from Viartis:
3rd July 2009 - New research
THE LACK OF CENTENARIANS WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Journal of Rural Health [2009] Summer; 25 (3) : 320-325 (Kaye J, Michael Y,
Calvert J, Leahy M, Crawford D, Kramer P.) Complete abstract
In America alone, there are over 50,000 people over the age of 100. It is
widely claimed that the likelihood of Parkinson's Disease increases with
age, almost as if it is an age related deterioration. In contradiction of
this assumption, the current study found that in centenarians (those over
100 years old) Parkinson's Disease was rarely found, thereby nullifying the
assumption of Parkinson's Disease being age related. It was also recently
found that Parkinson's Disease started to become less likely at 90 years of
age onwards. For the details click here. However, some degree of dementia
did become the norm in centenarians. Dementia is far more related to age.
Over 60% of centenarians were found to have dementia, and nearly 90% were
found to have at least some degree of impairment. Only around 10% of
centenarians were found to be without dementia to some extent. In order to
refer to this article on its own click here.
30th
June 2009 - New research
COMPARISON OF DBS SURGERY METHODS FOR TREATING PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Around 25% of Annals of Neurology [2009] 65 (5) : 586-595 (Okun MS,
Fernandez HH, Wu SS, Kirsch-Darrow L, Bowers D, Bova F, Suelter M, Jacobson
CE 4th, Wang X, Gordon CW Jr, Zeilman P, Romrell J, Martin P, Ward H,
Rodriguez RL, Foote KD.) Complete abstract
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) involves the use of electrodes that are
implanted into the brain and connected to a small electrical device called a
pulse generator that can be externally programmed. DBS can reduce the need
for L-dopa and related drugs. For more information go to Deep brain
stimulation. The two most common sites in the brain used for Deep Brain
Stimulation (DBS) are the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and the globus pallidus
interna (GPi). This study compared the effects of the two main types of DBS.
There was no difference between the two methods in physical movement on the
main Parkinson's Disease score (the UPDRS). The effect on mood and
intellectual function was similar for both methods. Worsening of verbal
fluency was seen in STN. The deterioration in verbal fluency in the off STN
DBS state was suggestive of a surgical effect rather than due to the
stimulation. Adverse mood effects occurred in both types. The direction of
the surgical method (either optimal, dorsal or ventral) also had effect, as
subjects in both types were less happy, less energetic and more confused
when stimulated ventrally. In order to refer to this article on its own
click here.
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
