Wednesday, March 4, 2015
GDNF not needed by the midbrain dopamine system
UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKIPUBLIC RELEASE: 4-MAR-2015
A key factor in the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease is the gradual destruction of dopamine neurons. The glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, or GDNF, has been proven to protect dopamine neurons in test tube conditions and in test animal models for Parkinson's disease. GDNF and its close relative, neurturin, have also been used in experimental treatments of patients with severe Parkinson's disease. The results have been promising, but vary widely in terms of efficacy. At the moment, two companies are conducting tests to determine the clinical effects of GDNF on Parkinson's sufferers.
A key factor in the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease is the gradual destruction of dopamine neurons. The glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, or GDNF, has been proven to protect dopamine neurons in test tube conditions and in test animal models for Parkinson's disease. GDNF and its close relative, neurturin, have also been used in experimental treatments of patients with severe Parkinson's disease. The results have been promising, but vary widely in terms of efficacy. At the moment, two companies are conducting tests to determine the clinical effects of GDNF on Parkinson's sufferers.
According to an article published in Nature Neuroscience in 2008, removing GDNF from adult mice through gene technology causes significant damage to the midbrain dopamine system as well as triggers motor disorders. The article concluded that GDNF is vital to the maintenance and function of dopamine neurons.
At the same time, Academy of Finland Research Fellow Jaan-Olle Andressoo, from Professor Mart Saarma's research group at the Institute of Biotechnology, had developed a mouse model that was equivalent to the model used in the other study, with minor technical differences. In Andressoo's model, GDNF was removed from the central nervous system towards the end of the fetal period through gene deletion, and the mice remained healthy until high age. They studied the brains of the GDNF knockout mice together with the research group of University Lecturer Petteri Piepponen, based in the Faculty of Pharmacy.
"We decided to confirm the previous result using the mouse model Andressoo developed, and noticed that the complete absence of GDNF did not cause significant changes to the amount or function of dopamine neurons. Since the result surprised us, we wanted to verify it using two alternative methods, one of which was identical to the method in the previously published article," explains Dr Jaan-Olle Andressoo.
In addition, some of the experiments were conducted in parallel at Professor Anders Björklund's laboratory at Lund University. The Lund tests similarly indicated no changes to the dopamine systems or the behaviour of the mice. This clearly established that GDNF is not a necessary component of the dopamine system.
The manuscript including the new research results was approved for publication in the same series as the previous study. However, the study was subjected to even closer scrutiny than is associated with the normal publication procedure.
"The editors considered the manuscript to be a correction, so in addition to the normal peer review, they sent it to the researchers who published the previous results for comments. Ultimately, our results were deemed indisputable." `Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.
Pharma Two B Completes Enrollment in Phase IIb Study of P2B001 for Parkinson's Disease
PR Newswire
REHOVOT, Israel, March 4, 2015
Pharma Two B announced today that enrollment has been completed in the company's Phase IIb study of P2B001 for the treatment of early stage Parkinson's disease. One hundred and forty-nine patients enrolled in the study conducted at 29 clinical sitesthroughout the US and Israel. The results of the study, A Phase 2b, Twelve-week Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Study, To Determine the Safety, Tolerability and Efficacy of Two Doses of Once Daily P2B001 in Subjects With Early Parkinson's Disease, are anticipated in a few months.
An estimated seven to ten million people worldwide are living with Parkinson's disease (PD), a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Symptoms include: tremors, slowed movement (bradykinesia), rigid muscles, impaired posture and balance, loss of automatic movements, speech changes and writing changes.
The current gold standard treatment for PD is Levodopa, but long term use requires dose increases that lead to severe side effects over time including dyskinesia (uncontrolled movement) and off periods (hours of time when the patient suffers from a debilitating decrease in mobility). To delay this situation, physicians often prescribe milder drugs at the early stage of the illness. Though safer, given in low doses, these drugs are not as effective as Levodopa. Moreover, they too require dose increases over time, which also result in unwanted side effects.
"Pharma Two B's P2B001 synergistically combines two non-Levodopa drugs already individually approved for the treatment of the early stages of Parkinson's disease, in an adapted, sustained release profile. Given as low dose monotherapies, the effect of these drugs is limited. However, our preclinical studies indicate that due to their strong synergy, a low dose combination of these two drugs leads to a significant therapeutic effect, which is further enhanced when these drugs are administered in an adapted release profile enabling them to work in tandem for an extended period of time. Our observations also indicate that the emerging safety profile is very positive. We hope to reconfirm these assessments in the coming months with the final outcomes of the current Phase IIb study," said Pharma Two B CEO Dr. Nurit Livnah.
"Identifying improved solutions for PD is an important interest of the pharmaceutical industry and the medical community. We are doing our part to answer this clear and unmet need," said chairman of the board of Pharma Two B Mr. Ehud Marom. "Assuming the Phase IIb study yields positive data, we plan to immediately begin the Phase III clinical trial of P2B001, and, following the 505(b)(2) pathway, bring this important therapy to market as soon as possible. This is our goal."
About Pharma Two B
Pharma Two B is a drug discovery company in Israel, developing innovative products, with clinical and commercial added value, based on previously approved drugs. The company develops synergistic combinations of two drugs, acting in complementary biological mechanisms that enable the use of unique low doses, while maintaining high therapeutic benefit. The company also has a line of select generic products in new formulations. The company has a very experienced and dedicated management team, with both generic and innovative drug development experience. The company's chairman of the board, Mr. Ehud Marom, is credited with successfully bringing several new drugs to Phase III. He is also well known for his contribution to the successful launching of LCM and for running the global operations of the market launch of Copaxone for MS. The company's CEO is Dr. Nurit Livnah. She previously served as the V.P. of R&D at several innovative drug development companies in Israel.
Press Contact:
Marjie Hadad
MH Communications
+972-54-536-5220
marjie@netvision.net.il
Marjie Hadad
MH Communications
+972-54-536-5220
marjie@netvision.net.il
SOURCE Pharma Two B
http://health.einnews.com/article/252995798/1X3hSUNfMx7MvBcn
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Helping Parkinson's patients be heard
 |
ROBIN TRIMARCHI/rtrimarchi@ledger-enquirer.comSpeech-language pathologist Gary Waters at Columbus Speech & Hearing Center demonstrates the LVST LOUD computer program that assists patients with Parkinson's disease who have difficulty talking with enough volume to be heard.
The four-week program helps patients to speak more loudly and hold enough volume to carry on a conversation. ROBIN TRIMARCHI — rtrimarchi@ledger-enquirer.com |
lgierer@ledger-enquirer.comMarch 2, 2015
Gary Waters pulled out a yellow measuring tape. He put one end to his mouth and the other to a laptop computer with microphone attached.
The distance was exactly 50 centimeters.
First, Waters spoke in what was little more than a whisper, seconds later, loud enough to be heard in the room next door.
All the time, the loudness and pitch of his speech was monitored on the computer screen with colored sections and moving graph lines.
Waters is director of speech-language pathology at Columbus Speech & Hearing Center on Double Churches Road in Columbus. He was demonstrating an element of the LSVT LOUD program, a speech treatment for people with Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement.
"Parkinson's debilitates throat muscles, so people are speaking quietly but don't even know it," Waters explained. "If they talk louder, a normal range, they think they are shouting."
He said it is not a hearing problem or a cognitive problem.
About 89 percent of people with Parkinson's disease will have problems with speech that begin early in the process and will progressively diminish their quality of life. These conditions are usually not helped by medicine or surgery.
Common speech problems include soft voice, mumbled speech, monotone speech and hoarse voice.
"It is hard for family members who have to constantly tell someone to speak louder," Waters said.
People can't hear them on the telephone.
The goals of the program are to improve vocal loudness and to improve speech intelligibility.
"When the person begins to speak louder, their articulation is better," Waters said.
LSVT LOUD was developed in 1987 by LSVT Global Inc. and has been scientifically studied for nearly 20 years with funding support from the National Institute for Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. The program is in use in 50 countries.
"It is a four-week program with the person coming to a one-hour session four days a week for a total of 16 sessions," Waters said.
It is a way they learn to increase loudness in a healthy way without straining the voice.
According to LSVT literature, the program improves voice and speech by treating the underlying physical pathology associated with the disordered voice. Vocal loudness is accomplished by stimulating the muscles of the larynx and speech mechanism through a series of exercises.
The treatment not only stimulates the motor system but also incorporates sensory awareness training to help people with Parkinson's disease recognize when their voice is too soft, convincing them the louder voice is within normal limits and making them comfortable speaking more loudly.
"We have them practice at home with phrases they use a lot. It can be 'I love you' or something about the dog," Waters said.
When an individual is at a session, they sit exactly 50 centimeters away from the computer.
"Some want to move forward or lean back but then we don't get a proper reading," Waters said.
He said during a session he is constantly telling them "louder, louder, louder."
A support group for those with Parkinson's Disease meets at the center and also at Midtown Medical Center.
He said that in addition to the sessions, a computer program for home use is also available. Waters said most of the clients are referred to the center by a neurologist.
"Once someone learns to control their own voice, their quality of life improves," Waters said.
http://health.einnews.com/article/252738250/XrcVtxpU-2lEE-AK
Monday, March 2, 2015
Tips for Getting a Good Night's Rest
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule; get up and go to sleep the same time every day.
- Get plenty of bright light exposure, particularly natural daytime light.
- Decrease fluids several hours before bedtime.
- Go to the bathroom before getting into bed to sleep.
- Use your bed only for sleeping and intimacy with your partner.
- Set the thermostat for a slightly cool bedroom temperature for sleeping.
- Make a regular, relaxing bedtime routine a habit.
- Lie down to sleep only when sleepy.
- If you are unable to sleep after 15 minutes, get out of bed and engage in a relaxing activity like listening to music, meditation or reading until you are sleepy.
- Keep lighting and noise at comfortable levels when trying to sleep.
- Sleep as much as needed to feel refreshed, but avoid spending too much time in bed
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Building a Better
Night’s Sleep
-
Establish regular bedtime and morning awakening times that you maintain seven
days per week.
-
Go to bed at night when you notice feeling drowsy; learn to distinguish between
fatigue and sleepiness.
-
Design and maintain a comforting bedtime ritual.
-
Turn off the T.V. Rarely is the late night news soothing or relaxing!
-
If weaning yourself from a T.V. habit is difficult, substitute a relaxation or nature
sounds CD.
-
Customize your sleep environment; invest in a really good mattress and pillows.
-
Keep noise and light levels low; use a bathroom or hallway nightlight to prevent
falls.
-
Maintain a slightly cool room temperature for better REM sleep.
-
Banish animals from your bed!
-
Designate your bedroom for sleep and sex, not an all-purpose space.
-
Limit daytime napping to a 40-minute NASA nap (yes, tested by astronauts).
-
Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, nicotine and caffeine within 4 hours of your
bedtime.
-
Eliminate the common but bad habit of “checking the clock” throughout the night.
- Limit prescription sedatives to a 2-week period; instead, try over-the-counter alternatives such as Valerian root capsules, or Calms Forte, a homeopathic formula.
- http://www.parkinson.org/Parkinson-s-Disease/Living-Well/Sleep/Is-there-more-than-one-type-of-sleep-problem-in-PD
Portable system for real-time monitoring of Parkinson's patients undergoes testing
REMPARK includes a waist worn module that keeps track of a user's motor condition (Photo: Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya)
A European group headed by Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain, is in the process of trialling a cutting edge system with the potential to greatly improve the quality of life for those suffering from Parkinson's disease. The system, known as REMPARK, utilizes a small waist-worn module and headset controlled by a smartphone that will allow doctors to observe and manage the symptoms of Parkinson's in real time.
Parkinson's is a degenerative neurological disease second only to Alzheimer's in the number of individuals it affects. Due to a loss of nerve cells in the brain, the body of someone suffering from the disease becomes incapable of creating the requisite levels of dopamine to properly co-ordinate its motor functions. Furthermore, fluctuations in a patient's motor status over the course of a day make the task of accurately documenting the progression of Parkinson's much more challenging for medical practitioners.
REMPARK hopes to remove this impediment. The wearables that make up the system are controlled, and feed data back and forth, via the patient's smartphone. A phone-sized waist module containing accelerometer and gyroscope sensors detects the patient's cadence as they walk. This allows the device to constantly record ambulatory characteristics such as freezing of gait and falls, both of which are common occurrences for those suffering from the disease, and conveys the data to the smartphone via Bluetooth.
The control unit then pushes this information to the REMPARK server for analysis and communication. The data is sent to the relevant medical database, and should an issue be detected with the patient's movements, the server could prompt an action, such as triggering the headset to provide an accompanying rhythm that would help the patient to regulate his or her movements.
Furthermore, there are plans for an internal medication delivery system that could be automatically triggered via the smartphone should it detect an emergency. However, this system is in the early stages, and will be investigated and tested in subsequent medical projects.
If adopted, the REMPARK system would cater for a higher level of out-patient care, allowing medical practitioners to tailor treatments to a specific individual's needs, rather than simply putting a patient on a more standardized treatment plan that would require more regular hospital visits.
The system is currently being trialled by 50 patients from a number of countries in a non-laboratory setting, with initial results reported to be positive. A full report on the trial will be presented in a workshop in Madrid on April. 30.
http://health.einnews.com/article/252614629/GMy2Gmpc3qg_O8t-
Every Step Counts at the 21st Parkinson's Unity Walk on April 25th at Central Park in New York City
The largest grassroots Parkinson's fundraiser in the U.S. aiming to raise awareness and funds for research to find a cure
PR Newswire
 |
| I am in yellow shirt |
 |
| Meridith & Me |
KINGSTON, N.J., March 2, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Parkinson Alliance announced today that the 21st Parkinson's Unity Walk will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2015, in a 1.4 mile Walk around New York City's Central Park. With over 11,000 participants last year, The Parkinson's Unity Walk is the largest grassroots fundraiser for Parkinson's disease research in the country. The Walk unites thousands of participants from across the country and supporters from around the world, in one common goal; to raise awareness and funds to support research for better treatments of Parkinson's disease. The ultimate goal is to educate our community and garner enough financial support to one day find a cure.
"Since the first Walk in 1994, the Unity Walk has gone from raising $16,000 in research funds, to over $1,600,000 in 2014," said Martin Tuchman, Chairman of The Parkinson Alliance, the umbrella organization for the Parkinson's Unity Walk. "This level of consistent growth is a reflection of how successful each walk has been for the past two decades, as well the growing support from the community."
"The Unity Walk is also a day of community and education as it provides the opportunity for thousands of participants to visit informational booths of our event sponsors and the companies and organizations who are working for the Parkinson's community; including information about available therapies, participating in clinical trials, and advocacy," said Carol Walton, Chief Executive Officer of The Parkinson Alliance.
Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative, neurological disorder that affects over 1 million people in the U.S. Approximately 60,000 new cases of Parkinson's are diagnosed each year, and the exact cause remains unknown. The unfortunate nature of Parkinson's disease is that families of those diagnosed are also greatly affected; as their loved ones deteriorate, the proper care and therapy can become overwhelming. The Parkinson's Unity Walk provides anyone affected by this disease the chance to connect with others including stopping by the Ask the Healthcare Experts booth to speak with healthcare professionals who can offer general information on disease management, including movement disorder specialists, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, occupational therapists and DBS programmers.
Fortunately, the generous support from our sponsors allows 100% of donations to go to research funded by seven major U.S. Parkinson's disease foundations. Our sponsors include AbbVie, Lundbeck, Teva CNS, UCB, US WorldMeds, Boston Scientific, LSVT Global, and SpeechVive.
For more information regarding registration or donations for this year's Parkinson's Unity Walk, please visit www.unitywalk.org or call 866-789-9255. And please remember, you don't need to be in New York to show support. By visiting the above link or calling, any contribution to the Walk will make great strides toward finding a cure.
About The Parkinson Alliance
The Parkinson Alliance is a national non-profit organization, dedicated to raising funds to help finance the most promising research to find the cause and cure for Parkinson's disease; and is the umbrella organization for the Parkinson's Unity Walk. Since its inception in 1994, one hundred percent of donations to the Parkinson's Unity Walk have gone to research.
The Parkinson Alliance is a national non-profit organization, dedicated to raising funds to help finance the most promising research to find the cause and cure for Parkinson's disease; and is the umbrella organization for the Parkinson's Unity Walk. Since its inception in 1994, one hundred percent of donations to the Parkinson's Unity Walk have gone to research.
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/every-step-counts-at-the-21st-parkinsons-unity-walk-on-april-25th-at-central-park-in-new-york-city-300043578.html
SOURCE The Parkinson Alliance
http://unitywalk.kintera.org/2015/mswope99
http://unitywalk.kintera.org/2015/mswope99
Brain Awareness Week
FROM THE NATIONAL PARKINSON FOUNDATION
MARCH 16 - MARCH 22
Brain Awareness Week is a global campaign to raise public awareness about the progress and benefits of brain research, including research into the causes of Parkinson’s disease and how to treat it. In celebration of Brain Awareness Week, taking place from March 16-22, NPF is proud to present 8 Steps to a Healthy Brain.*
8 Steps to a Healthy Brain
1. Exercise
30 minutes of exercise three times a week can actually help slow the progression of PD, helping maintain balance, mobility and daily living activities.
Learn more: Download a free copy of Fitness Counts for exercises that contribute to stability.
Learn more: Download a free copy of Fitness Counts for exercises that contribute to stability.
2. Eat healthy
Proper eating habits are critical for people with Parkinson’s. Healthy eating can help keep your bones strong, which decreases the likelihood of a fracture if you fall, and can also help prevent constipation, a common ailment accompanying PD.
Learn more: Download a free copy of Nutrition Matters for tips and recipes.
Learn more: Download a free copy of Nutrition Matters for tips and recipes.
3. Give Your Brain a Workout
A lifestyle that includes stimulating mental activity is clearly correlated with healthy brain aging. The brain is a learning machine, built to acquire new skills and seek new experiences.
Learn more: Try a word search or word scramble to
give your brain some exercise!
Learn more: Try a word search or word scramble to
give your brain some exercise!
4. Stay Social
Maintaining social ties has been consistently correlated with healthy brain aging. If you would like to add to your support network or don’t have one, join NPF on Twitter and Facebook.
Learn more: Call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO
(1-800-473-4636) to get information about resources in your area.
Learn more: Call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO
(1-800-473-4636) to get information about resources in your area.
5. Manage Stress
Overproducing stress hormones can damage the brain’s memory center. If you find yourself facing chronic stress, try stress-reducing tactics like meditation, relaxation therapy or engaging in positive social interaction.
Learn more: These Techniques for Managing Stress can help you reduce your stress levels.
Learn more: These Techniques for Managing Stress can help you reduce your stress levels.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Your body needs sleep to restore and repair itself and over 75% of people with PD experience sleep-related symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to practice good “sleep hygiene” if you experience problems.
Learn more: This video provides practical strategies for improving the quality of your sleep.
Learn more: This video provides practical strategies for improving the quality of your sleep.
7. Track Medications and Supplements
Make sure your doctor knows about all the medications or herbal supplements you’re taking. Some common medications can negatively impact your brain, so if you notice a sudden change in mental status, talk to your doctor about it.
Learn more: Use our Medication Schedule to keep your daily medications on track.
Learn more: Use our Medication Schedule to keep your daily medications on track.
8. Avoid Illicit Drugs and Excessive Alcohol Consumption
These can interact negatively with prescription drugs, causing sleep problems, cognitive impairment and dementia.
Learn more: Call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO
(1-800-473-4636) if you have any questions about the effect of drugs and alcohol on people with Parkinson’s.
Learn more: Call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO
(1-800-473-4636) if you have any questions about the effect of drugs and alcohol on people with Parkinson’s.
http://www.parkinson.org/brainweek
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Apathy and Parkinson's Disease
Does it really matter?
Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.
As our disease progresses, we often witness our productivity declining as well. This may in part be due to an increase in motor symptoms and the accompanying disability, but it also may also be a result of an insidious, fairly common nonmotor symptom of Parkinson’s – apathy. It is estimated that approximately 40 – 45% of Parkinson’s patients suffer from apathy. This number however is likely an underestimation given the vagueness of the symptom making it more difficult to recognize thereby leading to under reporting.Apathy may be defined as a lack of interest or “motivation, not in the context of emotional distress, intellectual impairment or diminished consciousness.” * Unlike the loss of motivation that is seen in depression, in apathy alone, there is no co-existing depressed mood. It can manifest as no self-initiative to start or complete necessary tasks or learn new things and self-direct future goals and plans. This lack of goal-directed behavior and also the lack of emotional response can have significant negative impact in all areas of life – personal, social and occupational. In fact others may misinterpret apathy as being akin to laziness or purposeful disregard and disinterest, thereby affecting relationships and interactions. This has a detrimental effect of personal quality of life and contributes to the stress experienced by care partners and loved ones.
Following an assessment of your symptoms and diagnosis of apathy, your doctor may discuss medications directed at increasing energy (such as methylphenidate) or other medications directed at the dopamine, cholinergic and serotonergic systems (certain antidepressants or antipsychotics). But more importantly are the behavioral changes that we must make ourselves.
- Set up a schedule. Using whatever means – technology or pen and paper – set up a daily schedule. Incorporate your self-care routine including exercise, mindfulness activities and so forth, household and family responsibilities, and occupational duties. Don’t simply make a list, assign times to tackle each task and allot enough time for completion of each item. Be sure to adhere to the schedule throughout the day and check tasks off your list as they are done.
- Reward yourself. Once you have successfully completed a preset goal, reward yourself – with some “me time” or a walk or social interaction, whatever you may still enjoy.
- Make yourself accountable. Sometime the best motivation is someone else’s motivation. If for example you want to start going for daily walks but find it difficult to initiate this activity, then having a walking buddy who gets you going regardless of your own internal drive to do so, can keep you on track.
- Start slow. If you’ve been apathetic for a long time, it may be difficult to take on a number of activities all at once successfully. But small advances that are successful, may be regarded as “wins” which starts to motivate future and greater action.
- Physically feel your best – exercise. Exercise has a number of tangible benefits in Parkinson’s disease and has been shown to increase motivation and interest thereby reducing apathy and increasing productivity. It gives you increased energy and may cause an increase in endorphins and other chemicals in the brain that elevates mood and improves motivation.
- Sleep is important. Sleep disturbance unfortunately is also quite common in Parkinson’s. The ensuing fatigue caused by poor sleep combined with apathy leads to significant issues. Through careful sleep hygiene and medical assistance, if sleep and fatigue are improved and not significant complicating factors, apathy may be easier to manage.
- Don’t isolate yourself. Being around the energy of other people, engaging in interesting conversations and activities can not only make you feel better but it can help spawn motivation - directed action.
Long gone is the concept of Parkinson’s disease as solely a movement disorder. This is a much more pervasive disease with symptoms affecting our very motivation, causing us to lose interest in life, and blunting our emotional responses. And like everything else in this disease, an issue like apathy requires your active management. Whether you’re motivated to address the problem or not, your quality of life depends on it.
http://parkinsons.about.com/od/signsandsymptomsofpd/fl/Apathy-and-Parkinsons-Disease.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)