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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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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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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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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by MICHAEL DASHIELL Sequim Gazette

More than a century ago, doctors carrying their medicine in a bag would treat patients at their homes and sometime fees would be bartered rather than paid.

Now we need a facility and theres a very elaborate system to get money from a person to the doctor, says Bertha Cooper, a retired health care administrator. Theres more of a disconnect than ever.

Reconnecting individuals to the health care system they depend on is just one of the topics covered in the first of four forums about health care put on by the Clallam County League of Women Voters, as they discuss meaningful health care reform with community members.

Slated for 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, at Peninsula College, the forum brings three medical professionals as guest speakers to the table to talk about services, costs and threats to the current health care system.

Our goal is to inform and educate the public on the urgency of discussing health care reform, says Ruth Marcus, publicity spokesman for the league.

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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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>> 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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True story: One recent spring day, while riding my bike from Frisco to Copper Mountain, I heard two obnoxious guys making kissing noises behind me. They puckered up and blew kisses as they passed on my left. I caught a glimpse of them before they blasted ahead and vanished around a curve.

They were both about 75 years old and perfect examples of what I like in my men; supremely athletic social imbeciles who are as desiccated as two dead frogs in a jar of formaldehyde. So, here's the good news and the bad news: If a recent study about health and longevity in the Colorado high country is right, those two lecherous cyclists will be tooling around the mountains heckling women for many years to come.

A fascinating study about health and aging released by the University Of Colorado School Of Medicine last spring in partnership with the Harvard School of Global Health revealed that 7 of top 10 counties in USA with the longest living people are located in Colorado. The seven counties are: Clear Creek, Eagle, Gilpin, Grand, Jackson, Park and Summit.

Coloradans who live in those counties have a life expectancy of 81.3 years. That translates to an advantage of 1.2-3.6 years for men and 0.5-2.5 years for women over the national average.

Study subjects lived at a mean elevation of 5,967 feet above sea level.

Why do Coloradans live longer, healthier lives than other Americans?

Benjamin Honigman, MD, professor of Emergency Medicine at the CU School of Medicine and director of the Altitude Medicine Clinic thinks the secret to a long healthy life has something to do with oxygen deprivation or hypoxia.

Lower oxygen levels turn on certain genes and we think those genes may change the way heart muscles function. They may also produce new blood vessels that create new highways for blood flow into the heart. Dr. Honigman says.

Dr. Andrew Subudhi of the Altitude Research Center concurs. He says that athletes training at 7,000-8500 feet above sea level gain a competitive advantage because they experience increased blood vessel production in the heart.

Increased blood vessel production may reduce the risk of ischemic heart disease and stroke in high altitude residents.

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Gilchrist: Is the Secret to a Longer Life Right Here in the Mountains?

They say the more you complain, the longer God makes you live. If thats true, theres a good chance Ill never die. I complain more than anyone I know.

Fortunately, evidence contradicts this claim to longevity. A week ago, Utahs oldest living resident, Edna S. Decker, died at age 109.

According to a Tribune story about her life and death, she was a remarkably upbeat woman. She attributed her extended life "to good nutrition, a positive attitude and an independent spirit."

That leaves me out. I have horrible nutrition, the worst attitude ever measured by science, and I havent had a fully independent spirit since I got married.

You cant be too careful, though. With all the advancements in medicine, its best to prepare for a long life especially if its longer than youd like it to be.

If I live to age 109, Ill still be alive in the year 2060. Thats approximately another 50 years Ill have to endure on this orbiting clod. The thought depresses me.

I dont handle change well anymore.

Decker saw a lot of change in her life. When she was born in 1902, a loaf of bread cost 3 cents. By the time she was approximately the age I am now, it cost 16 cents. Fifty years after that, it was $2.80. If I live to be as old as Decker, bread will cost $4,055 per loaf.

That might be OK. The average family income in 1902 was $703. Fifty years later, it was $4,224. If I live until 2060, the average annual income will be close to $900,000. I should still be able to afford bread then. If there is any.

Ednas parents would have paid $750 for a new Ford. It would have cost my parents $4,011. Two years ago, a friend paid $25,700 for a new car. By the time I reach 109, a new car will cost about $200,000. There just wont be any gas to run it.

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Readmore: Local, News, Parkinson’s Disease, Want to Learn more about Parkinson’s Disease?, Parkinsons Conference, Crown Reef Resort, Parkinson’s Conference at Crown Reef Resort

Parkinson’s Disease affects nearly one million people in the United States.

A man who has the disorder and his mother put on a conference at the Crown Reef Resort Thursday to teach people about the disease.

Parkinson’s involves the malfunction or death of nerve cells in the brain that produce a chemical that sends messages to part of the brain that controls movement.

The cause of Parkinson’s in unknown and there is no cure. But there are treatment options like medication and surgery to manage symptoms.

“There is a lot of hope out there. There’s a lot of new medications coming through the pipeline that will be helpful. We also encourage people to live their lives to the fullest everyday,” says Karlin Schroeder with the Parkinsons Disease Foundation.

Clickhereto read more about Parkinson’s Disease.

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Public release date: 19-Apr-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Deb Song deb_song@rush.edu 312-942-0588 Rush University Medical Center

(CHICAGO) In the 19th century, Jean-Martin Charcot, the celebrated neurologist, developed a “vibration chair,” to relieve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Charcot reported improvements in his patients, but he died shortly thereafter and a more complete evaluation of the therapy was never conducted. Now, a group of neurological researchers at Rush University Medical Center have replicated his work in a study to see if Charcot’s observation holds true against modern scientific testing.

Results from the study indicate that while vibration therapy does significantly improve some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, the effect is due to placebo or other nonspecific factors, and not the vibration. The findings are published in the April issue of Journal of Parkinson’s Disease.

“We attempted to mimic Charcot’s protocol with modern equipment in order to confirm or refute an historical observation,” explains lead investigator Christopher G. Goetz, MD, director of the Parkinson’s disease and Movement Disorders Center at Rush. “Both the treated group and the control group improved similarly, suggesting other factors had an effect on Parkinson’s disease motor function.”

Charcot’s patients told him that during long carriage rides or train journeys, uncomfortable or painful symptoms of Parkinson’s disease seemed to disappear, and the relief lasted quite some time after the journey. He developed a chair that mimicked the continuous jerking of a carriage or train.

Goetz and his colleagues randomly assigned 23 patients to either a vibrating chair or the same chair without vibration. During the treatment sessions, both groups of study participants listened to a relaxation CD of nature sounds. Study participants underwent daily treatment for a month.

The patients in the vibration treatment group showed significant improvement in motor function after daily 30-minute treatments for four weeks. Although not as high, motor function scores for the no vibration group also improved significantly. Both groups showed similar and significant improvement in depression, anxiety, fatigue, and nighttime sleep and both groups reported similar high satisfaction with their treatment.

“Our results confirm Charcot’s observation of improvement in Parkinson’s disease symptomology with chronic vibration treatment, but we did not find the effect specific to vibration,” said Goetz. “Instead, our data suggest that auditory sensory stimulation with relaxation in a lounge chair or simply the participation in a research protocol has equivalent benefit as vibration on motor function.”

“While we can agree that our results may not change scientific thinking on treatment mechanisms, our results will allow clinicians to guide patients to at least one apparatus that is safe and associated with objective changes in parkinsonian impairment scores,” said Goetz. “Charcot’s advice to colleagues resonates as one places vibration therapy in the context of potential options for patients. ‘It is no small gain to be able to relieve the sufferers of paralysis agitans.’”

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– Fox Foundation to sponsor a clinical trial to study Sanofi compound –

PARIS , France , April 19, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ – Sanofi (EURONEXT: BSAC – News) (NYSE: SNY – News) announced today that it has entered into a collaboration with the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) to conduct a clinical trial to assess the safety and tolerability of AVE 8112, a Sanofi PDE4 inhibitor – phosphodiesterase type 4 inhibitor – in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD).

“AVE8112 has shown promising pro-cognitive activity in preclinical models that could be of interest to the under-addressed cognitive aspects of Parkinson’s disease, an area of unmet need where a new treatment could make a tangible difference in patients’ lives,” said Todd Sherer , Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of MJFF. “Groundbreaking collaborations with like-minded partners such as Sanofi are a hallmark of the Fox Foundation’s approach and help us speed scientific advances with potential to improve the treatment of Parkinson’s for patients today and in the future.”

Under the terms of the collaboration, MJFF will sponsor a phase I b clinical trial to assess the safety and tolerability of AVE8112 in patients with Parkinson’s disease. All data and results generated by the clinical trial will be owned by MJFF and shared with Sanofi. Further development plans will be based upon the results of the study.

“The Michael J. Fox Foundation has been a driving force in discovering and developing improved therapies for those living with Parkinson’s disease. Through this research collaboration, together we will be able to study Sanofi’s pharmaceutical compound for a possible new treatment for PD patients around the world,” said Dr. Elias Zerhouni , President, Global R&D, Sanofi. “We hope to continue to develop relationships with private foundations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation to pool our resources and maximize the potential of our drug portfolio to address unmet medical needs.”

The clinical trial will be conducted at clinical sites in the United States in Baltimore , MD, and Los Angeles , CA. Patient enrollment in the study is expected to begin later this year.

***

About Parkinson’s Disease Over one million people in the US and an estimated 5 million people globally suffer from Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the diminished production of dopamine, a key neurotransmitter, resulting in progressive impairment of motor function including tremors, rigidity and difficulty in moving. Another symptom of PD is cognitive dysfunction, such as difficulty planning, sequencing, initiating and sustaining behavior toward a goal. Estimates vary but some studies suggest a cognitive deficit may occur in up to 80% of people with Parkinson’s. While there is a drug approved for the treatment of dementia in PD, there are currently no treatments available for patients who experience less severe cognitive impairments.

About Sanofi Sanofi, a global and diversified healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: BSAC – News) and in New York (NYSE: SNY – News).

About The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research As the world’s largest private funder of Parkinson’s research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Parkinson’s disease and improved therapies for those living with the condition today. The Foundation pursues its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research program coupled with active global engagement of scientists, Parkinson’s patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors and volunteers. In addition to funding more than $285 million in research to date, the Foundation has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure. Operating at the hub of worldwide Parkinson’s research, the Foundation forges groundbreaking collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists and government research funders; increases the flow of participants into Parkinson’s disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox Trial Finder; promotes Parkinson’s awareness through high-profile advocacy, events and outreach; and coordinates the grassroots involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world. Now through December 31, 2012 , all new and increased giving to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, as well as gifts from donors who have not given since 2009 or earlier, will be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis with the $50-million Brin Wojcicki Challenge, launched by Sergey Brin and Anne Wojcicki .

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KIRKLAND, Wash., April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — A recent clinical trial conducted at Evergreen Healthcare shows that a new form of a common drug used to treat Parkinson’s Disease greatly improves the quality of life for patients and reduces the affects of symptoms such as tremors, slowness, stiffness and difficulty walking.

Evergreen was the only site in the Pacific Northwest to hold the trial, which was led by Dr. C. Warren Olanow, a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology and Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York.

The trial tested standard oral dosages of a Parkinson’s drug against the newer levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) and found that the intestinal treatments gave patients an average of two extra hours per day of reduced symptoms and improved movement.

“We have been involved in the trials since 2008,” said Dr. Alida Griffith, principal investigator for the trial at Evergreen’s Booth Gardner Parkinson’s Care Center. “Levodopa is the ‘gold standard’ treatment for Parkinson’s disease.”

The intestinal gel contains levodopa and carbidopa, two drugs commonly prescribed for Parkinson’s, and is infused through a portable pump connected to a tube implanted in the intestine.

In the three-month, double-blind trial, 71 participants were randomized to receive either the continuous infusion of LCIG and dummy pills or a dummy intestinal gel and pills that contained levodopa and carbidopa. At the start of the study, the average person had Parkinson’s disease for about 11 years and experienced 6.6 hours of symptomatic behavior per day. A total of 93 percent of participants completed the study.

The results of the study are set to be presented as part of the Emerging Science program (formerly known as Late-Breaking Science) at the American Academy of Neurology’s 64th Annual Meeting in New Orleans from April 21 to April 28, 2012.

The study was supported by Abbott.

Learn more about Parkinson’s disease at http://www.aan.com/patients.

To learn more about the Evergreen Neuroscience Institute, visit http://www.evergreenhealthcare.org/parkinsons or call the Evergreen Healthline 425.899.3000.

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Clinical Trial at Evergreen Healthcare Shows Intestinal Gel Reduces Symptoms of Advanced Parkinson's Disease

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Published Friday, 20 April 2012

Researchers from around the world are coming together to study Parkinson’s (Getty)

The announcement was made at a special event at Queen’s University, as part of Parkinson’s Awareness Week.

Parkinson’s UK says the research study will boost the chances of finding a cure to stop the devastating symptoms, including tremors, mood changes, movement difficulties, loss of smell and speech problems.

The charity is looking to recruit up to 3,000 sufferers throughout the UK, who are at an early stage of the condition, for the study called ‘Tracking Parkinson’s’.

The aim of the 1.6m study is to identify elusive biomarkers and develop simple tests, like blood tests, to diagnose the disease.

We could identify some of the problems and, moving forward, we could actually treat Parkinson’s rather than the symptoms, and that would be a cure.

Kieran Breen, Director of Research and Innovation at Parkinson’s UK

As part of the study, the responses to treatments for tremors, movement problems, anxiety, memory lapses and digestion problems will be closely monitored for up to five years.

“Studies like ‘Tracking Parkinson’s’ could make a huge difference and help us to ultimately find a cure,” said Dr Kieran Breen.

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ATLANTA, April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –Data examining the effect of Neupro (rotigotine transdermal system) in both Parkinson’s disease and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) will be presented at the 64th American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA, between April 21-28, 2012. Key data presentations will focus on post hoc analyses of pivotal and other studies of rotigotine transdermal system and are designed to investigate the impact of rotigotine transdermal system on the core symptoms of RLS and on the motor and underlying symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as depression, anxiety, anehdonia, fatigue and pain.

“These resultsaddto thebody of clinical evidencesupporting rotigotine transdermal system. The dataunderscore UCB’s continuing commitment to discovering and developing therapies that address unmet medical needs for potentially debilitating central nervous system disorders,” said Dr. James Zackheim, PhD, Senior Medical Director, Central Nervous System Business Unit, UCB, Inc.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Neupro (rotigotine transdermal system) for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of advanced stage idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) and as a treatment for moderate-to-severe primary RLS. Neupro was previously approved by the FDA for the signs and symptoms of early stage idiopathic PD. The FDA has also approved UCB’s new formulation of Neupro.

Following is a guide to UCB-supported research featuring rotigotine transdermal system being presented during the AAN Annual Meeting. For more information please contact Andrea Levin at 404.483.7329 or Andrea.Levin@ucb.com.

Parkinson’s disease abstracts

1. [P.06.088] Abstract Title: Rotigotine Transdermal System Improves Neuropsychiatric Features (Apathy, Anhedonia, Anxiety, and Depression) and Fatigue in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease: A Post-hoc Analysis of Five Double-blind Placebo-controlled Studies Date/Time: Thursday, April 26, 20127:30 am 12:00 pm Session Info:Session P06: Assessment and Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

2. [P.06.085] Abstract Title: Rotigotine Transdermal System Improves Pain in Patients With Parkinson’s Disease: A Post-hoc Analysis of Patients Reporting Pain in the RECOVER StudyDate/Time: Thursday, April 26, 20127:30 am 12:00 pm Session Info:Session P06: Assessment and Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

3. Abstract Title: An International Study to Investigate Rotigotine Dose Response (2-8 mg/24 h) on ‘Off’ Time in Patients With Advanced Stage Parkinson’s Disease Date/Time: Wednesday, April 25, 2012 5:45 pm 7:00 pm

RLS abstracts

4. [P04.032] Abstract Title: Effects of 24-h Transdermal Delivery of Rotigotine on the Core Symptoms and Symptom Impact of Restless Legs Syndrome/Willis-Ekbom Disease: A Post-hoc Analysis of IRLS Single Item Data from a 6-month Placebo-controlled European StudyDate/Time:Wednesday, April 25, 20127:30 am 12:00 pm Session Info:Session P04: Movement Disorders: Restless Legs Syndrome, and Tardive Dyskinesia

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ATLANTA, April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –To help people learn more about the full range of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, global biopharmaceutical company UCB, Inc., is launching a new online community — Parkinson’s More than Motion — that provides a platform for people living with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers to interact and learn from others with the condition. Part of this launch is the debut of a new reality-style video series depicting real families living with the condition.

“My family and I are telling my story in the More than Motion community to encourage others to educate themselves about all symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, so they can best manage the condition,” said Jo-Ann Golec, who was diagnosed more than 15 years ago and has become an active Parkinson’s disease advocate.

The Parkinson’s More than Motion community includes a Facebook page where people can add their voices to the conversation, connect with experts, take quizzes and more:

One million Americans currently live with Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are typically categorized as either affecting motor function or non-motor function. The cardinal motor symptoms include stiffness, tremors, slow movements and postural instability. In addition, the medical and research communities are starting to better understand the full spectrum of symptoms that can have a significant impact on a patient’s life. These include:

In celebration of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which occurs each April in the U.S., Parkinson’s More than Motion will travel to community events this month including the American Academy of Neurology’s Brain Health Fair in New Orleans and the Parkinson’s Unity Walk in New York City.

To learn more about Parkinson’s More than Motion and to view the first installment of the video series, visit Facebook.com/ParkinsonsMorethanMotion.

More About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive, neurological disease that occurs when certain cells in the brain stop producing enough of a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine plays several important roles in the body — it helps regulate movement and it plays a role in cognitive and emotional function.

As dopamine levels fall, the cardinal motor symptoms (stiffness, tremors, slow movement, and postural instability) can progress, along with the underlying non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, which are less well-recognized and may be under-treated. It is estimated that 60 percent of people with Parkinson’s have two or more non-motor symptoms, and that 25 percent have four or more.

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological disorder affecting older people in the United States. Each year, between 50,000 and 60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed in the U.S.; worldwide it is estimated that 7 to 10 million people have Parkinson’s disease.

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New Online Community Highlights that Living with Parkinson's Disease May Involve More Than Motion™

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ROCKLAND, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

EMD Serono, Inc., a subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, announced today that new data from the companys multiple sclerosis (MS) portfolio will be presented at the American Academy of Neurologys 64th Annual Meeting, taking place from April 21 to 28, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The data presented will focus on Rebif (interferon beta-1a), an established therapy for relapsing forms of MS, and ONO-4641 (S1P receptor agonist), an investigational oral drug in Phase II for the treatment of relapsing-remitting MS, for which Merck KGaA signed a collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceuticals in October 2011.

Presentations to be made at the upcoming AAN meeting further improve our understanding of the clinical effects of Rebif and show Phase II results on our new investigational drug ONO-4641, said Dr. Annalisa Jenkins, Head of Global Drug Development and Medical at Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. We are committed to advancing multiple sclerosis care, research and outcomes in order to provide treatments for people living with this devastating disease.

The following abstracts have been accepted for presentation at the 64th AAN Annual Meeting:

Rebif(interferon beta-1a) Data blitz1presentation followed by a poster presentation – Efficacy of two dosing frequencies of subcutaneous interferon beta-1a on the risk of conversion from a first demyelinating event to multiple sclerosis and on MRI measures of disease: 3-year results of Phase III, double-blind, multicentre trials (REFLEX and REFLEXION) (presentation #014, Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 6:24 PM)* * The formulation used in these studies is currently not approved in the United States

Poster presentations – Subcutaneous interferon -1a in children and adolescents with multiple sclerosis: an international retrospective study of 307 patients (poster session P04.119, Wednesday, April 25, 2012)** – Disease characteristics, dosing, and outcomes of subcutaneous interferon -1a treatment differ between children and adolescents with multiple sclerosis (poster P04.120, Wednesday, April 25, 2012)** ** This retrospective cohort study examines both Rebif and the serum-free formulation of Rebif. The serum-free formulation of Rebif is currently not approved in the United States. – Association of Targeted Blood Biomarkers with Interferon Beta-1a Treatment Administration, Magnetic Resonance Imaging Activity, and Treatment Response (poster P02.089, Tuesday, April 24, 2012)

ONO-4641 (S1P receptor agonist) Data blitz1presentation followed by a poster presentation – A double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase II, 26-week DreaMS trial of a selective S1P receptor agonist ONO-4641 in patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (presentation #013, Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 6:21 PM)

1 A data blitz presentation is a 3 minute oral presentation included in a 45 minutes oral session.

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the central nervous system and is the most common, non-traumatic, disabling neurological disease in young adults. It is estimated that there are approximately 400,000 people in the United States living with MS.

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EMD Serono to Present New Data on Multiple Sclerosis at the American Academy of Neurology’s 64th Annual Meeting

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Public release date: 19-Apr-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Arney Rosenblat arney.rosenblat@nmss.org 212-476-0436 National Multiple Sclerosis Society

New York Doctors at several centers across the U.S. are recruiting people who have multiple sclerosis (MS) to determine the effectiveness of high-dose vitamin D supplements for reducing MS disease activity. The vitamins would be added to standard therapy with glatiramer acetate (Copaxone, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries). The study, funded by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, is being led by Ellen Mowry, MD, MCR, at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Other cities with centers recruiting participants include Portland, St. Louis, and San Francisco, and additional centers are being established.

A number of genetic and environmental factors influence whether a person will get MS. These factors may also impact the severity of the disease. Mounting evidence has been pointing to a reduced level of vitamin D in the blood as a risk factor for developing MS. In lab mice, vitamin D can reduce the effects of EAE, an MS-like disease, and growing evidence suggests it is time to test whether vitamin D can provide benefits to people who have MS.

Investigators are seeking 172 clinical trial participants between the ages of 18 and 50, who have been diagnosed with the relapsing-remitting form of MS. More details on the enrollment criteria are available at: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01490502.

Participants will begin standard Copaxone treatment daily and will be randomly assigned to take the current recommended daily allowance of vitamin D or a high dose. The primary goal of the study is to determine whether vitamin D can reduce the proportion of people who experience a relapse. Other outcomes being studied include relapse rates, quality of life, brain tissue volume, disability progression, and safety.

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About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system, interrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Every hour in the United States, someone is newly diagnosed with the disease. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 400,000 people in the U.S. and over 2.1 million worldwide.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

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Clinical trial launches to see whether vitamin D helps treat multiple sclerosis

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I have been swimming all over the state of Florida. I frequent the state of Florida in the summertime because this is the most exciting state to swim in. Where else can you enjoy a good relaxing swim with this many sea creatures? My swims in Florida have brought me face-to-face with dolphins, manatees, and barracudas. This is the reason I love to swim in Florida.

I also enjoy the white sandy beaches, and the perfectly clear waters that Florida has to offer.

This is the reason I want to share with you the 5 best locations to swim in Florida:

Destination number one

Our first stop for a good swim comes from the Miami Seaquarium. The Seaquarium offers a unique experience, which is the reason I put it first on my list. The Seaquarium allows people of all ages to interact with the dolphins. The Seaquarium educates you about the dolphins first. Then allows you to interact and swim with the dolphins.

This was not a free swim, though. It cost me about $200 for this swim. The most exciting part to me was the opportunity to go into the deeper end of the water and get a ride back. I was able to grab a hold of the fin on the dolphins back, and go for a quick ride. These animals sure can move. I have never been able to interact like I did this day with the dolphins. It made me forget that I even had multiple sclerosis, as it was the most memorable day I have ever had.

Destination number two

Crystal River, Fla., is my second stop to swim with the manatees. There are a lot of different trips you can take in Crystal River to go and swim with the manatees. I have to say that it is a special treat every time I get to swim with these beautiful creatures. The manatees are rather friendly animals for all the experiences I’ve had with them.

The reason I love to swim with the manatees is that while you are enjoying the water you do not have to try very hard to encounter one of these animals. I have noticed that as long as you are swimming in their vicinity they will come up to you. I have noticed when I swim with the manatees they seem to be as interested in me as I am in them. Being that at anytime my multiple sclerosis could get worse and put me in a wheelchair, I take every chance I can to enjoy these creatures.

Destination number three

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Swimming With Multiple Sclerosis: Top 5 Florida Swim Destinations

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Genzyme, a Sanofi company (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY), announced today that 12 data presentations, including six platform presentations, from the companys multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical trial programs for alemtuzumab and teriflunomide will be featured at the American Academy of Neurology’s (AAN) 64th Annual Meeting in New Orleans, La., April 21-28. Presentations will include full data results from CARE-MS II (The Comparison of alemtuzumab and Rebif Efficacy in Multiple Sclerosis), a Phase III trial investigating alemtuzumab in MS patients who had relapsed while receiving prior MS therapy, as well as new findings from the teriflunomide clinical program, one of the largest and broadest of any MS therapy in development.

Genzymes robust development programs for alemtuzumab and teriflunomide were designed to understand how these therapies can best address significant unmet medical needs of people living with MS, said David Meeker, M.D., President and CEO, Genzyme. We are committed to becoming a long-term partner to the MS community with the goal of raising the expectation of what life with MS can be.

Marketing applications for teriflunomide for the treatment of relapsing forms of MS are under review by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA). Genzyme is on track to submit applications to the FDA and EMA for approval of alemtuzumab to treat relapsing forms of MS in the second quarter of this year.

Following are selected scientific abstracts highlighting new results from the Phase III CARE-MS II and CARE-MS I trials for alemtuzumab, as well as the Phase III TEMSO (Study of Teriflunomide in Reducing the Frequency of Relapses and Accumulation of Disability in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis) trial for teriflunomide.

ALEMTUZUMAB CARE-MS II Platform Presentation:

ALEMTUZUMAB CARE-MS I Platform Presentations:

TERIFLUNOMIDE TEMSO Platform Presentation:

Additional Genzyme MS portfolio data to be presented include:

ALEMTUZUMAB:

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Genzyme Demonstrates Depth of MS Pipeline at AAN with Results from Multiple Sclerosis Phase lll Trials

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