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26th June 2008 - New research THE PREVALENCE OF PATHOLOGICAL GAMBLING IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE Journal of Gambling Studies 2008 Jun 17; [Epub ahead of print] (Crockford D, Quickfall J, Currie S, Furtado S, Suchowersky O, El-Guebaly N.) Complete abstract Pathological gambling has often been identified in people with Parkinson's Disease treated with dopamine agonists. When somebody takes dopamine agonists such as Ropinirole (Requip) and Pramipexole (Mirapex), they disproportionately stimulate the D3 dopamine receptor, far more than L-dopa does. This causes arousal in the limbic system, which is where the D3 dopamine receptor is primarily located. Given that the limbic system is connected with the pleasure centre, the use of certain dopamine agonists can especially lead to compulsions such as gambling. This study was undertaken to establish the prevalence of pathological gambling in Parkinson's Disease. The prevalence was found to be nearly 10% of people with Parkinson's Disease. This meant that pathological gambling was more than 5 times more likely than in people that didn't have Parkinson's Disease. The increased prevalence of pathological gambling in the Parkinson's Disease group was related to dopamine agonist use and also younger age. Most people suffering from pathological gambling reported that their gambling increased after diagnosis and starting treatment. Rayilyn Brown Director AZNPF Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn