Monthly Archives: June 2012

Prep Your Bed for Multiple Sclerosis

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TWIN FALLS Bed racing in downtown Twin Falls is a crazy sight, but its meant to call attention to multiple sclerosis, an illness with devastating effects.

Judy and John Fisher organize an annual Bed Race fundraiser, now in its third year, to support MS research. Five-person teams will race downtown June 16, and its time to prepare your bed and polish your racing technique.

It started as a wild idea of a way to raise money, John said. We make more money this way than by walking.

While the Twin Falls couple still participates in a multiple sclerosis walk, John said, their fundraising from the Bed Race grew from $500 the first year to $3,000 last year.

Besides the main event, raffle prizes will include visits to Lagoon, Roaring Springs, Cactus Petes Resort Casino and Silver City.

Each year weve had a better turnout and weve had a lot of good help and sponsors, said Judy, who has MS. Which is great because people dont seem to realize how serious the illness is.

David Elgan of Jerome is an example of how the illness can change the course of a life. Elgans military career with the National Guard was squashed after his diagnosis in 2010.

The pain in my feet was so bad I couldnt run, Elgan said. I wish more people knew what MS is and what its all about. This disease takes away your life.

Elgan is trying to assemble a team for the races but said it will be a last-minute feat if it comes together.

Ive never laughed so much in my life, Elgan said of watching last years races.

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Prep Your Bed for Multiple Sclerosis

Research and Markets: Therapy Trends: Multiple Sclerosis

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Dublin - Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/2z54ns/therapy_trends_mu) has announced the addition of the "Therapy Trends: Multiple Sclerosis" report to their offering.

On the cusp of a treatment revolution

An incisive report and dynamic analyst briefing service delivering insight from the most influential Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Key Opinion Leaders to map the current treatment landscape and analyse future trends.

Multiple Sclerosis: On the cusp of a treatment revolution

The year 2012 will see landmark changes in the treatment of MS. Gilenya, the first novel drug in five years, is to be joined by three new products; BG-12 from Biogen Idec, Sanofi's Aubagio and Genzyme's Lemtrada. These drugs will partially satisfy substantial unmet needs of convenient administration and more efficacious therapy to drive unprecedented market growth.

Driven by in-depth interviews with the world's leading multiple sclerosis KOLs, Therapy Trends: Multiple Sclerosis uncovers how the current treatment landscape will be impacted by significant future events, with particular focus on pipeline therapies and how these will modify the way MS is managed by neurologists in the future.

Drive your strategic decision-making with inside intelligence

Therapy Trends: Multiple Sclerosis disseminates critical opinion and analysis to provide premier research.

- We cut to the heart of market-changing events and eliminate superfluous background information so you can focus on developments of greatest strategic impact and reduce your reaction time

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Research and Markets: Therapy Trends: Multiple Sclerosis

CMS, Partners to Reduce Antipsychotic Drugs for Dementia in Nursing Homes

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CMS, Partners to Reduce Antipsychotic Drugs for Dementia in Nursing Homes

Government joins providers, caregivers, patients to ensure better use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes; follows bi-partisan senate action to curb use of the drugs<

May 31, 2012 - With a goal of reducing use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing home residents by 15 percent by the end of this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services yesterday introduced the Partnership to Improve Dementia Care. No doubt a motivating factor is a bill crafted by Sen. Herb Kohl, chair of the Special Committee on Aging, that will require Health and Human Services to gain consent from nursing home patients or their guardians prior to the administration of these drugs.

In making the announcement, CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner, said the initiative to ensure appropriate care and use of antipsychotic medications for nursing home patients is a partnership among federal and state partners, nursing homes and other providers, advocacy groups and caregivers

Unnecessary antipsychotic drug use is a significant challenge in ensuring appropriate dementia care, according to CMS. Agency data show that in 2010 more than 17 percent of nursing home patients had daily doses exceeding recommended levels.

We want our loved ones with dementia to receive the best care and the highest quality of life possible, said Tavenner.

We are partnering with nursing homes, advocates, and others to improve the quality of care these individuals receive in nursing homes.

Sen. Kohl, D-Wis., was joined in his amendment to S. 3187 by senators from both political party, including Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. The bill is the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act.

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CMS, Partners to Reduce Antipsychotic Drugs for Dementia in Nursing Homes

Breakthrough test pinpoints severity of dementia risk

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Breakthrough test pinpoints severity of dementia risk

By Fiachra O Cionnaith

Thursday, May 31, 2012

People who are concerned that their memory loss is the first sign of dementia could be set to benefit from a breakthrough screening test.

A major conference in Cork next week will hear of the potential development, which could be available to Irish people over the coming months.

Currently, anyone who believes their memory loss may be the first sign of dementia a condition which affects mental functions such as memory, language, attention, and problem-solving can undergo a test to determine if they are at risk.

However, the mini-mental state exam which was developed in the 1970s and is considered a key tool in identifying the condition cannot clarify whether a person has a small risk of dementia or is in far greater danger of developing dementia.

Prof Willie Molloy and Dr Rnn Caoimh of University College Cork and the nearby St Finbarrs Hospital have developed a new test which can differentiate between ranges of dementia.

By using their mild cognitive impairment (QMCI) test, they believe patients can be told whether they must prepare for the full rigours of the condition or if it will have practically no affect on their lives.

"People with mild cognitive impairment have variable, subtle changes to their memory, but this can be hard to detect," said Prof Molloy.

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Breakthrough test pinpoints severity of dementia risk

Dementia care model that reduces hospitalizations successfully translated into practice

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Public release date: 31-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Cindy Fox Aisen caisen@iupui.edu 317-274-7722 Indiana University School of Medicine

INDIANAPOLIS -- An innovative model of dementia care that significantly reduces emergency department visits and hospitalizations, and encourages use of medications that are not harmful to older brains, has now been used to treat over 1,000 patients. The Aging Brain Care model was developed by researcher-clinicians from the Regenstrief Institute and the Indiana University School of Medicine.

Extending the definition of a patient to include family members who enable cognitively impaired individuals to live in the community, physicians, nurses, social workers and other staff members work closely with both the older adult and family caregivers -- in the exam room and in the home, as well as over the phone and via email -- to deliver care to improve both brain and physical health.

This month, the 1,000th patient was seen at the Wishard Healthy Aging Brain Center, the first facility to use the ABC model. The Healthy Aging Brain Center is both a research lab and a treatment facility focused on the mental status of elder adults. The center has seen reductions of 45 percent in hospital emergency department visits and 54 percent in hospitalization stays in patients compared to similar individuals not seen in the center.

"Patients treated utilizing the ABC model have fewer behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia after one year than they had at the onset of treatment," said Regenstrief investigator Malaz Boustani, M.D., associate professor of medicine at the IU School of Medicine and the medical director of the Wishard center.

Patients receiving care in the Healthy Aging Brain Center are given an initial cognitive assessment including neuropsychological testing, an MRI, a medication review and a structured neurological and physical evaluation. The staff then helps both patient and caregivers develop a personal treatment plan that typically includes recognizing potentially harmful medications, prescribing new medications, initiating brain and physical exercise regimens, and working on reducing stress to improve daily life.

"Our research over the past decade has shown the importance of families and communities, in addition to medical care, in improving the quality of life for older adults with dementia," said Regenstrief investigator Christopher Callahan, M.D., Cornelius and Yvonne Pettinga Professor in Aging Research at the IU School of Medicine. "The HABC uses a team-based approach to help get everyone on the same page in meeting the goals of care for the patient and their family caregivers."

Dr. Callahan sees patients at the Healthy Aging Brain Center and is also founding director of the IU Center for Aging Research.

The Healthy Aging Brain Center receives referrals from across the country and has quickly become a nationally recognized leader in the care of older adults, according to Dr. Boustani, a geriatrician.

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Dementia care model that reduces hospitalizations successfully translated into practice

Dementia patients may go without drugs

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DEMENTIA patients fear they will no longer have access to life-improving treatments after the Government announced it would review the cost-effectiveness of subsidising drugs for sufferers.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) announced on Monday it would review all medications available to dementia sufferers under the Government's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

The announcement followed an initial review by the committee that found "these medicines were being prescribed to a much larger population for longer periods of time than was originally agreed as cost-effective by the PBAC".

Alzheimer's Australia says patients and their carers are worried the review may mean the drugs will no longer be discounted and will become unaffordable.

"People with dementia and carers are alarmed by the announcement of this review," Alzheimer's Australia CEO Glenn Rees told AAP today.

"That's quite a lot for many of these people because they would have lost their incomes or they'll be on pensions," he said.

Mr Rees said sufferers are concerned the review may be part of the Government's cost-cutting measures.

Alzheimer's Australia president Ita Buttrose, who cared for her father who suffered from vascular dementia, said carers were particularly concerned about what the review may mean.

"What those drugs do is improve the quality of life for a person with dementia," Ms Buttrose told AAP today.

"It adds another stress to the whole business of caring. They're thinking now the drugs aren't going to be available."

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Dementia patients may go without drugs

Amazing Andrew: Graduation just another milestone

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Holding out his ring finger with the mechanical nonchalance of someone who gets pricked by a needle five times a day, Andrew Cabatingan's eyes widen at the momentary nip of pain.

It's 2:30 p.m. on a Tuesday afternoon, which means it's time for the diabetic Christopher High School senior to stop sifting through possible essay topics on carbon capture technologies or high volume water fracking. Andrews teaching aid, Ray Miranda, needs to check Andrews insulin levels.

I've been taking your blood so many times, you should consider me a vampire, man, jokes Miranda, leaning forward in his chair and fiddling with Andrews insulin pump.

The 44-year-old para-educator is Andrews constant companion during school hours, save for the daily half-hour breaks Miranda takes from 10:30 to 11 a.m., Mondays through Fridays.

Or, as Andrew puts it, he ditches.

After four years spent sitting through every class alongside Andrew at Gilroy High School and later CHS after it opened in 2009, I'm filing for divorce as soon as he graduates, Miranda retorts, sarcastically.

Todays commencement ceremony at CHS mark a milestone for the wheelchair-bound, legally blind 18-year-old whose severe neuromuscular disease which causes diabetes as a symptom hasnt stopped him from pursuing a higher education at UC Berkeley.

Recognized by his teachers as a brilliant pupil who rakes in straight As and always seems to be smiling (Andrews expression frequently relaxes into a big, pearly grin), the senior who loves the SpongeBob SquarePants cartoon and molecular environmental biology with equal conviction, rocks the paradigm for what can be achieved when life hands you a bucket full of lemons.

Andrew was diagnosed at the age of 6 with a recessive hereditary, degenerative condition called Friedreich's ataxia, which causes muscular incoordination, loss of balance, scoliosis, progressive damage to the nervous system, speech problems, diabetes, vision/hearing impairment and cardiac problems. Most people with Friedreich's ataxia die in early adulthood if there is significant heart disease, while others with less-severe symptoms live much longer, according to the American Academy of Neurology.

But despite the gradual loss of mobility and the inability to read on his own, he just gets it, said CHS finite math teacher Bob Santos, remarking on Andrews acute ability to process complex equations.

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Amazing Andrew: Graduation just another milestone

Hunting Down My Son's Killer [Medicine]

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I found my son's killer. It took three years. But we did it. I should clarify one point: my son is very much alive. Yet, my wife Cristina and I have been found responsible for his death.

My son Bertrand has a new genetic disorder. Patient 0. To find it, a team of scientists at Duke University used whole-exome sequencing (a protein-focused variant of whole-genome sequencing) on me, my wife and my son.

We discovered that my son inherited two different (thus-far-unique) mutations in the same genethe NGLY1 genewhich encodes the enzyme N-glycanase 1. Consequently, he cannot make this enzyme.

My son is the only human being known to lack this enzyme. Below, I'm documenting our journey to the unlikeliest of diagnoses. This is a story about the kind of hope that only science can provide. (An open access article in The Journal of Medical Genetics contains the detailed results from ground-breaking experiment that diagnosed him.)

Aside from severe jaundice, Bertrand was normal at birth. For two months, he developed normally. At three months, his development had slowed, but it was "within normal variations." By six months, he had little to no motor control. He seemed, as we described it, "jiggly." Something was wrong.

Bertrand was eight months old when he met with his developmental pediatrician for the first timejust after our move to Utah. I was at my first faculty retreat on the day of his exam, and after it let out, I found a flood of voicemail and text messages from my wife.

My heart jumped. The pediatrician thought Bertrand had brain damage, so she scheduled an MRI for the following week.

The MRI showed an apparently healthy, normal brain. So, his case was escalated to a pediatric neurologist. The neurologist confirmed that he had a movement disorder, but his presentation was "puzzling": he had neither characteristic chorea nor ataxia.

The neurologist ordered a round of bloodwork. This was the first of dozens of blood draws to come. (We now send Bertrand's "favorite" phlebotomists holiday cards.)

The lab results reported only one anomaly: extremely elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) relative to what it should have been for his age.

Excerpt from:
Hunting Down My Son's Killer [Medicine]

Hunting Down My Son’s Killer [Medicine]

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I found my son's killer. It took three years. But we did it. I should clarify one point: my son is very much alive. Yet, my wife Cristina and I have been found responsible for his death.

My son Bertrand has a new genetic disorder. Patient 0. To find it, a team of scientists at Duke University used whole-exome sequencing (a protein-focused variant of whole-genome sequencing) on me, my wife and my son.

We discovered that my son inherited two different (thus-far-unique) mutations in the same genethe NGLY1 genewhich encodes the enzyme N-glycanase 1. Consequently, he cannot make this enzyme.

My son is the only human being known to lack this enzyme. Below, I'm documenting our journey to the unlikeliest of diagnoses. This is a story about the kind of hope that only science can provide. (An open access article in The Journal of Medical Genetics contains the detailed results from ground-breaking experiment that diagnosed him.)

Aside from severe jaundice, Bertrand was normal at birth. For two months, he developed normally. At three months, his development had slowed, but it was "within normal variations." By six months, he had little to no motor control. He seemed, as we described it, "jiggly." Something was wrong.

Bertrand was eight months old when he met with his developmental pediatrician for the first timejust after our move to Utah. I was at my first faculty retreat on the day of his exam, and after it let out, I found a flood of voicemail and text messages from my wife.

My heart jumped. The pediatrician thought Bertrand had brain damage, so she scheduled an MRI for the following week.

The MRI showed an apparently healthy, normal brain. So, his case was escalated to a pediatric neurologist. The neurologist confirmed that he had a movement disorder, but his presentation was "puzzling": he had neither characteristic chorea nor ataxia.

The neurologist ordered a round of bloodwork. This was the first of dozens of blood draws to come. (We now send Bertrand's "favorite" phlebotomists holiday cards.)

The lab results reported only one anomaly: extremely elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) relative to what it should have been for his age.

Excerpt from:
Hunting Down My Son's Killer [Medicine]

New treatment for irritability in autism

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Public release date: 31-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Rhiannon Bugno biol.psych@utsouthwestern.edu 214-648-0880 Elsevier

Philadelphia, PA, May 31, 2012 Autism is a developmental disorder that affects social and communication skills. Irritability is a symptom of autism that can complicate adjustment at home and other settings, and can manifest itself in aggression, tantrums, and self-injurious behavior. These disruptive behaviors are frequently observed in children with autism, which may considerably affect their ability to function at home or in school.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdoses, but it may have other applications related to its effects in the brain. NAC helps maintain and restore glutathione, which play a key role in the antioxidant defense system. Additionally, cysteine as supplied by NAC treatment, stimulates a protein, the cystine-glutamate antiporter, resulting in the decrease of glutamatergic neurotransmission. NAC has two resulting effects: 1) it may protect brain cells by raising the level of a protective antioxidant metabolite called glutathione, and 2) it may reduce the excitability of the glutamate system by stimulating inhibitory receptors.

These drug actions are important because, although the causes of autism are unknown, it is clear that there are many influencing factors and scientists are pursuing multiple hypotheses. Two in particular relate to NAC: one theory is that autism may be caused by an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in the body; the other is that the glutamate system may be dysfunctional in individuals with autism.

These hypotheses led researchers at Stanford University and the Cleveland Clinic to conduct a pilot trial of NAC in children with autistic disorder. Children were randomized to receive either NAC or placebo daily for 12 weeks and their symptoms were evaluated four times during that period.

They found that irritability was significantly decreased in the children who received NAC. In addition, NAC was well-tolerated and caused minimal side effects.

Lead author Dr. Antonio Hardan commented, "Data from this preliminary trial suggest that NAC has the potential to be helpful in targeting irritability in children with autism. It is also unclear if NAC improves other symptom domains in autism."

"At this point it is too early to tell how NAC reduced irritability in autism, but this finding will be an important addition to the field if it can be replicated," said Dr. John Krystal, Editor of Biological Psychiatry, where the study is being published.

Dr. Hardan agreed, adding that "large randomized controlled trials are needed to attempt to replicate the findings from this pilot trial and to determine whether or not NAC is effective in targeting other symptoms observed in autism such as repetitive and restricted interests." This small pilot study was the first step and so the next stages of work can now begin to determine whether NAC could potentially become an approved treatment for autism.

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New treatment for irritability in autism

Parenting Through the Challenges of Autism: A new book out today by MIT Sloan School’s Anjali Sastry offers practical …

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

When Anjali Sastry received the formal diagnosis that her three-year-old son had autism, she feltas any parent wouldlost, afraid, and helpless.

But after the shock wore off, she got educated. She read every book and scientific study about autism she could get her hands on. She shadowed her sons therapists, and met professors of special education doing promising research. She hunted down developmental psychologists to get ideas on learning techniques she could try with her son at home. She built teams of helpersfrom teachers to family members to babysittersand designed newsletters and reports that would support her childs learning. Over the years, whenever a friend, colleague, or friend-of-friend received a diagnosis of autism for one of their children, Sastry was the person to turn to for help. Many people told her: You should write a book.

And so she did. Sastry says her book, Parenting Your Child with Autism, is one that she wishes she could have received all those years ago when her oldest son was first diagnosed. The book, co-authored by Dr. Blaise Aguirre, is both a handbook to help caregivers choose the right treatments and educational approaches for their child, but also a self-help guide filled with wisdom and warmth from an empathetic mother who understands the complexities of parenting children with special needs. (Sastrys younger son has Aspergers, an autism spectrum disorder.)

Parenting a child who has autism is a journeyone that Ive been on for over ten years now, says Sastry, who is a senior lecturer at MITs Sloan School of Management. When your child has autism, every decision can seem weighty because youre working so hard to help your child learn without the advantage of the full complement of skills, capabilities, and motivation that are mostly inherent in typically developing children. My goal is to help parents make smarter decisions by becoming the special kind of experts they need to be when it comes to their kids.

Sastry, whose professional focus is on global health deliveryproviding medical care in poor settings where needs are high, aims to teach caregivers how to blend research with action by applying the scientific method to their parenting.

There is so much data about autism coming out all the time, she says. Parents must have an understanding of the ideas supported by those studies, but in order to choose the best options for their kids, they ought to assemble their own evidence. This involves gathering data about their child based on the time they spend with them, and experiments where theyve tried new things at home and school; making sense of it with the help of doctors, teachers, and therapists; and then combining it with other information. Only then will they be able to evaluate whether their child could do better with a new approach, dietary change, medication, or treatment.

The book begins with a survey of current thinking about autism and its causes and cures. The next section is a guide to the diagnostic process, and gives advice for parents on how to collaborate with medical professionals to select the right interventions. It also gives suggestions for partnering with teachers and schools.

The final part of the book contains personal and professional recommendations to help parents build an everyday life that works for the entire family. Its parent-friendly techniques range from simple programs that shore up a childs social interaction and language, to approaches for teaching household chores clearing the table, making the bed, for instance - that will foster the childs independence. These ideas are based on anecdotes from Sastry and other parents as well as medical experts.

Parents of children with autism report very high levels of stress, says Sastry. But there is also evidence that they rebound within two years after getting an initial diagnosis. My best advice to families coming to terms with the diagnosis is that even if the way forward seems difficult right now, it will get better. You do regain your footing. If our book helps you get there any faster, well have reached our goal.

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Parenting Through the Challenges of Autism: A new book out today by MIT Sloan School’s Anjali Sastry offers practical ...

LEGO Star Wars Writer Michael Price to Appear on 'Autism Live' 6/6

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LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire -05/31/12)- LEGO Star Wars Padawan Menace writer and Simpsons writer/co- executive producer Michael Price will join his wife bestselling autism memoir author Monica Holloway, to give an interview on Autism Live regarding the couple's service to families affected by autism inspired by their son Wills, 15, on the Autism Spectrum.

Price and Holloway both are dedicated supporters of Autism Speaks and Special Needs Network, two charities dedicated to autism. Price also credits Wills with providing him the inspiration for the story he used in writing the recent landmark 500th episode of The Simpsons, showing anything is possible for those affected by the disorder. In 2011 Holloway received the Special Needs Network 'Woman of Distinction Award' for her work spreading awareness of autism. Michael and Monica led the only dedicated school-wide team of 40 special-ed teachers and families as 'Team Frostig' at the 2012 Autism Speaks walk in Los Angeles.

Most importantly, Price and Holloway are always eager to go the extra mile for another family affected by autism, whether it may be listening to the story of a newly diagnosed family, introducing a child with autism to a new friend, hosting an autism-friendly kids party in their home, or lending encouragement to a parent who needs help just facing the day.

For media inquiries, including interview requests or speaking engagements with Price, please contact Jess Block, Media Relations, at 909-706-8525 or JessBlockPR@gmail.com.

ABOUT MICHAEL PRICE: Michael Price is an Emmy and Writers Guild award-winning Writer and Co-Executive Producer on The Simpsons. Price also contributed to the writing of the Simpsons Movie and wrote the acclaimed Lego Star Wars special, Lego Star Wars: The Padawan Menace.

ABOUT MONICA HOLLOWAY: Monica Holloway is the bestselling author of Cowboy & Wills, a Mother's Choice Award's Gold recipient, and the critically acclaimed author of the memoir Driving With Dead People, described by Newsweek as "unforgettable," Glamour christened "a classic," and the Washington Post deemed "irresistible." Holloway lives with her son Wills and husband Michael Price, Co-Executive Producer of The Simpsons, in Sherman Oaks, CA. http://www.monicaholloway.com/

ABOUT AUTISM LIVE: An online show about autism providing support, resources, information, facts, entertainment and inspiration to parents, teachers and practitioners working with children on the Autism Spectrum LIVE weekdays from 9am to 12pm PT at http://blip.tv/autismlive

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LEGO Star Wars Writer Michael Price to Appear on 'Autism Live' 6/6

LEGO Star Wars Writer Michael Price to Appear on ‘Autism Live’ 6/6

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LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire -05/31/12)- LEGO Star Wars Padawan Menace writer and Simpsons writer/co- executive producer Michael Price will join his wife bestselling autism memoir author Monica Holloway, to give an interview on Autism Live regarding the couple's service to families affected by autism inspired by their son Wills, 15, on the Autism Spectrum.

Price and Holloway both are dedicated supporters of Autism Speaks and Special Needs Network, two charities dedicated to autism. Price also credits Wills with providing him the inspiration for the story he used in writing the recent landmark 500th episode of The Simpsons, showing anything is possible for those affected by the disorder. In 2011 Holloway received the Special Needs Network 'Woman of Distinction Award' for her work spreading awareness of autism. Michael and Monica led the only dedicated school-wide team of 40 special-ed teachers and families as 'Team Frostig' at the 2012 Autism Speaks walk in Los Angeles.

Most importantly, Price and Holloway are always eager to go the extra mile for another family affected by autism, whether it may be listening to the story of a newly diagnosed family, introducing a child with autism to a new friend, hosting an autism-friendly kids party in their home, or lending encouragement to a parent who needs help just facing the day.

For media inquiries, including interview requests or speaking engagements with Price, please contact Jess Block, Media Relations, at 909-706-8525 or JessBlockPR@gmail.com.

ABOUT MICHAEL PRICE: Michael Price is an Emmy and Writers Guild award-winning Writer and Co-Executive Producer on The Simpsons. Price also contributed to the writing of the Simpsons Movie and wrote the acclaimed Lego Star Wars special, Lego Star Wars: The Padawan Menace.

ABOUT MONICA HOLLOWAY: Monica Holloway is the bestselling author of Cowboy & Wills, a Mother's Choice Award's Gold recipient, and the critically acclaimed author of the memoir Driving With Dead People, described by Newsweek as "unforgettable," Glamour christened "a classic," and the Washington Post deemed "irresistible." Holloway lives with her son Wills and husband Michael Price, Co-Executive Producer of The Simpsons, in Sherman Oaks, CA. http://www.monicaholloway.com/

ABOUT AUTISM LIVE: An online show about autism providing support, resources, information, facts, entertainment and inspiration to parents, teachers and practitioners working with children on the Autism Spectrum LIVE weekdays from 9am to 12pm PT at http://blip.tv/autismlive

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LEGO Star Wars Writer Michael Price to Appear on 'Autism Live' 6/6

Fever During Pregnancy May Raise Odds for Autism in Offspring

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By Denise Mann HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, May 29 (HealthDay News) -- Women who develop fevers while pregnant may be more than twice as likely to have a child with autism spectrum disorder or another developmental delay, a new study suggests.

Exactly how, or even if, fevers may increase the risk for autism is unknown, and experts were quick to say women should not panic if they do develop a fever while pregnant because taking fever-reducing medications cuts the risk.

One in 88 children in the United States has an autism spectrum disorder, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is an umbrella term for developmental disorders that can range from mild to severe and that often affect social and communication skills. Little is known about what causes autism or precisely why rates seem to be increasing.

Researchers from the University of California, Davis asked the moms of about 1,100 kids with and without autism spectrum disorder or other developmental delays whether they had the flu or fever during their pregnancies and if they took any medications to treat these illnesses. Their findings were published online in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

According to the new data, moms who had a fever from any cause during pregnancy were more than twice as likely to have a child with autism or another developmental delay, when compared with moms who did not run fever during pregnancy. Moms who had the flu during pregnancy were not at greater risk for having children with autism or another developmental delay.

What's more, moms who took fever-reducing medication during pregnancy had similar risks as those moms who did not run a fever during their pregnancy.

"Our study provides strong evidence that controlling fevers while pregnant may be effective in modifying the risk of having a child with autism or developmental delay," study author Dr. Ousseny Zerbo, a postdoctoral researcher with Kaiser Permanente's Northern California Division of Research in Oakland, Calif., said in a university news release. Zerbo was a doctoral candidate with UC Davis when the study was conducted. "We recommend that pregnant women who develop fever take anti-[fever] medications and seek medical attention if their fever persists."

The findings are culled from the Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and Environment (CHARGE) study. This is the same dataset that recently led to a report that moms who are obese or have diabetes may be at higher risk for having children with autism. The common denominator between diabetes, obesity and fever is inflammation.

"This study puts the spotlight on inflammatory factors as a possible role in autism," said Dr. Y. Jane Tavyev, director of pediatric neurology at pediatric services at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles. But, she added, "I don't think that this should make people panic about getting sick during pregnancy. Mounting a fever is part of the body's immune response to help kill bacteria and viruses."

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Fever During Pregnancy May Raise Odds for Autism in Offspring

Cyclists Gear Up for The 12th Annual Ride for Autism on June 9th Benefitting Autism NJ

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ROBBINSVILLE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Organizers have announced the routes and start times for the 12thAnnual Ride for Autism taking place Saturday, June 9 at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, NJ. In its 12th year, the Ride for Autism is a scenic recreational bicycle tour benefitting Autism New Jersey, the largest statewide network of parents and professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people with autism and their families.

Starting and finishing at Brookdale Community College, participants can choose from seven route options this year: 10 mile, 25 mile, 50 mile, 62 mile (metric century), 100 mile, the new 125 mile/double metric century or one mile fun ride. The ride is professionally supported with rest stops and SAG vehicles on all routes. The annual post-ride festival features a vendor expo, catered lunch, kids activities, music from the School of Rock and more. Online registration is open through June 1 at http://www.ride4autism.org. Walk up registrations on the day of the event will also be accepted the morning of the event.

The mission of the Ride for Autism is to raise significant awareness and funds for Autism New Jersey which serves as an invaluable resource for individuals with autism, their families, and the professionals who support them, said Andy Abere, founder and director of the Ride for Autism. With seven different route options, the Ride has a distance for any cyclist who wants to ride and help solve the puzzle of autism. Register or donate today at http://www.ride4autism.org!

The Ride start times are 7:00am - 100 and 125 mile routes; 8:00am - 50, 62 mile routes; 8:00am - 2:00pm Fun Ride; 9:00am - 25 and 10 mile routes. The route maps for the Ride are available to be downloaded to a GPS from the rides website at: http://bit.ly/JSLjDQ. Registered participants are eligible to enter a drawing to win one of two bikes donated by Fuji Bikes (www.fujibikes.com).

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are usually diagnosed during the first three years of life and are four to five times more prevalent in boys than in girls. ASDs affect approximately 1 in 88 individuals nationally, and 1 in 49 in New Jersey according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The Ride for Autism is produced by g4 Productions (www.g4events.com). To register, for more information or to make a donation to directly support Autism NJ, visit http://www.ride4autism.org.

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Cyclists Gear Up for The 12th Annual Ride for Autism on June 9th Benefitting Autism NJ

Autism experts will convene in Mt Pleasant for the 2012 Lowcountry Autism Forum

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Credit: WSAV

National, state and local autism experts will convene at the "2012 Lowcountry Autism Forum," Saturday, June 16, at Seacoast Church, 750 Long Point Road in Mt. Pleasant, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

By: News Release | WCBD News 2 Published: May 31, 2012 Updated: May 31, 2012 - 3:52 PM

Mt. Pleasant, SC - National, state and local autism experts will convene at the "2012 Lowcountry Autism Forum," Saturday, June 16, at Seacoast Church, 750 Long Point Road in Mt. Pleasant, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

The admission-free event is open to the public. News 2's Carolyn Murray will be the emcee for the morning session. Physicians, therapists and software vendors will also participate in the forum sponsored by the Lowcountry Autism Spectrum Disorders Consortium (LASD) and MUSC Project REX, an outpatient treatment program for children with autism.

Keynote speakers at the forum will include Dr. Joe Horrigan, Assistant Vice President and Head of Medical Research and Leslie Long, Director of Housing and Adult Services, both from Autism Speaks, the nations largest autism science and advocacy organization. Some other speakers are: Dr. Carol Page, Director, South Carolina Assistive Technology Program, USC School of Medicine; Dr. Jane Charles, MUSC Developmental Pediatrician; and Dr. Frampton Gwynette, MUSC Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and founder of Project REX.

The forum will provide valuable research data as well as answers to everyday questions such as how to use an iPhone or iPad to help a child with autism and how to get reimbursement from medicaid/health insurance to pay for Applied Behavior Analysis [ABA], the leading therapy recommended for early intervention. The forum will explore the formation of a lowcountry association of autism therapists.

Autism is a developmental disorder affecting a child's ability to interact with others. It typically appears somewhere between birth and three years of age. There is no known cause, and at present the disorder is incurable; however the condition can be controlled through early diagnosis and treatment. The Center for Disease Control released a study in March showing that 1 in 88 children have some form of the disorder, a 23 percent increase since their last report in 2009.

LASD was established last spring under the pioneering leadership of Dr. Rob Scharstein, a West Ashley father of two adult sons with autism and a retired radiologist. Today, more than 20 local institutions and agencies have linked with the consortium in its mission to heighten autism awareness and support. To enroll in the June 16 forum, visit Lowcountry Autism Forum at http://www.scautism.org. For information call Dr. Scharstein at 843-225-5835. A free lunch will be provided at the forum.

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Autism experts will convene in Mt Pleasant for the 2012 Lowcountry Autism Forum

Antioxidant shows promise as treatment for certain features of autism, study finds

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TORONTO , June 1, 2012 /CNW/ - A specific antioxidant supplement may be an effective therapy for some features of autism, according to a pilot trial from the Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital that involved 31 children with the disorder.

The antioxidant, called PharmaNAC, contains pharmaceutical-grade N-acetylcysteine and is specially-packed to preserve its potency. PharmaNAC lowered irritability in children with autism as well as reduced the children's repetitive behaviors. The researchers emphasized that the findings must be confirmed in a larger trial.

Irritability affects 60 to 70 percent of children with autism. "We're not talking about mild things: This is throwing, kicking, and hitting; the child needing to be restrained," said Antonio Hardan , MD, the primary author of the new study. "It can affect learning, vocational activities and the child's ability to participate in autism therapies."

The study appears in the June 1 issue of Biological Psychiatry. Hardan is an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford and director of the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic at Packard Children's.

Finding new medications to treat autism and its symptoms is a high priority for researchers. Currently, irritability, mood swings and aggression, all of which are considered associated features of autism, are treated with second-generation antipsychotics. But these drugs cause significant side effects, including weight gain, involuntary motor movements and metabolic syndrome, which increases diabetes risk. By contrast, side effects of PharmaNAC are generally occasional and mild, with gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, nausea, diarrhea and decreased appetite. Most people report no side effects. It is easy for children to take because the PharmaNAC tablet is dropped into a small glass of water to make a fizzy drink, so the child can take it without having to swallow a pill or capsule.

The state of drug treatments for autism's core features, such as social deficits, language impairment and repetitive behaviors, is also a major problem. "Today, in 2012, we have no effective medication to treat repetitive behavior such as hand flapping or any other core features of autism," Hardan said. PharmaNAC could be the first medication available to treat repetitive behavior in autism if the findings hold up when scrutinized further.

The study tested children with autism ages three to 12. They were physically healthy and were not planning any changes in their established autism treatments during the trial. In the double-blind study design, children received PharmaNAC or a placebo of identical appearance and taste for 12 weeks. The product used was the effervescent, pharmaceutical-grade preparation donated by BioAdvantex Pharma Inc., the manufacturer.

Subjects were evaluated before the trial began and every four weeks during the study using several standardized surveys that measure problem behaviors, social behaviors, autistic preoccupations and drug side effects.

During the 12-week trial, PharmaNAC treatment decreased irritability scores from 13.1 to 7.2 on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, a widely used clinical scale for assessing irritability. The change is not as large as that seen in children taking antipsychotics. "But this is still a potentially valuable tool to have before jumping on these big guns," Hardan said.

In addition, according to two standardized measures of autism mannerisms and stereotypic behavior, children taking PharmaNAC showed a decrease in repetitive and stereotyped behaviors.

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Antioxidant shows promise as treatment for certain features of autism, study finds

Programs are available to help kids with autism

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Just a decade ago, autism was a mysterious diagnosis that left parents and physicians alike puzzled over the next steps to help children with this disorder. Fortunately, research and our understanding of the autism spectrum have grown astronomically in recent years.

Despite the significant amount of research doctors have done, there is no one single path of treatment to help a child with autism. The autism spectrum is broad, encompasses many different symptoms and differs from child to child. This vast difference from one child to another means medical teams and families have to work together to find the best path of treatment, based on the individual's needs.

A wealth of autism research in recent years has inspired experts to develop unique programs to help fulfill the needs of children with autism. These programs are offered through autism advocacy organizations, community health partnerships and at pediatric hospitals throughout the country.

At the Knights of Columbus Developmental Center at Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, team members have developed programs to address many challenges experienced by children with autism: socializing with other children, communicating with their families and even being examined by a doctor or getting blood tests.

Many children with autism resist being examined by a doctor, having blood tests or even being touched at all, including a hug from their parents. To help children overcome this fear, Cardinal Glennon uses a dog therapy program to make a child more comfortable with the doctor or during tests.

Families of children with autism often struggle with the best ways to communicate with their child and encourage their child to communicate with others. Many programs have been developed to help families tackle this issue.

The Move to Communicate group at Cardinal Glennon helps improve sensory, motor, eye contact and social skills and behaviors for children 2 to 5 years old. While their children are learning these skills, parents also work with group leaders to learn the best ways to encourage their children and help them want to communicate with the outside world.

Difficulty in communicating is a challenge that follows children with autism from childhood to their teenage and school years. Learning to communicate is an ongoing process for those with autism who may feel more comfortable retreating within themselves and not engaging with the outside world.

More support for autism research exists now than ever before. Parents of children with autism have many resources available to help their family through this challenging diagnosis. They need only ask for help.

Dr. Bob Wilmott is chief of pediatrics at Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center and is a professor of pediatric medicine at St. Louis University School of Medicine. If you have a question about your child's health, go to the "Ask Dr. Bob" section of the Cardinal Glennon website at cardinalglennon.com.

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Programs are available to help kids with autism

Audax Health™ and Autism Speaks Launch ‘Advocates Need Their Strength’ Campaign

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WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Audax Health, an end-to-end digital health company, and Autism Speaks, the worlds leading autism science and advocacy organization, extended the partnership they announced in January with an awareness campaign, Advocates Need Their Strength, to promote the importance of personal health management. This campaign is an extension of the Autism Speaks and Audax Health partnership, through which Audax Health provides autism-specific wellness tools and resources for the Autism Speaks community within its Careverge digital health platform. Careverge connects consumers to personalized content, tools and community for simple, healthy living in a secure, safe and private environment.

The Advocates Need Their Strength campaign focuses on the caregiver and the value Careverges tools can offer for personalized health management, especially for those who have little time for much else. Through the campaign, Audax Health will donate one dollar to Autism Speaks for every person who registers for Careverge (www.careverge.com/healthieryou). The donations will be used to further the Autism Speaks mission and drive research efforts.

Raising a child with special needs adds a unique set of demands and challenges to life. Parents and caregivers recognize what their health means to those who depend on them, but that doesnt always translate into healthy living and action, said Marc Sirkin, vice president of social marketing at Autism Speaks. Through Careverge, we are starting to introduce the autism community to tools that can help them eliminate some of the biggest barriers theyve communicated to us, which are a lack of time and uncertainty about where to start.

On June 12, Audax Health and Autism Speaks will co-host a live chat on the Autism Speaks Facebook page with Phillip Parham, a contestant on season six of NBCs The Biggest Loser: Families and parent of a child with autism, and Eric Chessen, M.S., a fitness specialist and consultant dedicated to working with the autism population. The goal of this live chat is to bring the advocate community together to talk about the importance of healthcare for everyone with an emphasis on those affected by the autism spectrum. The chat will take place on June 12 at 7:30 pm at http://www.facebook.com/autismspeaks.

We continue to value the partnership we share with Autism Speaks and look forward to continuing to help the families and advocates in the autism community by providing the information, tools and resources to support a healthier life in one safe and secure place online, said Grant Verstandig, founder and chief executive officer of Audax Health. We hope this campaign brings awareness to the importance of Autism Speaks mission and the power of using new technologies to maintain a healthy and balanced life.

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disordersautism spectrum disorderscaused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated one in 88 children in the US is on the autism spectruma 1000 percent increase in the past 40 years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

For more information about Audax Health and Careverge, please visit http://www.audaxhealth.com. For more information about Autism Speaks, please visit http://www.autismspeaks.org.

About Audax Health

Founded in 2010, Audax Health believes that consumers can and should be active participants in managing their own health. Through its product, Careverge, an all-in-one digital health platform, Audax Health enables consumers to track their health, record fitness goals, research conditions, access health tools, and even communicate directly with other members and medical professionals. Careverge inspires and engages consumers to be healthy with personalized tools and community that make health simple, personal and fun. For more information, please visit http://www.audaxhealth.com.

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Audax Health™ and Autism Speaks Launch ‘Advocates Need Their Strength’ Campaign

29 Johns Hopkins stem cell researchers awarded funding

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Public release date: 30-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Vanessa McMains vmcmain1@jhmi.edu 410-502-9410 Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions

This year the Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund awarded 29 of 40 grants to Johns Hopkins researchers for the study of stem cell metabolism and regulation, the creation of new cell models for human diseases such as schizophrenia and Rett syndrome, which previously could be studied only in animals, and the development of new potential therapies.

Researchers whose preliminary data promised greater discoveries were awarded Investigator-Initiated grants. Jeff Bulte, Ph.D., professor of radiology, biomedical engineering and chemical and biomolecular engineering and a member of the Institute for Cell Engineering, hopes to develop a cell therapy for treatment of type 1 diabetes an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system kills the insulin-producing cells that help regulate blood sugar. By developing cloaked stem and insulin-producing cells that can evade immune system detection, Bulte and his team hope to replace damaged cells and restore insulin levels in patients.

Grants were awarded to:

Several Johns Hopkins investigators were awarded Exploratory grants for researchers either new to the stem cell field or with untested but promising new ideas. Miroslaw Janowski , M.D., Ph.D., a research associate in radiology, plans to develop a stroke treatment by guiding newly introduced brain cells with magnets through blood vessels to the site of injury.

Exploratory grants were awarded to:

Postdoctoral trainees also will receive funding for research projects. A fellow in biomedical engineering, Pinar Huri, Ph.D., will use her award to develop bone grafts with blood vessels inside made from fat tissue-derived stem cells. The grafts would be used in patients with severely damaged bone in need of reconstructive surgery.

Postdoctoral grants were awarded to:

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29 Johns Hopkins stem cell researchers awarded funding