUTURE
Learn How to Fight Parkinson's disease!! Our Annual conference will be on Monday, March 28th, 2011 from 9:00am-4:30pm at the Tampa Westshore Marriott in Tampa, Florida.The conference is a unique educational opportunity for Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients, families, and caregivers to learn about the latest advances in PD research, medication and treatment innovations that greatly improve quality of life.
What makes our event unique? Participation! We complement informational presentations from leaders in the Parkinson’s field with interactive elements, encouraging attendees to share questions, concerns, and ideas with nationally known Parkinson’s experts, local doctors, fellow patients and caregivers. Useful hands-on workshops such as “Mobility for PD patients” and “Voice AerobicsTM” will present time-tested techniques and ideas that encourage a more active and comfortable lifestyle for PD patients.
This 1-day program will have general session presentations beginning in the morning followed by breakout workshops in the afternoon, exhibition sessions during the sponsored snack breaks, and a question and answer session at the end of every speaker’s session.Speakers and presenters include some of the most notable and prominent names in the Parkinson’s community, including Conference Chair, Dr. Juan Sanchez-Ramos, Dr. Robert Hauser and several others.
Morning Sessions will include:
• Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
• Treatments of the Future
Afternoon Workshops include:
• Mobility
• Voice Aerobics TM
• Dance for Parkinson’s disease
• Nutrition
To register or for more information about the March 26th Educational Conference, please contact Ms. Rosa Seminario at: rseminario@parkinsonresearchfoundation.org or call (800) 869-1551 ext. 0. I look forward to seeing you at the conference. To learn more about the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit us on the web at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ Thank you for your continued support!
What makes our event unique? Participation! We complement informational presentations from leaders in the Parkinson’s field with interactive elements, encouraging attendees to share questions, concerns, and ideas with nationally known Parkinson’s experts, local doctors, fellow patients and caregivers. Useful hands-on workshops such as “Mobility for PD patients” and “Voice AerobicsTM” will present time-tested techniques and ideas that encourage a more active and comfortable lifestyle for PD patients.
This 1-day program will have general session presentations beginning in the morning followed by breakout workshops in the afternoon, exhibition sessions during the sponsored snack breaks, and a question and answer session at the end of every speaker’s session.Speakers and presenters include some of the most notable and prominent names in the Parkinson’s community, including Conference Chair, Dr. Juan Sanchez-Ramos, Dr. Robert Hauser and several others.
Morning Sessions will include:
• Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
• Treatments of the Future
Afternoon Workshops include:
• Mobility
• Voice Aerobics TM
• Dance for Parkinson’s disease
• Nutrition
To register or for more information about the March 26th Educational Conference, please contact Ms. Rosa Seminario at: rseminario@parkinsonresearchfoundation.org or call (800) 869-1551 ext. 0. I look forward to seeing you at the conference. To learn more about the Parkinson Research Foundation, please visit us on the web at http://www.parkinsonresearchfoundation.org/ Thank you for your continued support!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)