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Google’s Brin Makes Strides in Hunt for Parkinson’s Cure: Health

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Danzig

By Robert Langreth – Fri May 11 04:00:01 GMT 2012

Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google Inc.

Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google Inc. Photographer: Tony Avelar/Bloomberg

Mark Tuschman via Bloomberg.

Michael J. Fox, actor and Parkinson’s activist of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, center stage, participates in a question and answer session with 23andMe Inc. employees at their offices in Mountainview, California on April 26, 2012. Photographer: Mark Tuschman via Bloomberg.

Mark Tuschman via Bloomberg.

Michael J. Fox; actor and Parkinson’s activist of The Michael J. Fox Foundation speaks to Anne Wojcicki, chief executive officer of 23andMe Inc., during a visit to their offices in Mountainview, California on April 26, 2012.

Sergey Brin, the 38-year-old co- founder of Google Inc. (GOOG), is making strides in his quest to find a cure for Parkinsons, a progressive disease his DNA and family history suggest may afflict him as early as 10 years from now.

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FDA warns against multiple sclerosis treatment

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Danzig

WASHINGTON An experimental treatment for multiple sclerosis has caused death, strokes, nerve damage and abdominal bleeding and has no proven benefits for sufferers of the disease, the Food and Drug Administration warned Thursday.

Known as liberation therapy, the treatment targets chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency or CCSVI a narrowing of the veins in the head and neck. It involves inserting balloons or stents into veins to widen them in an attempt to relieve the symptoms of MS.

The FDA received reports in 2011 of a patient who died from bleeding in the brain after undergoing the treatment and another who was left permanently paralyzed by a stroke. Those incidents prompted the formal warning.

Other serious adverse effects from the procedure have been reported in medical journals.

The FDA has not approved any devices for use in liberation therapy, but doctors can offer the procedure to their patients. Doctors and other experts estimate that thousands of Americans have had the treatment, but the exact number is not known, because there is no central registry of patients.

Tim Coetzee, chief researcher for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said the link between the condition and MS was not yet well understood, nor were the potential side effects of liberation therapy.

“We’re still determining the risks associated with this,” he said.

MS is an autoimmune disease with a wide range of symptoms that include physical disability and chronic pain. Drugs can treat the symptoms, but there is no cure.

Paolo Zamboni, an Italian researcher, first proposed the link between CCSVI and MS in 2009. Zamboni published research showing that poor blood drainage from the brain and spinal cord aggravated nerve damage caused by MS. Surgically widening veins could help blood flow, he argued, alleviating symptoms of the disease.

Zamboni’s findings seemed to promise an effective treatment for MS and generated widespread interest among patients and doctors. Subsequent research tempered the enthusiasm, and the potential of liberation therapy is still being investigated.

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Tennis and Multiple Sclerosis: Tips to Maintaining Your Tennis Equipment

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Danzig

Tennis is a sport that can cost a lot of money to be involved in. The cost of tennis equipment is not cheap, but you can make your tennis equipment last. For me this is of the utmost importance since I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and live on a very tight budget. Over time I have learned some tricks to maintaining my equipment so I do not have to replace it as often.

This is the reason I bring you my top five exclusive tricks and tips to maintaining your tennis equipment.

Don’t abuse your tennis racquet

By keeping a cool head after you lose a tennis match and not slamming your racquet on the ground you will not break or damage your racquet. I know this can be hard I have broken a few tennis racquets myself by slamming my tennis racquet on the ground after losing a hard fought match. This is why this tip made my top five tips lists.

Keep your tennis racquet in a case

The carrying case for your racquet should be an actual tennis racquet case, because this will keep you from throwing other items in the case with the racquet. Keeping your racquet in a backpack is sure to eventually lead to damage to the racquet, because other heavier items will eventually be thrown in the backpack as well. Yes, I have done this before too, which the reason that I know how the human mind works. This is the reason that this tip made my top five exclusive tips lists.

Regrip your tennis racquet often

This is one of the most important tips for any tennis player, because the old grip will get sweaty and dirty. This is the reason that you need to grip your tennis racquet often. This is actually a pretty easy process, which means that you can do it yourself. All you have to do is take off the grip that you are replacing first.

Then you take the new grip and undo the adhesive side of the new so that you can begin wrapping the new grip around the handle of your racquet. You should leave about half an inch of spacing between the wraps. You will have to repeat this twice, but it will save you money in the long run, which is why this tip made my top five lists.

Tennis ball maintenance

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Autism-friendly ‘Guys and Dolls’ at Saratoga Civic Theatre

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Danzig

Live theater is something many people find enjoyable and stimulating, but for those with sensory defects it can be uncomfortable and even painful.

Now South Bay Musical Theatre is offering an autism-friendly performance during its upcoming run of Guys and Dolls.

The performance takes place on May 31 at 7:30 p.m. and marks the first effort of a Bay Area theater company to offer an autism-friendly show.

In October 2011, Disney Theatrical Productions worked with the nonprofit Theatre Development Fund to stage an autism-friendly performance of The Lion King on Broadway in New York. It was so successful it is doing a second staging of the show in September; at the end of April it did a performance of Mary Poppins.

The SBMT production is at the urging of Anita Hsiung Carey, a vocal director and pianist with the theater company.

Carey’s 8-year-old son has severe autism, but enjoys attending rehearsals with his mother.

Knowing how much he enjoys the rehearsals made Carey suggest the company try doing the special performance.

During the May 31 performance, house lights will be brighter, there will be no strobe lights, the sound will be lowered and audience members will be able to walk around the theater and talk during the show. Extra staff will be on hand to help.

Tickets for the special performance are $20 for adults and $10 for children. SBMT is donating proceeds from that show to Wings Learning Center, which

Regular performances of Guys and Dolls run May 19 to June 9 at Saratoga Civic Theatre, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga. For information and tickets to any of the performances visit http://www.southbaymt.com or call 408.266.4724.

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Veterinary Q&A: Outdoor plants and your pets

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Danzig

Lilies are highly toxic to cats. It is safest to avoid all lilies — both as cut flowers as part of a bouquet or as a garden plant.

Dr. Denise Petryk, an emergency medicine vet and co-owner of the Animal Emergency Clinic / Puget Sound Veterinary Referral Center in Tacoma, answers this week’s question.

Answer: Spring in our Pacific Northwest is so beautiful. With a little careful planning, it is very easy to create a pet-safe garden. There are two main factors to consider when putting together our spring plantings:

— Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), pictured right — vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, cardiac failure, death.

— Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata) — tremors, difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures, death.

— Jerusalem cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum) — vomiting, seizures, depression, trouble breathing.

— Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis) — vomiting, heart trouble, disorientation, coma, seizures.

— Lily (Lilium species) — kidney failure in cats — ALL parts of the plant, even in small amounts.

— Morning Glory (Ipomea sp.) — vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, tremors, disorientation, ataxia, anorexia.

— Nightshade (Atropa belladonna) — drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, slow heart, weakness.

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UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Program Gets $3.2m HHS Award

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Danzig

Newswise U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that UCLA’s new Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care program has been awarded $3,208,540 as part of the agency’s Health Care Innovation awards program.

The awards, made by possible through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, support innovative projects nationwide aimed at saving money, delivering high-quality medical care and enhancing the health care workforce. The 26 awardees announced today are expected to help reduce health care spending costs by $254 million over the next three years.

“We can’t wait to support innovative projects that will save money and make our health care system stronger,” Sebelius said. “It’s yet another way we are supporting local communities now in their efforts to provide better care and lower cost.”

The new projects include collaborations among leading hospitals, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, technology innovators, community-based organizations, patient advocacy groups and other organizations located in urban and rural areas. The Health and Human Services awards initiative allows applicants to come up with their best ideas to test how the quality and affordability of health care can be improved quickly and efficiently. The awarded projects will begin work this year to address health care issues in their local communities.

UCLA’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care program, which launched in March, provides comprehensive care, as well as resources and support, to patients and their caregivers.

“UCLA already provides outstanding geriatrics, neurology, psychiatry and primary care clinical services,” said Dr. David Reuben, chief of UCLA’s geriatrics division and leader of the program. “With the launch of this new program, we now have a comprehensive, coordinated dementia care program that spans across UCLA clinical centers and reaches into the community to meet the needs of these patients and their families. We are honored to receive this award, which will help us further our mission of caring for this ever-growing population.”

The Health Care Innovation award will allow UCLA to expand the new program to provide efficient patient- and family-centered care for approximately 1,000 Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in Los Angeles County. By training and deploying professional and non-professional workers and unpaid volunteers, expanding a dementia registry, conducting patient-needs assessments, and creating individualized dementia care plans, the program will reduce and shorten hospital stays, reduce emergency room visits and improve patient health, caregiver health and quality of care, with an estimated savings of approximately $6.9 million.

Over the three-year award period, the UCLA Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care program will train an estimated 2,500 workers. These workers will include nurse practitioners, who will be trained as dementia care managers; they, in turn, will help train primary care providers and patient caregivers in dementia care.

The awardees were chosen for their innovative solutions to the health care challenges facing their communities and for their focus on creating a well-trained health care workforce equipped to meet the need for new jobs in the 21st-century health system. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the health care and social assistance sector will gain the most jobs between now and 2020.

The 26 Health Care Innovation awards announced today total $122.6 million. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation within the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at HHS administers the awards through cooperative agreements.

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Local students with autism write book

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Danzig

COLUMBUS, GA –

Recent studies show 1 in 88 children are diagnosed with autism in the United States.

A group of Columbus students are not letting their diagnosis hold them down, andthey can now say they are authors after penning the pages of a new book.

The short stories and pictures of animals inA is for Autismwereall written and illustrated by students with autism, like 16-year-old Keveran McDonald. Keveran’s father, Mark, says it is overwhelming to see the pages A is for Autism.

“I’m very proud of his accomplishments. Sometimes you don’t think things like this would be possible, but they surprise you. Just makes me really proud,” said McDonald.

Rebecca Gristina, the President of the Board of Directors at Bridges Learning Center in Columbus, a school that focuses on helping autistic children, says this three-year project allowed a group of their students to channel their emotions.

“A lot of the kids struggle with building relationships and friendships with peers. Traditionally developing peers, and these stories are mostly about friendship,” said Gristina.

All of the proceeds from book sales will go back to the school where 75% of the students have some kind of financial aid. That money will go to close that gap as well as help with therapy for the students.

“We involve our students in hypo-therapy which is horseback riding and water therapy. We also have a computer program called brain jog which focuses the kids on their eye movement in order to build that eye contact,” said Gristina

McDonald says because of this school, his son has a chance to thrive.

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Utah autism treatment pilot struggles for funding

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Danzig

Health Legislator is confident of funding, but expected donations from UHC, Zions are elusive.

Despite assurances during the Legislative session that major insurance companies and a bank would donate $1 million toward a new autism treatment pilot, the state has not yet received any money.

That could halve one part of the program, set to begin this summer, at a time when a study of a small area in Utah indicated the state could have the highest autism rate in the nation.

“As of right now there is no money,” said Marc Babitz, director of the Division of Family Health and Preparedness at the Utah Department of Health. “I am not aware of one private donation.”

But Rep. Ronda Menlove, R-Garland, who sponsored the bill to create the pilot, says there is “no question” that money is on its way.

“Weve been working with the entities this past week working out the details,” she said.

Expected donor Zions Bank did not immediately comment. Intermountain Healthcare says it plans to provide financial support although the details are still being finalized.

The two-year pilot program is expected to pay for therapy for about 350 children between the ages of 2 and 6, through a combination of Medicaid, state and private dollars.

Three groups of children will be served, including up to 50 covered by the Public Employees Benefit and Insurance Program; at least 200 kids covered by Medicaid, supported by $4.5 million in Medicaid dollars; and up to 100 from the autism fund, paid in part with private dollars. Those children may be on private insurance or be uninsured.

Babitz said he remained hopeful the private money would still materialize; $1 million in state dollars will become available in July.

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Soon, therapy to freeze Parkinson’s in its tracks

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Danzig

Washington, May 3 : Researchers are developing a preventive therapy to halt symptoms in Parkinson’s patients.

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by a gradual loss of neurons that produce dopamine. Mutations in the gene known as DJ-1 lead to accelerated loss of dopaminergic neurons and result in the onset of Parkinson’s symptoms at a young age.

The ability to modify the activity of DJ-1 could change the progress of the disease, said Dr. Nirit Lev, a researcher at Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine and a movement disorders specialist at Rabin Medical Center.

Working in collaboration with Profs. Dani Offen and Eldad Melamed, Dr. Lev has now developed a peptide which mimics DJ-1′s normal function, thereby protecting dopamine- producing neurons. What’s more, the peptide can be easily delivered by daily injections or absorbed into the skin through an adhesive patch.

Dr. Lev said that this method could be developed as a preventative therapy.

Preserving dopamine-producing neurons can mean the difference between living life as a Parkinson’s patient or aging normally, said Dr. Lev.

The researchers set out to develop a therapy based on the protective effects of DJ-1, using a short peptide based on the healthy version of DJ-1 itself as a vehicle.

‘We attached the DJ-1-related peptide to another peptide that would allow it to enter the cells, and be carried to the brain,’ explained Dr. Lev.

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Freezing Parkinson’s in its tracks

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Danzig

Public release date: 2-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: George Hunka ghunka@aftau.org 212-742-9070 American Friends of Tel Aviv University

Parkinson’s disease, a disorder which affects movement and cognition, affects over a million Americans, including actor Michael J. Fox, who first brought it to the attention of many TV-watching Americans. It’s characterized by a gradual loss of neurons that produce dopamine. Mutations in the gene known as DJ-1 lead to accelerated loss of dopaminergic neurons and result in the onset of Parkinson’s symptoms at a young age.

The ability to modify the activity of DJ-1 could change the progress of the disease, says Dr. Nirit Lev, a researcher at Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine and a movement disorders specialist at Rabin Medical Center. Working in collaboration with Profs. Dani Offen and Eldad Melamed, Dr. Lev has now developed a peptide which mimics DJ-1′s normal function, thereby protecting dopamine- producing neurons. What’s more, the peptide can be easily delivered by daily injections or absorbed into the skin through an adhesive patch.

Based on a short protein derived from DJ-1 itself, the peptide has been shown to freeze neurodegeneration in its tracks, reducing problems with mobility and leading to greater protection of neurons and higher dopamine levels in the brain. Dr. Lev says that this method, which has been published in a number of journals including the Journal of Neural Transmission, could be developed as a preventative therapy.

Guarding dopamine levels

As we age, we naturally lose dopamine-producing neurons. Parkinson’s patients experience a rapid loss of these neurons from the onset of the disease, leading to much more drastic deficiencies in dopamine than the average person. Preserving dopamine-producing neurons can mean the difference between living life as a Parkinson’s patient or aging normally, says Dr. Lev.

The researchers set out to develop a therapy based on the protective effects of DJ-1, using a short peptide based on the healthy version of DJ-1 itself as a vehicle. “We attached the DJ-1-related peptide to another peptide that would allow it to enter the cells, and be carried to the brain,” explains Dr. Lev.

In pre-clinical trials, the treatment was tested on mice utilizing well-established toxic and genetic models for Parkinson’s disease. From both a behavioral and biochemical standpoint, the mice that received the peptide treatment showed remarkable improvement. Symptoms such as mobility dysfunctions were reduced significantly, and researchers noted the preservation of dopamine-producing neurons and higher dopamine levels in the brain.

Preliminary tests indicate that the peptide is a viable treatment option. Though many peptides have a short life span and degrade quickly, this peptide does not. Additionally, it provides a safe treatment option because peptides are organic to the body itself.

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Scientists find differences in naked mole rat's protein disposers

Posted on May 13, 2012 by Danzig

ScienceDaily (May 11, 2012) The naked mole-rat, a curiously strange, hairless rodent, lives many years longer than any other mouse or rat. Scientists at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio's Barshop Institute of Longevity and Aging Studies continue to explore this mystery.

On May 2 a Barshop Institute team reported that the naked mole-rat's cellular machines for protein disposal -- called proteasome assemblies -- differ in composition from those of other short-lived rodents. The study is in the journal PLoS ONE.

This is the first report of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the naked mole-rat's superior ability to maintain protein integrity. "More effective removal of damaged proteins within the cell would enable the animal to be able to maintain good function and is likely to contribute to its excellent maintenance of good health well into its third decade of life," said Rochelle Buffenstein, Ph.D., of the Barshop Institute. Dr. Buffenstein is a professor of physiology and cellular and structural biology in the School of Medicine at the UT Health Science Center.

Protein integrity

Dr. Buffenstein and her research team in 2009 reported that the naked mole-rat maintains exceptional protein integrity throughout its long and healthy life. In the new study, the team found a greater number of proteasomes and higher protein-disposal activity in naked mole-rat liver cells.

The Barshop Institute scientists, including lead author Karl Rodriguez, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow, and Yael Edrey, graduate student, also found large numbers of immunoproteasomes in the liver cells -- a bit of a surprise because these protein disposers, which remove antigens after presentation in the immune system, are more commonly found in the spleen and thymus.

"Given the high levels of oxidative damage routinely seen in liver tissue of naked mole-rats, it is likely that, in the liver, these immunoproteasomes may play a critical role in the processing of oxidatively damaged proteins," Dr. Buffenstein said.

Oxidative stress

Oxygen is a reactive molecule, rusting unsealed metals and darkening fruit. In the body over time, it is thought to cause an accumulation of damage leading to functional decline, diseases and aging. This is called the oxidative stress theory of aging.

Naked mole-rats, which live underground in the wild, exhibit high levels of oxidative stress even at a young age, yet do not show many signs of age-related decline until very late in life.

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Concerns as nurse leaves

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Danzig

By Andrew Clarke

Published at 11:11, Thursday, 03 May 2012

HEALTH chiefs have moved to reassure people living with Parkinsons disease that they will not suffer a loss of service in the Copeland area.

The West Cumbria branch of Parkinsons UK has voiced its concerns after Georgie Berry, a nurse specialising in Parkinsons care in the area, left her post for a new role last month.

Members say they have been left in limbo in the light of Ms Berrys departure, and are seeking clarification about the future provision of services.

However, a spokeswoman for the North Cumbria University Hospitals Trust says measures are in place to ensure that patients will continue to receive to same level of care.

John Kane, chairman of the West Cumbria branch of Parkinsons UK, said: There were four Parkinsons nurses in Cumbria, and Georgie covered Copeland and Aller-dale.

Georgie was dedicated in her role and was a lifeline for people with Parkinsons disease. She could alter peoples medication to what best suited their symptoms, which is crucial as there are more than 20 different types of medication to help deal with this awful condition.

We still have a support officer, but he is there to offer practical and emotional support, but is not able to deal with the medical side of things.

Parkinsons is on the increase we have over 300 members in our branch and there is a lot of concern about the gap in services that now exists.

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Freezing Parkinson’s in its tracks: Researcher developing therapy to halt symptoms in Parkinson’s patients

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Danzig

ScienceDaily (May 2, 2012) Parkinson’s disease, a disorder which affects movement and cognition, affects over a million Americans, including actor Michael J. Fox, who first brought it to the attention of many TV-watching Americans. It’s characterized by a gradual loss of neurons that produce dopamine. Mutations in the gene known as DJ-1 lead to accelerated loss of dopaminergic neurons and result in the onset of Parkinson’s symptoms at a young age.

The ability to modify the activity of DJ-1 could change the progress of the disease, says Dr. Nirit Lev, a researcher at Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine and a movement disorders specialist at Rabin Medical Center. Working in collaboration with Profs. Dani Offen and Eldad Melamed, Dr. Lev has now developed a peptide which mimics DJ-1′s normal function, thereby protecting dopamine-producing neurons. What’s more, the peptide can be easily delivered by daily injections or absorbed into the skin through an adhesive patch.

Guarding dopamine levels

Filling an urgent need

According to Dr. Lev, this peptide could fill a gap in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. “Current treatments are lacking because they can only address symptoms — there is nothing that can change or halt the disease,” she says. “Until now, we have lacked tools for neuroprotection.”

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Michael J. Fox Foundation grant to Dr. Samuel Young will provide Parkinson’s drug development tools

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Danzig

Public release date: 3-May-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Dennis Tartaglia dtartaglia@tartagliacommunications.com 732-545-1848 Tartaglia Communications

Samuel M. Young, Jr., PhD, research group leader at the new Max Planck Florida Institute (MPFI), has received his first grant from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). The grant will enable Dr. Young and colleagues to develop a technology that will help scientists working in drug development to research potential treatments that target LRRK2, a Parkinson’s-related gene. Globally, five million people have Parkinson’s disease.

“We are excited about receiving The Michael J. Fox Foundation grant, as these grants are competitive and MJFF is the world’s largest private funder of Parkinson’s research,” said Dr. Young, who directs MPFI’s Molecular Mechanisms of Synaptic Function research group. “We believe that the tools we develop will prove important in advancing Parkinson’s research.”

Translational researchers working in Parkinson’s disease have been hindered in studying the function of the LRRK2 gene in pre-clinical models of Parkinson’s. This has been due to difficulty in expressing this gene with commonly used neuroscience research tools known as recombinant viral vectors. Dr. Young will develop tools that will allow researchers to get around this problem.

Mutations in the gene for leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are among the most common genetic links to Parkinson’s disease yet discovered. LRRK2 has garnered much excitement among drug makers due to its reported protein kinase activity, which appears to be enhanced by Parkinson’s disease-causing mutations.

“We are delighted that The Michael J. Fox Foundation has awarded Dr. Young with a grant to lead this critical project,” said David Fitzpatrick, PhD, CEO and Scientific Director of MPFI. “This grant recognizes Dr. Young’s specialized expertise, as well as our Institute’s leadership role in neural circuit research.”

Recombinant viral vectors are used by scientists to deliver genetic material into cells. Viruses have evolved specialized molecular mechanisms to efficiently transport their genomes inside the cells they infect. To create the vector, viruses are bioengineered to strip their viral genome or most of their viral genome, which renders them harmless. This enables them to carry transgene expression cassettes to express a gene of interest. The transgene expression cassette is a fragment of DNA that carries the regulatory elements necessary for cells to express specific genes within a cell or organism.

As the principal investigator of the project, Dr. Young will work with collaborators at other institutions to generate the optimal expression cassette to express LRRK2.

Dr. Young has specialized training that makes him the ideal investigator for this project. After training in virology and in recombinant viral vectors during his doctoral studies, Dr. Young switched fields and became a post-doctoral neuroscience researcher, learning electrophysiology techniques. He carried out a second post-doctoral position, gaining further experience with advanced electrophysiological techniques as well as calcium imaging. Using this unique training, which combines techniques in molecular, electrophysiological and biophysical methods, Dr. Young and his group at MPFI study the molecular mechanisms regulating synaptic function. Understanding these mechanisms is critical because the major causes of brain diseases are due to synaptic dysfunction.

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18th Annual Parkinson’s Unity Walk Raises More Than $1.5 Million in Support of Parkinson’s Research

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Danzig

KINGSTON, N.J., May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –The 18th Annual Parkinson’s Unity Walk (PUW), held on Saturday, April 28, 2012 in New York City’s Central Park, raised more than $1.5 million thus far and united 10,000 walkers, The Parkinson Alliance announced today.

The event, kicked-off by Michael J. Fox, drew a record number of 527 registered teams participating in the PUW’s 18 year history to help raise funds for Parkinson’s disease (PD) research. The funds raised are distributed evenly among the nation’s seven leading Parkinson’s foundations, and the PUW will continue to accept contributions for the 2012 event through May 28, 2012.

A number of leading advocates and representatives from the Parkinson’s community spoke at the PUW, including Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, 14th CD; Michael Jones, Divisional VP & General Manager, Abbott; May May Ali, Writer and Comedian; and Martin Tuchman, Chairman of the Parkinson’s Unity Walk.

“Collaboration and sharing two words that are extremely important to the success of this community,” said Carol Walton, Chief Executive Officer of The Parkinson Alliance. “People living with Parkinson’s, researchers, healthcare professionals, volunteers and foundations all working together to assure that one day a year, the most comprehensive day of community and education takes place for people with Parkinson’s and their families.”

The PUW is the largest awareness and fundraising event for PD research in the United States.

“The Parkinson’s Unity Walk is important, not only for members of the Parkinson’s community but also for the field of Parkinson’s disease research,” said Todd Sherer, Chief Executive Officer of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. “It brings together so many of us who are deeply invested in finding a cure, and the funds raised help speed progress for patients today. The Michael J. Fox Foundation is grateful to be a part of this inspiring event.”

For Walk participants, the PUW represented much more than a one-day event. It was an opportunity for patients, caregivers and organizations to all come together in support of the community.

“Year after year, I’m humbled by the consistent support from my friends, family and colleagues,” said Jim McNasby, Team Captain of top fundraising team, Team McMoss, and PUW Board Member. “Their generosity is both extraordinary and impactful because all of the donations go directly to research. And when I hear about the research especially some of the genetic research supported by the Walk it gives me hope for the future. Hope keeps me going.”

In addition to individual and team fundraising efforts, Abbott, a leading global health care company and premier sponsor of the PUW, helped raise an additional $30,000, which will be donated directly to the PUW in support of research.

Additional sponsors included Boehringer Ingelheim, Teva CNS, Chelsea Therapeutics, LSVT Global, Medtronic, Novartis, and UCB.

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Once-Marginalized Parkinson’s Disease Theory May Be Valid

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Danzig

Editor’s Choice Main Category: Parkinson’s Disease Article Date: 02 May 2012 – 11:00 PDT

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By using powerful computer tools and laboratory tests, the scientists managed to obtain a step-by-step explanation of how a “protein-run-amok” aggregates within the membranes of neurons, puncturing them and causing Parkinson’s disease symptoms. The process describes how -synuclein (a-syn) can turn against us, especially as we get older. The results of the model demonstrate how -syn monomers penetrate cell membranes and how they become coiled and aggregate within nanoseconds into dangerous ring structures that are harmful for neurons.

Lead researcher Igor Tsigelny, a research scientist at the San Diego Supercomputer Center and Department of Neurosciences at UC San Diego, declared:

Numerous cases of familial Parkinson’s disease are caused by a limited number of protein mutations, the most toxic of which is A53T. Tsigelny’s team demonstrated that the mutant form of -syn both penetrates neuronal membranes substantially faster compared with a normal -syn, and that the mutant protein also accelerates ring formation.

Tsigelny explained:

The researchers discovered that their modeling results also proved consistent with electron microscopic images of neurons in Parkinson’s disease patients that have shown damaged neurons are riddled with ring structures.

The researchers immediately turned to search for drug candidates that can inhibit ring formation in neuron membranes. The highly complex modeling consists of various sophisticated scientific realms, which intersect between chemistry, physics, and statistical probabilities. A wide spectrum of interacting forces within this realm cause circumstances comparable to an earthquake, in which the a-syn proteins bump and tremble, coil and uncoil and join up in pairs or larger groups.

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Once-Marginalized Parkinson's Disease Theory May Be Valid

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Mayo Clinic: Dementia Risk Reduced by Exercise and Computers

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Danzig

Exercise and computer use can help stave off dementia, according to research (Reuters)

Combining exercise and computer use could help to reduce the risks of dementia, a study claims.

Researchers in Minnesota found an association between engaging in moderate exercise and mentally stimulating activities in reducing the risks of dementia, according to a study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.

The study had more than 920 people between the ages of 70 and 93 in Olmsted County, Minnesota, complete questionnaires detailing the amount of time they exercise and spend on computers over the previous year.

Of those who both exercised and used a computer, 18.3 percent showed signs of mild cognitive impairment (dementia), compared to 37.6 percent who did neither. Of those who did both, 36 percent were declared cognitively normal, while 20.1 percent were normal in the group that did neither.

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Experts warn that the world’s ageing population will lead to major increases in the number of people who sufferer from dementia and other degenerative mental conditions, such as Alzheimer’s.

A spokesman for the Alzheimer’s Society said: “There is already considerable evidence to show that donning the walking shoes, or hitting the tennis courts can have real benefits for your head as well as your heart.

“Although we need to know more before we can say for sure whether using computers has real additional benefits and why this could be, we would encourage any older people who enjoy using them to keep it up.

“The best way to reduce your risk of dementia is to exercise regularly, eat a healthy diet, don’t smoke and get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked by your GP.”

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Tennis: Court is in Session on Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Danzig

I have been told by several people that there is no way that I can continue to play the sports I love, because of my multiple sclerosis. These people consist of family, friends, and some people that I have hardly ever met before. I love to play sports, and have even been encouraged to keep as much of a normal life as possible by my doctors.

This is the reason that I try to take as many vacations as I can, and try to get involved in some sort of sport or physical activity while I’m away. I have been playing tennis for the last three years now, and have taken a few vacations to get away, and play a game or two of tennis.

This is why I proudly bring to you my list of the best five tennis courts I have played on. Some of these have been on vacations with my husband, and some here in my own home state of Colorado.

Tennis court number one

The Broadmoor Hotel right here is Colorado Springs, Colo., is our first stop on this tour. The reason I like playing at the Broadmoor Hotel on occasion, is that the Broadmoor Hotel has inside courts that you can play on. This makes it easier for me to enjoy a game of tennis with my multiple sclerosis. I do not have to contend with the heat while playing on the indoor courts here, which is what makes it easier to deal with my multiple sclerosis.

Tennis court number two

The Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Fla., is our second stop on this tour. Yes, most people come to Disney World for the rides, and other attractions, but when you have had enough fun for a day on the rides, and want to enjoy the hotel this is a great escape from the crowds. These courts are lighted which means that you can enjoy them even in the evening time when the temperature has gone down a little bit. This is the reason that I enjoy these tennis courts.

Tennis court number three

The Sailport Waterfront Suites Hotel in Tampa, Fla., is our third stop on this tour. This hotel has its own fishing dock, which allows for me to unwind after a good game of tennis. I do not usually fish from the dock, but I do like to go down there to unwind. This is the reason that this hotel has been a favorite of mine for awhile now to stay at when I go on a tennis trip to Florida.

Tennis court number four

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Tennis: Court is in Session on Multiple Sclerosis

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Therapy Trends: Multiple Sclerosis

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Danzig

NEW YORK, May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –Reportlinker.com announces that a new market research report is available in its catalogue:

http://www.reportlinker.com/p0847521/Therapy-Trends-Multiple-Sclerosis.html#utm_source=prnewswire&utm_medium=pr&utm_campaign=Therapy

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

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.

Critical questions answered

The rest is here:
Therapy Trends: Multiple Sclerosis

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Valley hospice program leader lauded for dementia work

Posted on May 6, 2012 by Danzig

by Connie Cone Sexton – May. 2, 2012 12:56 PM The Republic | azcentral.com

When Maribeth Gallagher came to work for Hospice of the Valley in 2005, she assisted a team that focused on dementia.

Gallagher, a psychiatric nurse practitioner with a doctorate in nursing practice from Arizona State University, now leads the team as its director. It’s an area that has brought her great joy and her experience on the job has given her enough fortitude to weather “days that are really difficult.” But Gallagher believes her work is “a calling.

“It just felt right, within me.”

On March 29, she was recognized by the London-basedInternational Journal of Palliative Nursing for her leadership providing exceptional end-of-life care for dementia patients. Gallagher flew to London to accept her first-place award in the “non-cancer” category in an awards contest sponsored by the journal.

In other honors, Gallagher will be presented with the Program Manager of the Year award Thursday by the Visiting Nurse Associations of America at its annual meeting in Phoenix.

The not-for-profit Hospice of the Valley cares for 4,000 patients a day in Maricopa and northern Pinal counties. About 12 percent of those patients have a primary diagnosis of dementia; more than half have dementia along with other diseases or conditions.

Gallagher has heard from some people who ask her why she likes focusing on patients with dementia. “They say, ‘What can you possibly do for people in last stages of dementia?’ ”

But she points out that dementia is a disease of verbal language; the patient still has a heart and soul to be nurtured and recognition for who they are.

The HOV dementia team educates agency staff, community health-care providers and the public about non-invasive, non-pharmacological ways to maximize quality of life for dementia patients.

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