SHARE YOUR STORY: Exercise
The National Institute of Health has funded numerous studies that yielded findings supportive of the claim that exercise is a useful adjunct therapy for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Do YOU have a regular exercise program?
What exercises have helped you the most?
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
New Research Reports Some Welders Develop Symptoms with a Parkinson’s Resemblance
Published in the medical journal Neurology, new research finds an increased incidence of mild movement disorder symptoms in career welders. Compared to non-welders, welders had an 11.7 percent reduction in a dopamine marker. Due to the small size of the study (only 60 participants total) more research is needed.
Welders are often exposed to manganese, a trace mineral that past research has linked to neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease.
Study authors stress that the motor deficiencies observed in the welder study subjects are not demonstrative of classic Parkinson’s disease, but more of an off-shoot presumably resulting from dopamine deficiency.
http://ping.fm/1asEj
Published in the medical journal Neurology, new research finds an increased incidence of mild movement disorder symptoms in career welders. Compared to non-welders, welders had an 11.7 percent reduction in a dopamine marker. Due to the small size of the study (only 60 participants total) more research is needed.
Welders are often exposed to manganese, a trace mineral that past research has linked to neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease.
Study authors stress that the motor deficiencies observed in the welder study subjects are not demonstrative of classic Parkinson’s disease, but more of an off-shoot presumably resulting from dopamine deficiency.
http://ping.fm/1asEj
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
One More Cup of Coffee
Coffee staves off PD? A new AMA study says yes, but can’t say specifically why.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found 3-5 times less incidences of PD in coffee drinkers (who drank approx. five cups a day) than in non-coffee drinkers.
While this prognosis was originally attributed to coffee’s caffeine content, studies were unable to replicate these results by administering other sources of caffeine.
The jury is still out as to why coffee may stave off Parkinson's.
http://ping.fm/LKyvd
Title: Bob Dylan
Image: www.fanpop.com
Coffee staves off PD? A new AMA study says yes, but can’t say specifically why.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found 3-5 times less incidences of PD in coffee drinkers (who drank approx. five cups a day) than in non-coffee drinkers.
While this prognosis was originally attributed to coffee’s caffeine content, studies were unable to replicate these results by administering other sources of caffeine.
The jury is still out as to why coffee may stave off Parkinson's.
http://ping.fm/LKyvd
Title: Bob Dylan
Image: www.fanpop.com
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
New Rodent Model Study May Offer Clues to Alternative Treatments for PD
Few treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD) restore function for extended periods of time. A new study published in the inaugural issue of Journal of Parkinson's Disease, found that platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) therapy restored long-term functional improvements in experimental models of Parkinson's disease in rodents.
An international group of researchers reported that an infusion of PDGF-BB counteracted classic PD behavioral, tissue and biochemical changes.
Study authors concluded that PDGF-BB shows promise as a clinical candidate drug for the treatment of PD in humans.
http://ping.fm/ke10M
Few treatments for Parkinson's disease (PD) restore function for extended periods of time. A new study published in the inaugural issue of Journal of Parkinson's Disease, found that platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) therapy restored long-term functional improvements in experimental models of Parkinson's disease in rodents.
An international group of researchers reported that an infusion of PDGF-BB counteracted classic PD behavioral, tissue and biochemical changes.
Study authors concluded that PDGF-BB shows promise as a clinical candidate drug for the treatment of PD in humans.
http://ping.fm/ke10M
Monday, July 25, 2011
Lithium Protects the PD-Brain?
A recent study from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in California found that the drug lithium greatly prevented the buildup of toxic proteins and brain cell loss linked to Parkinson's disease. The results, found using laboratory mice, were published in last month’s issue of the Journal of Neuroscience Research.
Previous animal studies have also demonstrated lithium’s neuroprotective effect in regards to Huntington's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Investigators at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging have started preclinical studies to determine the proper lithium dosage for humans, and hope to soon initiate Phase II clinical trials in conjunction with Parkinson's disease.
http://ping.fm/85KJN
A recent study from the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in California found that the drug lithium greatly prevented the buildup of toxic proteins and brain cell loss linked to Parkinson's disease. The results, found using laboratory mice, were published in last month’s issue of the Journal of Neuroscience Research.
Previous animal studies have also demonstrated lithium’s neuroprotective effect in regards to Huntington's disease, and Alzheimer's disease. Investigators at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging have started preclinical studies to determine the proper lithium dosage for humans, and hope to soon initiate Phase II clinical trials in conjunction with Parkinson's disease.
http://ping.fm/85KJN
Friday, July 22, 2011
Can Motorized Stationary Cycling Provide the Same Tested Benefits as Cleveland Clinic’s Forced Tandem Cycling Trials?
Dr. Jay Alberts of the Cleveland Clinic, made famous by his research linking the tandem cycling’s positive effects on those with Parkinson’s, is at it again – this time, testing motorized stationary bicycles.
Alberts original clinical trials discovered that stationary tandem riding with the patient in the back and a trainer in the front forces Parkinson patients to ride faster than they normally would, which challenges the body and the brain. Alberts says this releases dopamine and activates the part of the brain that controls body movement, which may explain the improvement in symptoms.
His new research, which he began in June 2011, will seek to discern whether motorized stationary cycling can produce the same reduction in PD symptoms as his original study.
http://ping.fm/K2ly3
Dr. Jay Alberts of the Cleveland Clinic, made famous by his research linking the tandem cycling’s positive effects on those with Parkinson’s, is at it again – this time, testing motorized stationary bicycles.
Alberts original clinical trials discovered that stationary tandem riding with the patient in the back and a trainer in the front forces Parkinson patients to ride faster than they normally would, which challenges the body and the brain. Alberts says this releases dopamine and activates the part of the brain that controls body movement, which may explain the improvement in symptoms.
His new research, which he began in June 2011, will seek to discern whether motorized stationary cycling can produce the same reduction in PD symptoms as his original study.
http://ping.fm/K2ly3
Thursday, July 21, 2011
New Research Suggests Stem Cells Delivered Intranasally Improve Motor Function in Parkinson’s Disease
Using a rat model of Parkinson’s disease, new research published in the journal Rejuvenation Research demonstrated that stem cells delivered intranasally survived for at least six months in the brain, that the stem cells rapidly migrated preferentially to the damaged areas of the brain, and that motor control showed significant improvement.
Researchers theorized this likely occurred because of the demonstrated anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of the stem cells, which were derived from bone marrow.
Study authors concluded that intranasal administration of stem cells to the human brain is a promising and noninvasive alternative to current surgical procedures. It also opens up the possibility of chronic stem cells treatment, which would increase the number of cells delivered to the brain and likely enhance the therapeutic benefit.
This research was funded by the Alzheimer’s Research Center, a nationally recognized research hub conducting studies on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
http://ping.fm/oE5XK
Using a rat model of Parkinson’s disease, new research published in the journal Rejuvenation Research demonstrated that stem cells delivered intranasally survived for at least six months in the brain, that the stem cells rapidly migrated preferentially to the damaged areas of the brain, and that motor control showed significant improvement.
Researchers theorized this likely occurred because of the demonstrated anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of the stem cells, which were derived from bone marrow.
Study authors concluded that intranasal administration of stem cells to the human brain is a promising and noninvasive alternative to current surgical procedures. It also opens up the possibility of chronic stem cells treatment, which would increase the number of cells delivered to the brain and likely enhance the therapeutic benefit.
This research was funded by the Alzheimer’s Research Center, a nationally recognized research hub conducting studies on Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders.
http://ping.fm/oE5XK
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Fluids and Fiber
Seeking advice on how nutrition may help manage PD symptoms? Consult a clinical nutritionist for guidance on planning meals that provide enough fluids and fiber.
Both will help reduce constipation and dehydration, and may minimize other harmful gastro-intestinal complications associated with the disease. As always, consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment regimen, including dietary alterations.
http://ping.fm/Ne17M
Seeking advice on how nutrition may help manage PD symptoms? Consult a clinical nutritionist for guidance on planning meals that provide enough fluids and fiber.
Both will help reduce constipation and dehydration, and may minimize other harmful gastro-intestinal complications associated with the disease. As always, consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment regimen, including dietary alterations.
http://ping.fm/Ne17M
Conquering Cruise Phobias
When I was a non-cruiser, I never thought I would like cruising. I was fearful of being confined, cooped up, and claustrophobic. I was worried about getting seasick. I longed for an active vacation of riding bicycles and hiking mountains. I didn’t want to get fat eating meals round-the clock. I dreaded being around all those old people.
http://ping.fm/BnZ7i
When I was a non-cruiser, I never thought I would like cruising. I was fearful of being confined, cooped up, and claustrophobic. I was worried about getting seasick. I longed for an active vacation of riding bicycles and hiking mountains. I didn’t want to get fat eating meals round-the clock. I dreaded being around all those old people.
http://ping.fm/BnZ7i
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
SHARE YOUR STORY:
Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery (DBS)
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure used to treat a variety of disabling neurological symptoms—most commonly the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). At present, the procedure is used only for patients whose symptoms cannot be adequately controlled with medications.
Have you undergone DBS? Share your experience!
For example did you experience anything unexpected? What advice would you give fellow PD patients considering DBS?
Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery (DBS)
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure used to treat a variety of disabling neurological symptoms—most commonly the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). At present, the procedure is used only for patients whose symptoms cannot be adequately controlled with medications.
Have you undergone DBS? Share your experience!
For example did you experience anything unexpected? What advice would you give fellow PD patients considering DBS?
Monday, July 18, 2011
Recent Role Gives Hollywood Actress Anne Hathaway New Perspective on Parkinson’s Disease
In the 2010 film “Love & Other Drugs,” Anne Hathaway stars as an early-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD) patient with an “everyday could be your last” mentality that often prompts her to live on the wild side. In preparing for the role, Hathaway said she spent considerable time researching PD, including attending Parkinson’s support groups.
What she learned:
“They shared their stories with me …their fears and anxieties but also their triumphs. I learned that Stage 1 Parkinson’s is all about good days and bad days,” said Hathaway.
http://ping.fm/g0xmL
In the 2010 film “Love & Other Drugs,” Anne Hathaway stars as an early-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD) patient with an “everyday could be your last” mentality that often prompts her to live on the wild side. In preparing for the role, Hathaway said she spent considerable time researching PD, including attending Parkinson’s support groups.
What she learned:
“They shared their stories with me …their fears and anxieties but also their triumphs. I learned that Stage 1 Parkinson’s is all about good days and bad days,” said Hathaway.
http://ping.fm/g0xmL
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Do You Practice Tai-Chi?
A new review of 35 studies assessing the health effects of tai chi confirm that the ancient Chinese martial art form helps reduce the risk of falls in seniors and also improves their mental health.
Do you practice tai chi as a supplemental therapy for Parkinson symptoms?
http://ping.fm/rKqDe
photo: US Department of Energy
A new review of 35 studies assessing the health effects of tai chi confirm that the ancient Chinese martial art form helps reduce the risk of falls in seniors and also improves their mental health.
Do you practice tai chi as a supplemental therapy for Parkinson symptoms?
http://ping.fm/rKqDe
photo: US Department of Energy
Thursday, July 14, 2011
University of Colorado Researchers Study Promising Parkinson’s Drug, Yield Encouraging Results
Colorado researchers have discovered a drug that stops the progression of Parkinson's disease in mice and is now being tested on humans.
The research team found that the drug phenylbutyrate turns on the DJ-1 gene, which can protect dopamine neurons in Parkinson's disease. They found that phenylbutyrate works on DJ-1 in a way similar to how steroids act on genes in muscle cells to create muscle bulk.
Researchers plan to study phenylbutyrate further and hope to expand the study to hundreds of people over several years.
http://ping.fm/KDEvs
Colorado researchers have discovered a drug that stops the progression of Parkinson's disease in mice and is now being tested on humans.
The research team found that the drug phenylbutyrate turns on the DJ-1 gene, which can protect dopamine neurons in Parkinson's disease. They found that phenylbutyrate works on DJ-1 in a way similar to how steroids act on genes in muscle cells to create muscle bulk.
Researchers plan to study phenylbutyrate further and hope to expand the study to hundreds of people over several years.
http://ping.fm/KDEvs
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Eat on Time!
PD often affects the digestive system, leaving individuals nauseous and without a healthy appetite.
How can you ensure optimal digestive function and proper absorption of your PD-medications?
One vital strategy is to maintain a regular meal schedule.
Ask your doctor to recommend a clinical nutritionist who can help you create a meal plan catered to your medications, your schedule, and your medical history.
http://ping.fm/tCekM
Image: www.Dreamstime.com
PD often affects the digestive system, leaving individuals nauseous and without a healthy appetite.
How can you ensure optimal digestive function and proper absorption of your PD-medications?
One vital strategy is to maintain a regular meal schedule.
Ask your doctor to recommend a clinical nutritionist who can help you create a meal plan catered to your medications, your schedule, and your medical history.
http://ping.fm/tCekM
Image: www.Dreamstime.com
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Scientists Explain Paradoxical Effect of Dopamine Replacement Therapy on Cognitive Function
The scientific journal Brain: A Journal of Neurology recently published the results of a revolutionary study out of Montreal that may explain the Catch-22 of dopamine replacement therapies (DRT) used to treat Parkinson’s disease. While DRT improves cognitive function in one area of the brain, it is at the expense of another.
The study’s lead author, Oury Monchi, Ph.D. explains:
“When it comes to [PD], the part of the brain most affected by dopamine depletion is the striatum which is divided into several structures. In PD, the dorsal striatum is more severely affected than the ventral striatum, which remains relatively unaffected, at least during the first phases of the disease. We observed that while dopamine replacement therapy enhances the functions of the dorsal striatum, it is at the expense of the ventral striatum which suffers a dopamine overdose, impairing its function.”
http://ping.fm/h8jth
The scientific journal Brain: A Journal of Neurology recently published the results of a revolutionary study out of Montreal that may explain the Catch-22 of dopamine replacement therapies (DRT) used to treat Parkinson’s disease. While DRT improves cognitive function in one area of the brain, it is at the expense of another.
The study’s lead author, Oury Monchi, Ph.D. explains:
“When it comes to [PD], the part of the brain most affected by dopamine depletion is the striatum which is divided into several structures. In PD, the dorsal striatum is more severely affected than the ventral striatum, which remains relatively unaffected, at least during the first phases of the disease. We observed that while dopamine replacement therapy enhances the functions of the dorsal striatum, it is at the expense of the ventral striatum which suffers a dopamine overdose, impairing its function.”
http://ping.fm/h8jth
Monday, July 11, 2011
CASE STUDY: Former Physician Mac Stinson Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Finds Success Using Intestinal Drug Delivery System
Powerful testimonial from Mac Stinson demonstrates one Parkinson disease (PD) patient’s personal success using a new delivery method to receive his PD medications. The drug is delivered via a pump to the small intestine; the latest advance is a gel that encapsulates the medication as it travels through the pump, allowing the medication to arrive virtually unaffected by water.
Mac Stinson is currently participating in a clinical trial of the gel/pump system and reports a significant drop in symptoms since beginning the new delivery system. A retired physician, Stinson says he is so happy to resume his jazz guitar playing and church choir singing.
http://ping.fm/2m2Tx
Powerful testimonial from Mac Stinson demonstrates one Parkinson disease (PD) patient’s personal success using a new delivery method to receive his PD medications. The drug is delivered via a pump to the small intestine; the latest advance is a gel that encapsulates the medication as it travels through the pump, allowing the medication to arrive virtually unaffected by water.
Mac Stinson is currently participating in a clinical trial of the gel/pump system and reports a significant drop in symptoms since beginning the new delivery system. A retired physician, Stinson says he is so happy to resume his jazz guitar playing and church choir singing.
http://ping.fm/2m2Tx
Friday, July 8, 2011
CASE STUDY: Jane Busch Turns to Latin Dance to Help Ease Parkinson Symptoms
Jane Busch, a retired dentist from Cross Plains, Wisconsin, turns to Zumba, a form of Latin dance, not only to keep herself fit and active, but also to combat the deterioration of motor skills that accompanies Parkinson’s disease.
http://ping.fm/3N1cJ
Jane Busch, a retired dentist from Cross Plains, Wisconsin, turns to Zumba, a form of Latin dance, not only to keep herself fit and active, but also to combat the deterioration of motor skills that accompanies Parkinson’s disease.
http://ping.fm/3N1cJ
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Ask the Worms!
A new discovery may just revolutionize the path of Parkinson disease (PD) research…and it all thanks to tiny worms!
Scientists at McMaster University in Ontario have just discovered that nemotodes, tiny worms barely visible to the human eye, share genetic similarities to the human brain’s dopamine neurons that are affected by Parkinson’s.
http://ping.fm/hEwSJ
A new discovery may just revolutionize the path of Parkinson disease (PD) research…and it all thanks to tiny worms!
Scientists at McMaster University in Ontario have just discovered that nemotodes, tiny worms barely visible to the human eye, share genetic similarities to the human brain’s dopamine neurons that are affected by Parkinson’s.
http://ping.fm/hEwSJ
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Zinc and PD
Researchers from the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Michigan (UM) recently studied 30 Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and found an interesting similarity among them: zinc deficiency.
UM researchers discovered that the subjects with PD had markedly less zinc in their blood than those in the control group.
http://ping.fm/htIjk
Researchers from the Department of Human Genetics at the University of Michigan (UM) recently studied 30 Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and found an interesting similarity among them: zinc deficiency.
UM researchers discovered that the subjects with PD had markedly less zinc in their blood than those in the control group.
http://ping.fm/htIjk
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
NOW ENROLLING: New Global Study Investigates Medication Designed to Treat Early-Stage Parkinson’s
A new study testing CoganeTM (PYM50028) - a medication designed to treat early-stage Parkinson’s disease – just moved into Phase II clinical trials. United Kingdom researchers are currently recruiting 400 participants worldwide.
Eligible participants are men and women between ages 35 and 75 with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s within the last two years. The research will study whether Cogane could slow down or modify the progression of Parkinson’s. Cogane is a new compound that modulates proteins in the brain that help the survival, development and function of nerve cells.
For more information, see Clinical Trials: Studies Seeking Participants.
http://ping.fm/rQWPp
A new study testing CoganeTM (PYM50028) - a medication designed to treat early-stage Parkinson’s disease – just moved into Phase II clinical trials. United Kingdom researchers are currently recruiting 400 participants worldwide.
Eligible participants are men and women between ages 35 and 75 with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s within the last two years. The research will study whether Cogane could slow down or modify the progression of Parkinson’s. Cogane is a new compound that modulates proteins in the brain that help the survival, development and function of nerve cells.
For more information, see Clinical Trials: Studies Seeking Participants.
http://ping.fm/rQWPp
Friday, July 1, 2011
Exercise Your Voice!
With exercise becoming an ever-present supplemental treatment for PD symptoms, let’s not forget to exercise our voice!
Check out our very own Mary Sprumelli as she guides us through several vocal exercises designed specifically for PD patients!
http://ping.fm/bH48Z
With exercise becoming an ever-present supplemental treatment for PD symptoms, let’s not forget to exercise our voice!
Check out our very own Mary Sprumelli as she guides us through several vocal exercises designed specifically for PD patients!
http://ping.fm/bH48Z
NOW ENROLLING: New Study To Investigate Novel Apathy Intervention Treatments
While motor dysfunction is most apparent in PD, patients also exhibit many non-motor symptoms, one of the most prevalent being apathy. Neuropsychiatric literature describes apathy as a reduction in self-initiation and motivation. Elevated apathy has been associated with reduced treatment compliance, poor illness outcome, and reduced quality of life.
http://ping.fm/1mwMq
While motor dysfunction is most apparent in PD, patients also exhibit many non-motor symptoms, one of the most prevalent being apathy. Neuropsychiatric literature describes apathy as a reduction in self-initiation and motivation. Elevated apathy has been associated with reduced treatment compliance, poor illness outcome, and reduced quality of life.
http://ping.fm/1mwMq
Solutions for PD-associated Nausea
Levodopa, the leading PD pharmaceutical, often causes nausea when taken on an empty stomach. Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often accompanies the urge to vomit, but doesn't always lead to vomiting. If nausea is a continual problem, please consult your doctor.
http://ping.fm/9Q726
Levodopa, the leading PD pharmaceutical, often causes nausea when taken on an empty stomach. Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach that often accompanies the urge to vomit, but doesn't always lead to vomiting. If nausea is a continual problem, please consult your doctor.
http://ping.fm/9Q726
Ibuprofen May Protect Against Parkinson’s Disease
A new study published in the medical journal Neurology suggests ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), may offer protective benefits against developing Parkinson’s disease (PD).
http://ping.fm/1IGKv
A new study published in the medical journal Neurology suggests ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), may offer protective benefits against developing Parkinson’s disease (PD).
http://ping.fm/1IGKv
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)