ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Insights into the effects of Neupro (rotigotine transdermal system) on common non-motor symptoms of Parkinsons disease (PD) were presented today at the 64th AAN Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA.

A post-hoc analysis of data from five, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials investigated the effect of rotigotine transdermal system on neuropsychiatric features and fatigue in patients with PD. Improvements were observed with rotigotine transdermal system versus placebo in items assessing apathy, anhedonia, anxiety, anxiety/depression, depression and fatigue. In addition, a post hoc analysis of data from the RECOVER* study investigated the effect of rotigotine transdermal system on pain in patients with PD, and in some patients with pain, improvements were observed with rotigotine transdermal system versus placebo.

Post hoc analyses of large amounts of data like these provide valuable insights into the potential impact of rotigotine on the everyday lives of people with Parkinsons, and signal a need for further study in this area, said Professor Robert Hauser, Director, Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.

Results presented below should be viewed in the context of the post-hoc analyses. In addition the p-values reported are exploratory and prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Summary of PD data presented at AAN 2012

ABSTRACT TITLE: Rotigotine transdermal system improves neuropsychiatric features (apathy, anhedonia, anxiety, and depression) and fatigue in patients with Parkinsons disease: A post-hoc analysis of five double-blind placebo-controlled studies

Post-hoc analysis of five placebo-controlled studies of rotigotine transdermal system in patients with early-PD (SP512, SP513), advanced-PD (PREFER, CLEOPATRA-PD), and PD with unsatisfactory control of early-morning motor symptoms (RECOVER) was conducted*. Individual items assessing apathy, anhedonia, anxiety, anxiety/depression, depression and fatigue were identified from the scales used in these studies – the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the 39-item Parkinsons Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), the 8-item Parkinsons disease questionnaire (PDQ-8) and the 5-item EuroQol Group questionnaire (EQ-5D).

ABSTRACT TITLE: Rotigotine transdermal system improves pain in patients with Parkinsons disease: A post-hoc analysis of patients reporting pain in the RECOVER study

RECOVER* (Randomized Evaluation of the 24-hour Coverage: Efficacy of Rotigotine) was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study (n=287) that demonstrated significant improvements in early-morning motor function and nocturnal sleep disturbance with rotigotine transdermal system.* Secondary efficacy measures in the RECOVER study were the Nocturnal, Akinesia, Dystonia and Cramps Score (NADCS) and exploratory outcome measures included the Likert Pain Scale.

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There are a number of summertime sports and recreational events that I enjoy. I love to go on horseback rides, box, swim, and cycle to name just a few of the sports and recreational events that I enjoy.

I walk every day to help me train for one major event that allows me to make a statement. I walk every day to be ready for the multiple sclerosis walk here in Colorado Springs, Colo. This event allows me to show other people that have multiple sclerosis that they too can beat this disease. That is the reason I walk every day.

Here are some tips and benefits for people thinking about taking up walking for their health that have multiple sclerosis:

Tip number one

Stretching is the most important tip I have for anybody looking to get into walking for their health. I stretch for about 15 minutes before going on any walk, whether that is in my own neighborhood, or anywhere else in the state of Colorado.

I always make sure I stretch before I go on any walk, because of my multiple sclerosis. My multiple sclerosis causes a great deal of pain in my legs if I do not properly stretch before I go on a walk, and this is the reason I always stretch for 15 minutes before I go on a walk.

Tip number two

Warming up is another essential element for my walking. I start off every walk by walking slowly, and then build my way up to a more intense speed. This allows for my muscles to become ready for a good intense walk.

Tip number three

I always ensure that I have a water bottle with me when I go on my walks. This ensures that I’m able to stay hydrated especially since I tend to go for long walks in the summertime.

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Walking with Multiple Sclerosis: Tips to a Good Walk

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Grant Funded by American Brain Foundation and National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Newswise NEW ORLEANS – A Rochester, New York, researcher will receive a $263,622 grant to continue his study of injury to brain cell connections (synapses) in multiple sclerosis (MS) through the American Brain Foundation (formerly the American Academy of Neurology Foundation) and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Clinician-Scientist Development Award.

Matthew Bellizzi, MD, a Fellow in experimental therapeutics and neuroimmunology at the University of Rochester was awarded the fellowship for his work investigating progressive degeneration of the brain in MS patients and in MS models.

The three year award is designed to encourage MS clinical research with the goal of providing better treatment, prevention or cure of the disease.

Clinical research is the fundamental transition stage between discovery and treatment.

Clinical research provides the scientific basis for all forms of care, addresses patient and caregiver needs and is the backbone for drug development and cost-effectiveness studies needed to improve lives. Fellowships provide recipients with up to three years of protected time, with salary that allows them to continue important research projects in their chosen interests.

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that disrupts communication between the brain and other parts of the body. MS patients experience muscle weakness in their extremities and difficulty with coordination and balance, among other symptoms. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS vary from one person to another. There is no known cure for multiple sclerosis at this time, but there are therapies available that may slow the disease and improve quality of life.

The American Brain Foundation, the foundation of the American Academy of Neurology, supports vital research & education to discover causes, improved treatments, and cures for brain and other nervous system diseases. Learn more at http://www.CureBrainDisease.org or find us on Facebook.

The National MS Society addresses the challenges of each person affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, collaborating with MS organizations around the world, and providing programs and services designed to help people with MS and their families move their lives forward. The Society is dedicated to achieving a world free of MS. For more information about the National MS Society, visit http://www.nationalMSsociety.org.

The American Academy of Neurology, an association of more than 25,000 neurologists and neuroscience professionals, is dedicated to promoting the highest quality patient-centered neurologic care. A neurologist is a doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system such as Alzheimers disease, stroke, migraine, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, Parkinsons disease and epilepsy.

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University of Rochester Researcher Awarded $263,622 for Multiple Sclerosis Research

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ARMONK, N.Y., April 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced that researchers from The State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo are using IBM analytics technology to study more than 2,000 genetic and environmental factors that may contribute to multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO)

As part of the initiative, Researchers will tap into IBM’s analytics technology to develop algorithms for big data containing genomic datasets to uncover critical factors that speed up disease progression in MS patients. Insights gained from the research will be shared with hundreds of doctors to better tailor individual treatments to slow brain injury, physical disability and cognitive impairments caused by MS.

Using IBM analytics technology, SUNY Buffalo researchers can for the first time explore clinical and patient data to find hidden trends among MS patients by looking at factors such as gender, geography, ethnicity, diet, exercise, sun exposure, and living and working conditions. The big data including medical records, lab results, MRI scans and patient surveys, arrives in various formats and sizes, requiring researchers to spend days making it manageable before they can analyze it.

Using an IBM Netezza analytics appliance with software from IBM business partner, Revolution Analytics, researchers can now analyze all the disparate data in a matter of minutes instead of days, regardless of what type or size it is. The technology automatically consumes and analyzes the data, and makes the results available for further analysis. As a result, researchers can now focus their time on analyzing trends instead of managing data.

MS is a chronic neurological disease for which there is no cure. The disease is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, infectious and autoimmune factors making treatment difficult. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, there are approximately 400,000 people in the US with MS, and 200 people are diagnosed every week. Worldwide, MS is estimated to affect more than 2.1 million people.

“Multiple Sclerosis is a debilitating and complex disease whose cause is unknown. No two people share the exact same symptoms, and individual symptoms can worsen unexpectedly,” said Dr. Murali Ramanathan, Lead Researcher at SUNY Buffalo. “Identifying common trends across massive amounts of MS data is a monumental task that is much like trying to shoot a speeding bullet out of the sky with another bullet. IBM analytics helps our researchers fine tune their aim and match the speed of analysis with the rate of data coming into our systems. Our goal is to demystify why the disease progresses more rapidly in some patients and get those insights back to other researchers, so they can find new treatments.”

Since 2007, SUNY Buffalo researchers have been at the forefront of studying clinical and historical data from MS patients to identify genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the risk of developing the disease. These researchers are studying different age groups to see why the disease appears early in some children and why people who are diagnosed later in life tend to have a more aggressive course that affects their ability to walk. They are also looking at why MS is more common in northern latitudes and less common towards the equator, calling into question the role sunlight or lack thereof plays in the disease.

“Organizations that glean insights from big data and apply them to pervasive diseases like MS have the potential to greatly change the way patients receive treatment,” said Dan Pelino, general manager, healthcare and life sciences at IBM. “The work that SUNY Buffalo is doing is a prime example of how IBM clients are literally changing the world with big data analytics, from advancing medical research, to generating clean energy and giving consumers what they want before they know they want it.”

IBM Netezza appliances are optimized systems based on IBM BladeCenter technology that can analyze petabytes of data significantly faster than competing options, and at a much lower total cost of ownership. Unlike competing appliances, Netezza can be up and running in minutes instead of days or weeks.

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Leading Global Multiple Sclerosis Research Center Taps IBM Analytics to Improve Patient Care

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JERUSALEM–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NASDAQ: TEVA – News) today announced interim data from a prospective, open label survey study evaluating spasticity in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) who transitioned to COPAXONE (glatiramer acetate injection) from interferon-beta treatment. These data were presented today at the 64th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Interim results for the first 52 of 110 participants revealed a significant reduction in muscle stiffness, pain and discomfort, as well as the effect of spasticity on the ability to walk, body movements and activities of daily living (ADLs). Improvement was also found in reduction of total spasticity scores during the six month period.

Spasticity, one of the more common symptoms of RRMS, can often negatively impact patients daily lives, said Cira Fraser PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, Associate Professor and Graduate Faculty, Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, New Jersey and Principal Investigator of the study. These data may suggest a reduction in the key measures of spasticity in RRMS patients who discontinued interferon-beta treatment and transitioned to COPAXONE.

The prospective longitudinal survey research study is evaluating 110 participants utilizing the Multiple Sclerosis Spasticity Scale (MSSS-88), the Performance Scales, and a socio demographic questionnaire completed when transitioning between treatments and at month six. Study criteria included participants who had stopped interferon-beta treatment within 30 days; were about to start, or started COPAXONE within the previous 21 days; had spasticity; and were able to ambulate with unilateral support or without. Of the 52 participants, whose data are currently being reported, 35 percent were taking medication for spasticity prior to enrollment and during the six month period.

These study results contribute to the body of knowledge on the treatment of RRMS, said Jon Congleton, Teva’s Senior Vice President, Global Brand Strategic Marketing. Through the ongoing support of research such as this, Teva is continually working to help improve the lives of RRMS patients.

ABOUT THE STUDY

Additional detail can be found on the AAN website: http://www.abstracts2view.com/aan/

[P07.074] A Prospective Study of Spasticity in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in Transition from Interferon-Beta to Glatiramer Acetate (Session P07: Multiple Sclerosis: Symptoms, April 26 at 2:00 PM) Cira J. Fraser, West Long Branch, NJ

ABOUT COPAXONE

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I first started to play tennis back in the summer of 2009, when I first heard the name and story of Sue Burke. Sue Burke is not just any tennis player though. Sue was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis just like I was in 2006. The story of Sue Burke is what actually made me start to play sport of tennis.

Sue is a world class tennis coach who coached the American women’s team at one of the highest venues in the world. Sue was an American women’s Pan American Games coach in Argentina. The fact that she is still active in the sport though is the reason I decided to give tennis a try, and I fell in love with the sport.

This is the reason I will bring you my top ten benefits for playing tennis with multiple sclerosis.

Benefit number one

Tennis is not a sport that requires constant energy like football, basketball, and hockey. This means that I do get short periods of rest in between the speed and agility that playing tennis does require. This allows me to play a complete game on my good days.

Benefit number two

Do to my multiple sclerosis I had a period of time where I was fighting to regain my reflexes, and my reaction times. These are things that my doctor regularly checks up on when I go to my appointments. I have been able to regain both my reflexes and reaction time through the sport of tennis.

Benefit number three

Tennis much like swimming has been responsible for giving me back my balance. The stop and go motions of playing tennis is the reason I can move better today than I could six years ago, when I was first being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

Benefit number four

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Tennis: Game Point on Multiple Sclerosis

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The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age welcomes the Australian government’s announcement of initiatives for people with dementia and services to support aged care, but says more is need for the mental health needs of people in old age.

‘Investment in dementia care and diagnosis and improved aged care services are essential and will go some way to improving the lives of older people with mental illness, and those of their families and carers. Improved access to services that support the person in their own home is particularly welcome,’ said Dr Roderick McKay, Chair of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age.

‘In the next 20 years the number of Australians over 65 will double, therefore the mental health care of older people is an important part of in the mental health reform agenda. Planning for the mental health needs of older people and access to mental health care is critical to mitigate against poor mental health outcomes,’ said Dr McKay

‘Focus on this important area is welcomed, and needs to be built upon so that there is comprehensive support for the mental health of older people. As Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, as well as Social Inclusion, Minister Butler would appear to have an almost unique opportunity to achieve this,’ said Dr McKay.

‘Older people need to be included in all mental health planning to improve their quality of care, remove discrimination and obtain better understanding of the mental health needs of older Australians. It is vital these issues be considered in the government’s Ten Year Roadmap for Mental Health Reform,’ said Dr McKay.

‘Untreated mental illness robs older Australians of their quality of life, physical health and independence at significant cost to individuals, family and community. While there are effective mental health treatments for older people, limited resources can deny them equitable access. Australia owes its older citizens and their families adequate support, respect, and dignity,’ said Dr McKay.

‘To improve the quality of mental health care for older people we require national benchmarks for the availability and quality of mental health services for older people, and need national principles for providing coordinated care across different services for older Australians with mental illness. Basic mental health training for people working with older Australian is also essential,’ said Dr McKay.

For further information Kirrily Johns +61 3 9601 4940

About The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is the principal organisation representing the medical specialty of psychiatry in Australia and New Zealand and has responsibility for training, examining and awarding the qualification of Fellowship of the College to medical practitioners.

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Dementia study by Royal Aust College

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Hon Jo Goodhew

Associate Minister of Health

26 April 2012 Media Statement More dementia treatment available in Ashburton

More local Mid Canterbury people suffering from dementia will be cared for in their local community following an extension and refurbishment to an aged care hospital unit officially opened today by Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew.

This community investment adds another 10 bed dementia unit to the existing 12 psychogeriatric and 15 long stay hospital beds already in the Tuarangi resthome and hospital, says Mrs Goodhew.

We are living longer and sadly that also means that the number of older New Zealanders with dementia is increasing.

A loved one living with dementia is a challenge faced by many families, but there is much that we can do. These additional dedicated beds mean that local people with dementia can, if they choose, remain closer to home should they need residential care.

Providing care for individuals with dementia is a growing issue for our country. The 2010 aged residential care services review identified the most pressing need as expanding dementia units, beds and services.

The Government responded last year with an additional $44 million over four years to look after people living with dementia. This includes $40 million for residential dementia services and $4 million for respite care for full-time carers of individuals with dementia.

The Government is committed to ensuring all older people in residential care, including those with dementia, receive quality services and care.

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More dementia treatment available in Ashburton

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FORMER librarian Heather Robertson-Clarke can no longer read or write and is slowly losing her speech.

The Hawthorn East resident knows first-hand the effects of dementia after being diagnosed with the cruel and debilitating disease three years ago.

She is just one of thousands across Boroondara suffering from the affliction.

And the number of Boroondara residents with dementia is expected to skyrocket 170 per cent by 2050, a new study has revealed.

The figures, commissioned by Alzheimers Australia Vic, projected Boroondara residents living with dementia will balloon from 2582 today to more than 6900 in less than 40 years, placing a heavy toll on the districts medical and care services.

Alzheimers Australia Vic chief executive Maree McCabe said the prevalence of dementia would cost the nation $83 billion a year by 2050, which will exceed any other medical condition.

(The figures) really are frightening – its really important we are proactive, Ms McCabe said.

Almost 72,000 Victorians have dementia, which is expected to boom to 246,000 by 2050, according to the study by Deloitte Access Economics.

Prof David Ames, director of Parkvilles National Ageing Research Institute, said statistics revealed there would be as many Victorians with dementia in 2050 as there are Australians presently with the condition.

Ms McCabe said early detection was key.

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Dementia alarm bells in Boroondara

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>> MULTIMEDIA SPECIAL: Love amid loss as dementia takes hold

FRIGHTENING new statistics reveal the number of residents in the Yarra Ranges with dementia is expected to skyrocket by 298 per cent by 2050.

The figures, commissioned by Alzheimers Australia Vic, project the number of Yarra Ranges residents living with dementia will grow from 1543 to more than 6000 in less than 40 years, placing a heavy toll on the districts medical and care services.

The shock figures come as Caladenia Dementia Care in Mooroolbark campaigns for $1.7 million funding to build a dementia-specific overnight respite centre.

Manager Sarah Yeates said there was an enormous and growing need for the centre.

The care that happens in nursing homes is just not suitable for people with dementia, especially for those in the early stages, Ms Yeates said.

She said they were seeing an increasing demand for their services particularly from younger people, with their youngest patient just 34.

The community has already raised $85,000 for the project, but Ms Yeates said they were continuing to appeal for funding from state and federal governments.

Among those who will benefit from respite care is Coldstreams Gerda and Marty De Clercq (pictured).

Two-and-a-half years ago Mr De Clercq, 68, was diagnosed with dementia and his wife is his sole carer.

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MULTIMEDIA SPECIAL: Don't forget Yarra Ranges dementia sufferers

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26 April 2012 Last updated at 02:44 ET By James Gallagher Health and science reporter, BBC News

The drifting smells of a Bakewell tart, guide dogs for the mind and hi-tech wristbands could all have a future in helping people with dementia.

They are some of the winners of a competition by the Design Council and the Department of Health to develop new ideas in care.

The winners are all prototypes, but the aim is to produce them on a mass scale.

David Cameron has described dementia as a “national crisis” which affects 800,000 people in the UK.

The slow death of the brain in dementia affects memory, language and understanding. One of the problems can be forgetting to eat, which is what one of the design ideas is trying to overcome.

The “Ode” project works on the same principle as smells wafting from the kitchen making you hungry. It pumps fragrances of food into the air to whet the appetite of people who are not eating.

Lizzie Olstrom, who is part of the design team, told the BBC: “So much of appetite is about smell, the sensory anticipation of food. [Ode] uses fragrances to re-awaken appetite.”

So far they have used smells of a Bakewell tart, citrus and spices. However, the tempting aroma of fish and chips has not translated so well. “Would you want vinegar and wet paper smells in the house?” she asked.

So far, she said the product had “compelling results” after being tested in homes. However, larger-scale tests will be needed to see if the product really helps people.

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Bakewells and dogs vs dementia

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