Jackie I probably should include a statement to the effect that what I post does not necessarily represent my opinion. I think it is great when someone participates in the discussion, so thank you!! I totally agree with you that Parkinsonism is a spectrum of disorders. -----Original Message----- From: Jackie Christensen Sent: Friday, May 31, 2013 5:39 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: PD linked to gene not pesticides Ray -- Thanks for the news story. When I read it, I do not see anything that says PD is caused by genes. What I see is that it says "At least 15% to 20% of patients have a close relative showing symptom of the condition." This is nothing new. It does not surprise me that there are differences between studies done w/ MPTP or paraquat have different results than gene studies looking for alpha synuclein. In the original patients studied by Dr. Langston who had taken MPTP, the autopsied bodies did not show any Lewy bodies (clumps of alpha synuclein). Yet other studies of autopsied "Parkinson's" patients that were not looking at chemical exposure have found Lewy bodies. This suggests to me, although I am not a doctor or researcher, that parkinsonism is a spectrum of disorders. I have discussed this with several researchers who agree with this hypothesis. It makes sense, because all of us have very different experiences with "PD." I am not trying to be argumentative, and I really do appreciate all the work you put into finding this info. I merely wanted to raise the issue about how both researchers and the media play fast and loose with what defines Parkinson's disease. Thanks, Jackie On Thu, May 30, 2013 at 11:32 PM, Rayilyn Brown <[log in to unmask]> wrote: > > http://guardianlv.com/2013/05/parkinsons-disease-linked-to-alpha-synculein-gene-on-chromosome-4-not-pesticides/ > > Ray > Rayilyn Brown > Past Director AZNPF > Arizona Chapter National Parkinson Foundation > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto: > [log in to unmask] > In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn > -- Jackie Hunt Christensen National Parkinson Foundation Minnesota board of directors State Director, Parkinson's Action Network Parkinson's disease and environmental health activist and author * Note all organizational positions are volunteer cell phone: 612-325-0372 e-mail: [log in to unmask] weblinks: National Parkinson Foundation Minnesota<http://www.parkinsonmn.org> Parkinson's Action Network <http://www.parkinsonsaction.org> "Compassion is not weakness, and concern for the unfortunate is not socialism." ~Hubert H. Humphrey ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn