 |
 |
At 04:25 AM 10/28/2000 +0200, you wrote: >Source: http://www.rpslmc.edu/patients/news/2000/00_10_26b.html >Date: Oct. 26, 2000 Hans, You missed a few lines!! He anticipates that clinical testing in humans of the lentiviral delivery system for GDNF will begin in Switzerland and the U.S. in less than five years following review in this country by the Food and Drug Administration. The research was supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Defense; the Swiss National Science Foundation; and the Swiss National Program in Neurological Diseases. Parkinson's is a slowly progressive disease that affects a small area of cells within the mid-brain known as the substantia nigra. Gradual degeneration of these cells causes a reduction in a vital chemical neurotransmitter, dopamine. The decrease in dopamine results in one or more of the classic signs of Parkinson's disease that includes: resting tremor on one side of the body; generalized slowness of movement; stiffness of limbs; and gait or balance problems. The cause of the disease is unknown. Both environmental and genetic causes of the disease have been postulated. Parkinson's disease affects about 1.2 million patients in the United States and Canada. Although 15 percent of patients are diagnosed before age 50, it is generally considered a disease that targets older adults, affecting one of every 100 persons over the age of 60. While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, progressive treatments allow many patients to maintain a high level of function throughout their lifetimes. It is not a fatal illness. ******************************************************************* If its not a fatal illness, what about those 6,000 to 8,000 persons who die each year JUST in the USA and have PD listed as their cause of death??????? just me, Marjorie