.gif) VIARTIS
|
|||
|
PARKINSON'S DISEASE |
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
PARKINSON'S DISEASE NEWS
|
|
|
|
Parkinson's Disease News covers all significant new research, reports, books, and resources concerning Parkinson's Disease. Articles are chosen on the basis of their medical significance or potential interest. Our overwhelming priority is the facts, regardless of whether they contradict prevailing views or vested interests. Analysis and further information is provided either to explain the background or implications, or to balance misleading claims. If you notice errors or inadequacies, or dispute what is written, or want to propose articles, please e-mail mail@viartis.net.
LOW RESOLUTION VERSION : There is a low resolution version of this web page INTENDED FOR THOSE PEOPLE THAT EITHER : use 800x600 resolution on their monitors, or have eyesight difficulties, or have slow Internet speeds. GO TO LOW RESOLUTION VERSION E-MAIL NOTIFICATION : If you would like to be notified by e-mail when any new research, news reports, new books, or new resources are added to Parkinson's Disease News, please double click on E-MAIL NOTIFICATION, or e-mail mail@viartis.net. No form of identity is required. E-mail addresses are not used for any other purpose.
3rd July 2009 - New research THE LACK OF CENTENARIANS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE Journal of Rural Health
[2009] Summer; 25 (3) : 320-325 (Kaye J, Michael Y, Calvert J, Leahy M, Crawford
D, Kramer P.)
Complete abstract 30th June 2009 - New research COMPARISON OF DBS SURGERY METHODS FOR TREATING PARKINSON'S DISEASE Around 25% of Annals of
Neurology [2009] 65 (5) : 586-595 (Okun MS, Fernandez HH, Wu SS, Kirsch-Darrow
L, Bowers D, Bova F, Suelter M, Jacobson CE 4th, Wang X, Gordon CW Jr, Zeilman
P, Romrell J, Martin P, Ward H, Rodriguez RL, Foote KD.)
Complete abstract
29th June 2009 - New book PARKINSON'S DISEASE (PERSPECTIVES ON DISEASES AND DISORDERS) Carrie Fredericks
24th June 2009 - New research MORTALITY RATES DECLINE IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE European Journal of Neurology [2009] Jun 15 [Epub ahead of print] (Mylne AQ, Griffiths C, Rooney C, Doyle P.) Complete abstract A study carried out in Britain
has shown that mortality rates in
Parkinson's Disease are declining. Mortality rates were assessed by checking for
any mention of Parkinson's Disease on death certificates. The mortality rates
amongst men with Parkinson's
Disease decreased by over 20%. The mortality rates amongst women with
Parkinson's Disease also decreased
by over 20%. Even greater reductions in mortality rates
LEWY BODIES FAIL TO INDICATE PARKINSON'S DISEASE Journal of neuropathology and
experimental neurology [2009] Jun
16. [Epub ahead of print] (Markesbery WR, Jicha GA, Liu H, Schmitt FA.)
Complete abstract
17th June 2009 - New research COMPARISON OF SCANNING METHODS FOR DIAGNOSING PARKINSON'S DISEASE European journal of nuclear
medicine and molecular imaging
[2009] 36 (3) : 454-462 (Eshuis SA, Jager PL, Maguire RP, Jonkman S, Dierckx RA,
Leenders KL.)
Complete abstract
14th June 2009 - New research MEMANTINE FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE DEMENTIA Lancet Neurology [2009]
Jun 9 [Epub ahead of print] (Aarsland D, Ballard C, Walker Z, Bostrom F, Alves
G, Kossakowski K, Leroi I, Pozo-Rodriguez F, Minthon L, Londos E.)
Complete abstract
12th June 2009 - New research PARKINSON'S DISEASE CAUSES THINNING OF THE RETINA Archives of Ophthalmology [2009] 127 (6) : 737-741 (Hajee ME, March WF, Lazzaro DR, Wolintz AH, Shrier EM, Glazman S, Bodis-Wollner IG.) Complete abstract People with Parkinson's
Disease have been
found to suffer a thinning of the retina. The retina is a light sensitive tissue
lining the inner surface of the eye that is essential for vision. For more
information about the retina go to
Retina.
A study
quantified the thickness
of the retina in people with Parkinson's Disease. No difference was found in
11th June 2009 - New research THE PREVALENCE OF GENETIC PARKINSON'S DISEASE Annals of Human Genetics [2009] May
21
[ahead of print] (Paisán-Ruiz C, Washecka N, Nath P, Singleton AB, Corder EH.)
Complete abstract
6th June 2009 - New review THE MYTH OF MASSIVE CELL LOSS IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
It is widely claimed that there is a massive loss
of the cells involved in Parkinson's Disease (the dopaminergic neurons), and
that the loss of these cells is responsible for causing Parkinson's Disease.
However, not a single study has ever shown this. This false assumption came
about during the 1990's after researchers carried out autopsy studies on people
that had Parkinson's Disease. They mistakenly claimed that they had found a
considerable loss of the cells that produce dopamine. However, their methods did
not even measure cell loss. They measured cell activity
29th May 2009 - New research THE EFFECT OF DBS ON PARKINSON'S DISEASE Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry [2009] 80 (5) : 484-488 (Bannier S, Montaurier C, Derost PP, Ulla M, Lemaire JJ, Boirie Y, Morio B, Durif F.) Complete abstract Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry [2009] May 21 [Epub ahead of print] (Smeding HM, Speelman JD, Huizenga HM, Schuurman PR, Schmand B.) Complete abstract The effects on people with Parkinson's Disease has been assessed after they have undergone DBS (Deep brain stimulation). Deep brain stimulation is a method of treating Parkinson's Disease that involves the use of electrodes implanted into the brain. Three months after surgery, DBS had caused an improvement in Parkinson's Disease symptoms by 60%, and an improvement of more than 80% in motor complications such as dyskinesia. No patient was
underweight before surgery, and
half were overweight before surgery. By contrast, 68%
were overweight 3
months after surgery, and 82% were overweight after 16 months.
This weight gain was mainly secondary to an increase in fat mass in both men and
women. The researchers suggested the need to counter weight increase due to DBS
by providing diet management a physical training schedule for
people with
Parkinson's Disease. A second study found that there was a 41% improvement in
motor function, a 32% improvement in the quality of life, but a 36%
decline in intellectual functions. Mood improved in some but declined in others.
In order to refer to this
article on its own
click here.
28th May 2009 - New book WITH SHAKING HANDS - AGING WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE IN AMERICA'S HEARTLAND Samantha Solimeo 
For more books concerning Parkinson's Disease go to
Parkinson's Disease Books.
23rd May 2009 - New research ESTROGEN AND THE RISK OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE Movement Disorders [2009] May 7
[ahead of print] (Simon KC, Chen H, Gao X, Schwarzschild MA, Ascherio A.)
Complete abstract
22nd May 2009 - New book PARKINSONIAN DISORDERS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE Anthony Schapira (Editor),
Andreas Hartmann (Editor), Yves Agid (Editor)
20th May 2009 - New research ANTI-DEPRESSANTS PRECEDE PARKINSON'S DISEASE Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry [2009] 80 (6) : 671-674 (Alonso A, Rodríguez LA, Logroscino G, Hernán MA.) Complete abstract Those people taking
anti-depressants were found to be nearly two times (1.85 times) more likely to
develop Parkinson's Disease. The association became more than twice as likely (2.19 times) during the first two years after initiation of anti-depressant use.
More than two years later, previous anti-depressant use increased the likelihood
of
19th May 2009 - News release BASKETBALL STAR DEVELOPS PARKINSON'S DISEASE Former NBA basketball
star Brian Grant has been diagnosed with "young onset" Parkinson's Disease in
January whilst still only 36, after he began having tremors in his left hand
last summer. He consulted two other well-known Parkinson's
Disease sufferers, Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali,
and quickly implemented several lifestyle
17th May 2009 - News release NEW METHOD OF DIAGNOSING PARKINSON'S DISEASE Transgenomic and
Power3 Medical have announced the introduction of a new blood test for
Parkinson's Disease called NuroPro® PD. The NuroPro PD test can help clinicians
distinguish patients with Parkinson’s diseases from those that don't have
Parkinson's Disease, and those people with other neurological disorders. The
tests are a panel of blood serum protein biomarkers that are evaluated to
predict the probability that somebody has Parkinson's
15th May 2009 - New book LIFE WITH A BATTERY-OPERATED BRAIN : A PATIENT'S GUIDE TO DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION SURGERY FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Jackie Hunt Christensen
13th May 2009 - New research THE PREVALENCE OF
ANXIETY IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE
11th May 2009 - New research ALUMINIUM AND THE RISK
OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE
6th May 2009 - New research RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
3rd May 2009 - New research PRAMIPEXOLE CLINICAL
TRIAL RESULTS
ARCHIVES March April2008 : January February March April May June July August September October November December |
|||
.gif) |
|||
| ©2006-2008 Viartis | |||
| mail@viartis.net | |||
In
America alone, there are over 50,000 people over the age of 100. It is widely
claimed that the likelihood of Parkinson's Disease increases with age, almost as
if it is an age related deterioration. In contradiction of this
assumption,
the current study found that in
centenarians (those over 100 years old) Parkinson's Disease was rarely
found, thereby nullifying the assumption
of Parkinson's Disease being age related. It was also recently found that
Parkinson's Disease started to become less likely at 90 years of age onwards.
For the details
Publisher's
description : These unique anthologies provide accessible information about
diseases and disorders, focusing on controversies and first-person accounts.
Each volume explores a particular disease or disorder in detail, beginning with
an overview chapter that covers symptoms, causes and effects, treatments, cures
and medical advances. The second chapter presents essays on controversies surrounding the disorder, including its causes and
treatments. The final chapter, which contains engaging first-person accounts
from people coping with the disease, provides readers with personal perspectives
on the disease or disorder.
were
found in older people with Parkinson's Disease.
The
researchers are unable to ascertain whether the decrease of Parkinson's Disease
recorded on death certificates is because of a reduction in the incidence of
Parkinson's Disease, improved survival due to advancements in Parkinson's
Disease treatments, or to improvements in general medical care. Research earlier
this year showed that
claims of death being much more likely in Parkinson's Disease are greatly
exaggerated. For more information
because
so many people have Lewy Bodies without having Parkinson's Disease. It has also
been previously found that there are many people with Parkinson's Disease that
do not have Lewy Bodies either. The researchers still claimed Lewy Bodies "most likely represents preclinical or pre-symptomatic Parkinson
disease, Parkinson disease with dementia, or dementia with Lewy bodies."
However, their own findings contradict their own suggestion. Rather than Lewy
Bodies cause Parkinson's Disease, the results show that Parkinson's Disease, and
other medical disorders can sometimes cause Lewy Bodies.
In order to refer to this
article on its own
aim
of this study was to determine and compare the sensitivity and specificity of
the two methods in the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. The patients underwent
both types of brain scan. The SPECT scan and the PET scan were both able to
distinguish people with Parkinson's Disease. For the early phases of Parkinson's
Disease, sensitivity and specificity was 100%. When only one part of the brain
was assessed, the accuracy was still 100% for the SPECT scan, but was 90% for
the PET scan. This level of efficacy presently makes scanning, especially the
SPECT scan, the most reliable method of diagnosing Parkinson's Disease.
In order to refer to this
article on its own
efficacy
was clinical global impression of
change (CGIC), which is not a precise measure of symptoms. It was concluded that
"Patients with Parkinson's Disease Dementia might benefit from treatment with
memantine, which was well tolerated" but that "Large-scale studies are now
required to confirm" the preliminary findings. However, nearly a quarter of the
participants did not complete the study due to adverse events, the difference in
scores between those people taking Memantine and those taking a placebo was very
marginal, there were no significant differences between the groups in secondary
measures, and no comparison was made of the side effects caused by taking
Memantine.
In order to refer to this
article on its own
the
thickness of the outer retinal layer in Parkinson's Disease, when compared to
people of the same age that don't have Parkinson's Disease. However, the
thickness of the inner layer of the retina was found to be significantly reduced
in Parkinson's Disease. This lessening of the retina could affect eyesight as
Parkinson's Disease progresses. This effect on the retina may be because
dopamine, whose deficiency causes Parkinson's Disease, besides being produced in
the brain, is also produced in the retina, and so is liable to cause deficiency
symptoms there as well.
In order to refer to this
article on its own
number
of people genetically inclined towards
Parkinson's Disease is far more than previously thought. The gene is called
LRRK2 (leucine risk repeat kinase 2), which produces a protein called dardarin,
a word derived from the Basque word dardara, meaning tremor. Mutations in LRRK2
are a common cause of familial Parkinson’s disease. A combination of four gene
variants are found in a third of people with Parkinson’s Disease, but they are
infrequent in the general population. This advance is expected to enable the
identification of people at the greatest risk of Parkinson's Disease before
symptoms arise.
In order to refer to this
article on its own
instead.
Their results and methods of those of others have shown that, in Parkinson's
Disease, there is a large reduction in the
activity of the dopaminergic neurons rather than a loss of them - down to about
20%-25% in mild Parkinson's Disease, and down to 5%-10% in severe Parkinson's
Disease. There have been subsequent claims of massive cell loss in Parkinson's
Disease. However, those claims have also been based on methods, such as the
f-Dopa PET scan, that only measure cell activity rather than actual cell loss.
Failure to properly scrutinise these studies has enabled the myth of massive
cell loss in Parkinson's Disease to persist and become a widely prevalent
assumption - even though not a single study has ever shown it to be true.
In order to refer to this
article on its own
Publisher's
description : At the heart of With Shaking Hands is the account of elder
Americans in rural Iowa who have been diagnosed with PD. With a focus on the
impact of chronic illness on an aging population, Samantha Solimeo combines
clear and accessible prose with qualitative and quantitative research to
demonstrate how PD accelerates, mediates, and obscures patterns of aging. She
explores how ideas of what to expect in older age influence and direct
interpretations of one's body. A richly detailed and touching ethnographic
portrayal of the experiences of elderly people with Parkinson's disease. 
Publisher's
description : This book gives the reader an up-to-date, clear and logical idea
of what caring for parkinsonian patients entails - a challenge that clinicians
will face for many years to come. It is split into three sections : Section 1 -
A compilation of the major brain lesions typically seen in Parkinson's Disease;
Section 2 - Treatment options in Parkinson's Disease; Section 3 - 25 cases of
Parkinson's Disease designed to test the reader and the practical application of
the information supplied in the other sections. 
The previous book by
two of the authors concerning a variety of different aspects of
Parkinson's Disease was titled "Parkinson's
Disease in Daily Practice".
Parkinson's
Disease only slightly. Results were similar for selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors and tricyclic anti-depressants separately. It is uncertain as to
whether it is the anti-depressants or depression that caused this association.
Individuals with depression have a higher risk of developing Parkinson's Disease
but the timing of the association is unknown. They often coincide because
depression is also a potential symptom of the insufficient dopamine that occurs
in Parkinson's Disease. The researchers suggest that depressive symptoms could
be an early manifestation of Parkinson's Disease that precedes muscular
symptoms.
In order to refer to this article
on its own 
changes.
For the full details and a video interview,
go to the 
Disease.
The results showed that NuroPro PD was able to discriminate between Parkinson’s
Disease patients and age-matched control subjects with a sensitivity of 93% and
specificity of 96%. Samples from Parkinson’s Disease patients were correctly
identified with 100% sensitivity when tested. The aim is to market NuroPro PD in
the near future. For more information go to the 
surgery.
It was not a fast and easy choice. For Christensen, a fear of DBS surgery, which involves placing one or two electrical
wires inside the brain, and its potential complications had to be weighed
against quality of life without the surgery,
a life of increasing parkinsonian symptoms and a growing pharmacopeia of
medications, which might help control her
symptoms but which could have devastating long-term effects on her body.
Ultimately, she was deemed a good candidate for the surgery, and DBS seemed like
her only logical option – a choice that has been validated post-surgery, as
Christensen now enjoys life with most of her motor symptoms well controlled.
Parkinson’s disease, the author is quick to point out, does not end, but DBS is
meant to be a long-term treatment. Jackie Hunt Christensen offers a step-by-step
look at her own journey, as well as offering information on a typical evaluation
process, medical statistics, questions to ask neurosurgeons, opinions from other
DBS patients, the programming process for DBS, and much more.
.
In order to refer to this article
on its own 
Disease,
and were more common in those people with greater motor fluctuations and
morning dystonia. This high prevalence of
anxiety disorders suggested to the researchers that anxiety in Parkinson's
Disease is both underdiagnosed and undertreated. The main biochemical fault in
Parkinson's Disease is insufficient dopamine. Low dopamine does not cause
anxiety itself. So anxiety is not an inevitable part of Parkinson's Disease.
L-dopa can end up as noradrenaline, which causes anxiety. So the
high prevalence of anxiety in Parkinson's Disease may be largely due
to the side effects of certain Parkinson's Disease drugs.
In order to refer to this article
on its own 
was
accompanied by a decrease in the activity of
some antioxidant enzymes (chemicals that protect the cells against damage).
However, studies confirmed the inability of aluminium to affect the activity of
those antioxidant enzymes. Aluminium also enhanced the ability of a known
neurotoxin, to cause oxidative stress and neuro-degeneration in the dopaminergic
neurons (the cells involved in Parkinson's Disease). The authors conclude that
aluminium is a risk factor for developing Parkinson's Disease. Contrary to their
claims, severe aluminium poisoning has never been shown to cause Parkinson's
Disease.
In order to refer to this article
on its own 
African-Americans
only a 43% chance of being diagnosed in comparison to whites. Even after
adjusting for all possible factors, American-Americans still had less than half
the likelihood of developing Parkinson's Disease. The reason for this racial
difference in Parkinson's Disease is unknown. Observed racial differences in the
incidence of Parkinson's Disease are not explained at all by differences in age,
sex, income, insurance or healthcare utilization. The country with the lowest
prevalence of Parkinson's Disease - Ethiopia - is also African, as are other
countries with a low prevalence of Parkinson's Disease. However, Latin American
countries, such as Colombia and Bolivia also have a low prevalence of
Parkinson's Disease. For more information go to the 
(reduced
by -5.9 v -4.0),
geriatric depression (improved by 2.5 v 1.7),
Parkinson's Disease symptoms (reduced by -4.4
v -2), daily living
(improved by -2.4 v -1.2). Those taking only a placebo improved on all the
scales as well, thereby reducing the actual benefit of Pramipexole. The
placebo achieved a similar effect without the widespread side effects of Pramipexole.
For more information go to the