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Early Parkinson's Study...Longer life lifestyle...Sleep and computers 8/19/2003 5:25 AM By: Medstar.com Early Parkinson's Study Parkinson’s patients who have been diagnosed in the last five years may want to look into a nationwide study. The Precept Early Parkinson's Study will use a medication called cep-1347 to see if it can stop the destruction of brain neurons that produce dopamine. The progressive loss of these dopamine-producing cells results in symptoms related to Parkinson's disease, like tremors, rigid movements or balance problems. Longer life lifestyle The definition of "older" is constantly changing, since older Americans are living longer and more independently than ever before. The U.S. Census Bureau recently analyzed data from census 2000. They found that life expectancy for older adults has increased 7 years, to age 77. Additionally, healthier and more active seniors are spending more time on-the- go and less in nursing homes. The study revealed a drop in elderly nursing home residents, from 25% in 1990 to 17% in 2000. Sleep and computers Sleep-deprived computer gamers take heed: playing late night games can throw off your body clock. A Japanese study looked at the nighttime use of personal computers and their effect on melatonin levels. Melatonin controls sleep and wakefulness cycles, with low levels connected to sleeping problems. Participants who played a game with a bright display monitor had significantly lower melatonin levels, leading to a poor night's rest. SOURCE: News 14 Carolina, NC http://rdu.news14.com/content/headlines/?ArID=34295&SecID=2 Reference: Safety and efficacy study of CEP-1347 in the treatment of Parkinson's disease http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/show/NCT00040404?order=12 * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn