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PARKINSON'S DISEASE NEWS Source: Viartis 14th March 2009 - New research CHOCOLATE CONSUMPTION INCREASED IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE Journal of Neurology [2009] Mar 13. [Epub ahead of print] (Wolz M, Kaminsky A, Löhle M, Koch R, Storch A, Reichmann H.) Complete abstract There is an increased consumption of chocolate in people with Parkinson's Disease. Consumption of non-chocolate sweets was no different from the consumption of other people. The increase in chocolate consumption was not related to the level of depression. Chocolate contains high contents of biogenic amines. Biogenic amines include substances that the brain produces in order to regulate or stimulate brain function. For more information go to Biogenic amines. Chocolate also contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which are adenosine antagonists. Adenosine antagonists make L-dopa and dopamine more active. For more information go to Adenosine antagonists. So it seems that some people with Parkinson's Disease are unconsciously using chocolate to increase their dopamine activity. Due to its chemistry, and people claiming it has reduced their symptoms, researchers have recently suggested that the effect of chocolate be assessed therapeutically in Parkinson's Disease. Istradefylline, another adenosine antagonist, has already been shown to have effect in Parkinson's Disease. For more information go to the Complete abstract. 12th March 2009 - New clinical study HUGE GENETIC STUDY OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE The Google co-founder is to spend millions of dollars on a genetic study of Parkinson's Disease after learning that he has a mutation that confers a high risk of Parkinson's Disease. The programme will invite 10,000 Parkinson's Disease patients to have their DNA analysed in order to investigate inherited and environmental factors that contribute to the disease and to advance research into new treatments. Unusually, patients will have to pay to participate in the study. However, 23andMe will be charging only $25 rather than the $399 it normally charges to carry out the DNA scans. The Google co-founder is married to the 23andMe co-founder. For more information go to the News report. People can participate in the study via the Michael J.Fox Foundation. The present knowledge of genetics in Parkinson's Disease is that most people do not inherit Parkinson's Disease. However, there are a small minority of people who have genetic mutations that incline them towards Parkinson's Disease. For more information go to Genetic causes of Parkinson's Disease. 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