Here is the latest issue of the Parkinson's Clinical
Research Newsletter
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October 2009

www.PDtrials.org 
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Greetings!

Thank you for signing up to receive the PDtrials Parkinson's Clinical Research Newsletter.
This regular email newsletter provides you with information on Parkinson's disease
(PD) clinical trials that are actively looking for participants, as well as news
on Parkinson's research and treatments.

PDtrials is a collaborative initiative of Parkinson's organizations and is dedicated
to increasing awareness and education about Parkinson's clinical trials. Please 
contact us [[log in to unmask]] if you would like more information about this
effort.
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New Clinical Trials



Using Heavy Water to Study Cell Dynamics in Parkinson's Disease
This pilot study, enrolling a total of 30 participants, will assess the feasibility
of using heavy water as a safe 'tracer' for biomarker studies of diseases of the
brain and spinal cord, that, together, are also called the central nervous system.
Heavy water is the same as normal drinking water except the hydrogen atoms have 
been replaced by deuterium, a naturally occurring isotope of hydrogen. If this method
can be used to establish the rates of immune cell turnover and the production rates
of neuronal molecules using cerebrospinal fluid, it will provide unique data that
is important to understand chronic neurodegenerative conditions, like PD, and to
measure responses to targeted therapies. 
Learn more: http://www.pdtrials.org/en/browse/all/view/267 

A Study of Folic Acid and L-Methylfolate in Parkinson's Disease
This study is being conducted to assess the impact of folate and L-methylfolate 
on the progression of PD. The investigators are specifically looking for the effect
of these nutritional supplements in people with Parkinson's who have an antibody
that effects their body's utilization of folate. Folate is an important vitamin
that takes part in many critical cell functions so an antibody that prevented it
from entering the brain properly could cause or worsen certain neurological disorders
like Parkinson's. The investigators will also be looking at the blood of some individuals
who do not have Parkinson's, and will be enrolling a total of 260 participants. 
Learn more:  http://www.pdtrials.org/en/browse/all/view/262 

Medication Plus Psychotherapy for Anxiety, Worry or Stress in Older Adults, Including
Those with Parkinson's
Almost one in ten older Americans experiences worry or anxiety that interferes with
day-to-day activities or getting to sleep. These problems are more common than depression,
Alzheimer's disease, or other dementias in older adults. This study examines whether
adding a type of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy to the antidepressant
medication escitalopram (Lexapro) can help older adults with Generalized Anxiety
Disorder (GAD) get better and stay well. People with PD may be eligible for this
study, which is enrolling 60 participants, along with their caregivers and other
people who do not have PD. 
Learn more: http://www.pdtrials.org/en/browse/all/view/266 


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Gaucher Disease Linked to Parkinson's

People who carry the gene for a rare genetic problem known as Gaucher disease have
at least five times the normal risk of developing PD, researchers reported today
in the New England Journal of Medicine. Some clinicians had noticed an apparent
link between the two conditions in the past, but a new international study of nearly
5,700 people is the first to show the magnitude of the risk. The finding suggests
that the gene is one cause of the disease, but indicates that other factors must
be operating as well because not all patients who have Gaucher also develop Parkinson's.

Read on: http://www.pdtrials.org/en/clinical_research_news/release/pr_1256222315 
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Forty People with Parkinson's Graduate from PDF's Research Advocacy Training Program

Last week, more than forty people living with PD from across the US participated
in the Parkinson's Disease Foundation's (PDF) Second Clinical Research Learning
Institute.  Held in Florham Park, New Jersey, the novel three-day program prepares
participants to be part of the clinical research process - the stage of treatment
development that brings new, and much-needed, therapies for Parkinson's from "bench
to bedside."

Read on: http://www.pdtrials.org/en/clinical_research_news/release/pr_1256222253 
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Body's Own Antioxidant May Slow Parkinson's Decline, Study Says

Researchers Higher concentrations of a natural antioxidant in the body may slow 
the progression of PD in patients with early stages of the illness, a study from
Harvard researchers found. Those in the study with the highest amounts of antioxidant
urate in their blood were 36 percent less likely to need treatment within two years
for early Parkinson's symptoms than those with the lowest levels, research online
today in the Archives of Neurology showed.

Read on:  http://www.pdtrials.org/en/clinical_research_news/release/pr_1255532122 
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Gene Therapy Shows Promise for Parkinson's

For Macaque monkeys that received gene therapy for symptoms of PD saw a significant
improvement in their motor function without the side effects associated with current
standard therapy, researchers say. Simultaneous insertion of three genes allowed
certain cells in the brain to take over production of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Too-low levels of dopamine cause the hallmark motor-control symptoms of Parkinson's.

Read on:  http://www.pdtrials.org/en/clinical_research_news/release/pr_1256046932 
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Door Opens to Health Claims Tied to Agent Orange

Under rules to be proposed this week, the Department of Veterans Affairs plans to
add PD, ischemic heart disease and hairy-cell leukemia to the growing list of illnesses
presumed to have been caused by Agent Orange, the toxic defoliant used widely in
Vietnam.

Read on: http://www.pdtrials.org/en/clinical_research_news/release/pr_1256046815 
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Using Music to Ease Patient Stress During Surgery

For as long as humans have pounded drums and plucked strings, listening to music
has affected people's sense of well-being, lifting their spirits and - as new research
shows - calming their nerves. Literally. According to a study at Cleveland Clinic,
music can slow the neuronal firings deep within the brain during surgery designed
to treat Parkinson's patients.

Read on: http://www.pdtrials.org/en/clinical_research_news/release/pr_1256047112 
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Drivers With Parkinson's Disease At Higher Risk Of Crashes In Low Visibility

Drivers with mild to moderate PD may be at higher risk of crashes on foggy days 
and other times of low visibility. The research, involving a driving simulation 
test, is published in the October 6, 2009, print issue of Neurology, the medical
journal of the American Academy of Neurology. In addition to affecting movement,
PD affects visual skills, such as the ability to see contrast, and the speed of 
processing what is seen.

Read on: http://www.pdtrials.org/en/clinical_research_news/release/pr_1254837983 
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Have You Participated in a Parkinson's Clinical Study? Join the Partners in Progress
Honor Roll Today!

If you have participated in a Parkinson's clinical study, we'd like to recognize
your very personal commitment to help move Parkinson's clinical research forward
by providing you with a PDtrials baseball cap as a token of our thanks and adding
you to our Partners in Progress Honor Roll. Take a look at our Honor Roll of participants
here:  http://www.pdtrials.org/en/partners_in_progress 
and if you would like to be included, contact us [mailto:[log in to unmask]] today!
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PDtrials is Now on Facebook...Join our Network Today!

PDtrials has launched a page on Facebook -- the world's most widely-used social 
networking website. Visit our new page to preview events hosted by PDtrials and 
our partners, view photos of our Partners in Progress Honor Roll, and join discussions
about clinical research for Parkinson's. Visit us on Facebook and become a Fan!

In This Issue

New Clinical Trials
Gaucher Disease Linked to Parkinson's
40 People with Parkinson's Graduate from PDF's Research Advocacy Training
Program
Body's Own Antioxidant May Slow Parkinson's Decline, Study Says
Gene Therapy Shows Promise for Parkinson's
Door Opens to Health Claims Tied to Agent Orange
Using Music to Ease Patient Stress During Surgery
Drivers With Parkinson's Disease At Higher Risk Of Crashes In Low Visibility

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PDtrials is led by

Parkinson's Disease 

In collaboration with:
APDA 
FOX 
National Parkinson Foundation 
Parkinson's Action Network 
Parkinson Alliance 
We Move 

PDtrials is advised by:
National Institutes Of Health 
The Parkinson's Institute 
Parkinson Pipeline Project 
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