suffers from Parkinson's disease, then this is going to be one of the most important things you'll ever read.Spinal Cord Stimulator Sparks Hope for Parkinson’s Disease
01.08.10 / parkinson disease / Author: Alex
Tags: Cord, Disease, Hope, parkinsons, Sparks, Spinal, Stimulator
The future treatment of Parkinson’s disease may target the spinal cord instead of the brain to help alleviate the slow, rigid movements and tremors that are the hallmarks of the disease. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed and tested a first-of-its-kind device that rapidly restored motor function in mice with the symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Miguel Nicolelis, MD, Ph.D., senior study investigator and Anne W. Deane Professor of Neuroscience: “We have discovered a new, semi-invasive way to produce a relief of Parkinson’s disease motor symptoms that is very consistent, can last for long periods of time, that reduces significantly the risks for these patients, and can be done in the early stages of the disease in combination with small doses of pharmacological therapy.” The prosthetic device applies electrical stimulation to the part of the spinal cord that carries tactile information from the body to the brain. Researchers attached the device to the surface of the spinal cord in mice and rats with depleted levels of the chemical dopamine to mimic the biologic characteristics of someone with Parkinsons disease which produced impaired motor skills. When the device was turned on (could have the video timed to have the mouse become active here), the researchers saw an almost immediate and dramatic change in the animals ability to move. Miguel Nicolelis, MD, Ph.D., senior study investigator and Anne W. Deane Professor of Neuroscience: “This shows that a …
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It Is Hard To Know When You Have Parkinson Diseases
While Parkinson’s disease has very distinctive features, it is rather a difficult disease to identify, particularly while it is in its early stages. Unfortunately there are no precise tests, which doctors can do to establish an exact diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and regrettably especially in its early stages it might be mistaken for other diseases. If and when this happens, it delays or prevents the appropriate action being administered in the quickest feasible time.
The trouble with diagnosing Parkinson’s disease accurately is just that the symptoms are not always as clear as doctors would like them to be, Actually there are suggestions that up to 25% of those people presently being treated for Parkinson’s disease might have been wrongly diagnosed and are thus getting inappropriate treatment.
Generally patients that are suspected of suffering from Parkinson’s disease are given tests to guarantee they are certainly not suffering from an illness that can be diagnosed using common methods such as CT scanning, urine sampling X-ray and blood tests etc. However just because these tests may have an inconclusive answer, it doesn’t always mean the person is definitely suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Regrettably some doctors think this is the case, and will automatically offer a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
Tests that can be carried out to test for Parkinson’s disease involve systematic neurological assessments that comprise testing the person’s reflexes, balance, muscle strength walk and common movement. Because there are a range of neurological disorders that have similar characteristics to Parkinson’s disease, it’s not very surprising that Parkinson’s disease is so regularly misdiagnosed. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it doesn’t always hurt to ask your doctor for a second opinion or even better to request to be referred to a physician who specialises in this kind of disease.
An early accurate diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is normally the key to the sufferer being able to preserve their independence and a decent quality of life for fairly a long time.
Some neurological conditions that are regularly confused with Parkinson’s disease include: -
Multiple system atrophy
Supranuclear palsy
Benign Essential Tremor
Multiple Sclerosis
Huntington’s disease
Striato-Nigral Degeneration
Brain tumour
Remaining as independent as feasible is vital to the wellbeing of most sufferers of Parkinson’s disease, and ensuring the symptoms are kept to a minimum by both an accurate diagnosis and treatment is the key to achieving this.
Roger Overanout
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Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You….That You Need to Know
A complete guide to Parkinson’s from two people with the disease who cofounded a national support and advocacy organization. In Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease, Gretchen Garie and Michael J. Church, a couple who both have Parkinson’s and live daily with the effects of the disease, thoroughly discuss diagnosis, treatment options, and the emotional consequences of this difficult illness. With a conversational, pragmatic, and personal tone, they offer advice on such topics as: how Parkins
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Molecular Mechanism Triggering Parkinson’s Disease Identified In Stanford Study
Scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a molecular pathway responsible for the death of key nerve cells whose loss causes Parkinson’s disease. This discovery not only may explain how a genetic mutation linked to Parkinson’s causes the cells’ death, but could also open the door to new therapeutic approaches for the malady.In a study to be published July 29 in …
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Question by shosh272: Is it possible that I can get parkinson disease from my father?
My father have parkinson and Im wondering if it can be passed to me or something!!?
I don’t mean like catching flu or somthing!
I mean genetaically or whatever!
Best answer:
Answer by Common Sense
no, you can’t catch it.
Add your own answer in the comments!
Grandpa and the puppy take a nap
Image by Ed and Lex
It looks like my dad is not asleep. But, he is. Parkinson’s Disease makes his face muscles squish up in his sleep. Look at the toy on the floor just under Cutie’s head. It’s his favorite: a squeaky reindeer. Ed said it fell off the couch and in the middle of trying to wriggle down and get closer to it, he just fell asleep.
Comments: 17
He´s an amazing example of how brilliant brazilian people are. We´re able to do anything.
Congrats Dr. Nicolelis!
I think that’s his father surname (he colud be a son of Greek immigrants or a immigant himself). Because his mother have the surname “Nicolelis” in the very last name. Which means when she married, took “Nicolelis” from her surname. Here, we have people from all over the world, especially europeans…
archimedes (I believe it was him) said the spine is where all ailment-illnesses can be found
Why has he a Greek surname, especially met in Lesvos Island?
Unfortunately, one more Brazilian great scientist (maybe the best of them, actually) who had to leave our country in order to find resources and support to make a dream come true.
really good
Miguel Nicolelis is Brazilian!! They don’t mention this in the story, of course. He did all his studies in Brazil and joined Duke in 2001 as a professor. Just thought you guys should know this. Just another example of a brilliant mind going where the money is to get the most out of his exceptional talent.
Extraordinary!
That is great
Exceptional work by Miguel Nicolelis, hats off to you. Thank you for posting this.
Review by Thomas M. Vogel for Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You….That You Need to Know
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If you have parkinson’s, as I do, or if someone in your life does, than this is a must read. It is full of information for the sufferer, but its most important contribution is in helping both victims of the decease and those who suffer nearby understand what is happening. It is wonderful to have people close to you read this book. It aides in how to continue life on this wonderful planet. I recommend it.
Review by Marianne Curran for Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You….That You Need to Know
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Even though we are not finished reading this book, my husband (who has Parkinson’s) and I are finally getting answers to all our questions. The authors write in an easy-to-understand format and do not hold anything back (unlike some doctors). This is an excellent resource for anyone who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s!! It’s also a big help to the caregiver!!
Review by Mells Studio for Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You….That You Need to Know
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I admit to being prejudiced – the authors are my daughter and son-in-law (43 and 47 years old) that are very active in the international advocacy and support for PD patients. Since I can’t take the disease away from my children and I live 800 miles from them, I am “helping” by starting a PD support group in my community. The book is used as a study guide in our meetings. The group feels the personal touch the authors convey. It’s like having a conversation with them. I must say I am in awe of the authors and all the research and personal experience they’ve brought to the book. You’ll like it too. And remember, you may have Parkinson’s Disease but PD does not have you.
Review by Jocelyn Wolfe for Living Well with Parkinson’s Disease: What Your Doctor Doesn’t Tell You….That You Need to Know
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I bought this book for my group – The Lakeway Area Parkinsons Support Group. I have several in our group already reading the book and passing it around. Doctors dont tell you about the disease and sometimes learning from those who have it and have experienced it is more informative. Sometimes science leaves you in the dark.
In the last few years, research has shown there may be a genetic link. However, it’s a genetic predisposition of developing it, rather than genetic inheritance. Men seem to be more likely than women to have this genetic predisposition. The article below explains in more detail.
It’s possible. I think it very well could be genetic.
Answer mine please;
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AobDdKFRUAry1gBH.Kri3L7sy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20091015175626AAGQcZG
Yes and no.
In some familial Parkinson’s disease, some immediate family members will develop PD and some won’t. In other instances, the disease may skip generations. This suggests that there appears to be a need for environmental triggers as well. I’m not as familiar with familial PD but depending upon the genes, the development can vary. This is the reason for twin studies.
You should sit down with various family members on both your father’s side and your mother’s to determine how many people had Parkinson’s or another neurodegenerative disease. Write down that history – write down where these people came from, what they did for a living and so on. Make a very complete history. This might help to provide some insight into your father’s condition as well as insight into the possibility that his condition is or isn’t genetic.
Genetic testing is possible and may or may not be a bad idea as there may be neuroprotective adjustments you can make that will defer or just possible prevent (I have some doubts here) the disease.
The full testing is not inexpensive an you would both need to be tested.
http://progeni.iu.edu/
https://www.23andme.com/health/Parkinsons-Disease/
There is a long list of genes which can mutate and be responsible for familial Parkinson’s disease. At this point there is more research into the genetics of PD and although only a maximum of 15% is considered to be genetic in origin, that is subject to change. That means that the balance of cases are considered to be idiopathic – cause unknown or undetermined.
You might wish to read more about genome testing at the National Institutes of Health – it is a bit dated but it gives you basic information.
http://www.genome.gov/10001217
In the meanwhile, read what you can about Parkinson’s disease including alternative and nutritional supplements, exercise and massage therapy. I think that staying current with the progression of your father’s condition, making suggestions for improving his treatment in terms of the additions mentioned above, might make things easier for both of you.
My husband, who does have PD and who had an aunt who had PD, did have a limited genetic test and did not have one particular gene. The commonality was exposure to rural herbicides and pesticides on his grandfather’s farm. Not to mention the possibility of lipopolysaccharides.
The odds are in your favor at this point…
One last thought, if you actually do have genetic testing, make sure to include your mother’s side as well. Do that also for a history. You can acquire predispositions from either side.