{"id":2160,"date":"2011-03-08T13:26:54","date_gmt":"2011-03-08T17:26:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.bu.edu\/ombs\/?p=2160"},"modified":"2011-03-08T13:26:54","modified_gmt":"2011-03-08T17:26:54","slug":"a-peek-at-parkinson%e2%80%99s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/ombs\/2011\/03\/08\/a-peek-at-parkinson%e2%80%99s\/","title":{"rendered":"A Peek at Parkinson\u2019s: What\u2019s New for the Old?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"st_twitter_large\"><\/span><span class=\"st_facebook_large\"><\/span><span class=\"st_ybuzz_large\"><\/span><span class=\"st_gbuzz_large\"><\/span><span class=\"st_email_large\"><\/span><span class=\"st_sharethis_large\"><\/span><br \/>\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"http:\/\/w.sharethis.com\/button\/buttons.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\">stLight.options({publisher:'0b9142ea-42f7-4b62-947d-dd7654ef4f2d'});<\/script><\/p>\n<p>With the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/home.php#%21\/event.php?eid=204447072915647\">Pancakes for Parkinson\u2019s event<\/a> at Boston University nearing, on April 2<sup>nd<\/sup>, I thought it would be a good time to check up on the latest in Parkinson\u2019s research.<\/p>\n<p>Firstly, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nlm.nih.gov\/medlineplus\/parkinsonsdisease.html\">Parkinson\u2019s Disease<\/a> (PD) is a motor disorder that affects dopaminergic neurons of the brain, which are necessary in the coordination of movement. Onset is usually around age 60, starting with symptoms including tremor, stiffness, slowness of movement, and poor balance and coordination. While current treatments can help alleviate the symptoms in patients, none provide a cure.<\/p>\n<p>Second off, the mission of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson\u2019s Research and other support groups is to find better treatments for those suffering from the disease. With the Baby Boomer generation entering late adulthood and old age, more research needs to be done to better understand the disease and help those with it find relief. Consider stopping by the GSU Alley for some pancakes to show your support for the Foundation and its cause next month!<\/p>\n<p>Ranging from studying food intake to using technology, many approaches have been used in PD research. <!--more--><\/p>\n<h3>FOOD<\/h3>\n<p>In a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.medscape.com\/viewarticle\/737406\">study<\/a> released in February from the Harvard school of Public Health, flavonoids (citrin and Vitamin P), found in chocolates, citrus fruits, berries, and other foods, were speculated to reduce the risk of Parkinson\u2019s Disease (PD).<\/p>\n<p>The top 20% of males consuming these foods were 40% less likely to develop PD than the bottom 20%. While the overall flavonoid intake had no effect on women, a subclass of flavonoids called anthocyanins, which are primarily found in berries, did.<\/p>\n<p>Study author Dr. Xiang Gao notes that this subclass has neuroprotective effects. Dr. Carlos Singer of UMiami\u2019s Miller School of Medicine adds that the risk reduction \u201cprobably has to do with an antioxidant effect\u201d because a lot of PD mechanisms deal with how nervous tissue handles oxidative stress.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Anna Hohler, a neurologist and professor at our very own, Boston University, was not involved in the study, but she comments on its benefits, saying that it \u201copens up a whole area of potential future studies examining other types of environmental effects on Parkinson&#8217;s.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Hopefully, with more research we can determine whether these berries play a <img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-2167\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/ombs\/files\/2011\/03\/berry-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"berry\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/>role in risk reduction. For now, Gao encourages us to eat berries anyway \u2013 they\u2019re part of the reason why fruits and vegetables are so good for our health! Want to start a regular berry-eating habit? BU&#8217;s Mind and Brain Society is actually hosting another Miracle Berry event March 23<sup>rd<\/sup>. Soon enough, you can reap the benefits of berries, AND have a taste-altering experience \u2013 find out how bitter foods can taste quite sweet when these berries intervene then!<\/p>\n<h3>DRUGS<\/h3>\n<p>Berries are not the only things that affect PD. Drugs, of course, do. One drug is the psychostimulant \u2013 amphetamine. According to a study released in February, amphetamines may increase the risk of PD, in contrast to the berries. Researchers found that those using the amphetamines Benzedrine or Dexedrine at some point in their lives were 60% more likely to develop PD compared to those who never used. Why? According to the report, amphetamines affect the release and absorption of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with PD development. More on the mechanisms causing this difference still need attention.<\/p>\n<p>Another drug to consider is apomorphine, which is used to alleviate PD patients\u2019 motor symptoms. Amazingly, this drug has also been found to improve short-term memory in mice with Alzheimer\u2019s Disease, which, like PD, affects brain function. According to a <a href=\"http:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1002\/ana.22319\/abstract\">study<\/a> released in October, 2010 by Japanese researchers at Kyushu University, the drug reduced the levels of amyloid beta, a protein that reduces brain<img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-2169\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/ombs\/files\/2011\/03\/56258889_4db86a5f64-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"56258889_4db86a5f64\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" \/> cell function; it led mice to improve their times in a swimming test conducted before and after the drug was injected.<\/p>\n<p>The results, indicating improved memory function, \u201cwill lead to the development of a new treatment for Alzheimer&#8217;s disease,&#8221; says Associate Professor Yasumasa Oyagi. His group plans to perform clinical testing on human patients to develop a drug with few or no side effects (apomorphine can cause nausea and vomiting).<\/p>\n<p>While not directly influencing PD patients, this development is inspiring; perhaps drugs used to treat other neurodegenerative diseases can help treat PD as well.<\/p>\n<h3>PROTEINS<\/h3>\n<p>In their <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/news\/media\/releases\/johns_hopkins_team_explores_paris_finds_a_key_to_parkinsons_\">study<\/a> published March 4<sup>th<\/sup>, Researchers at John Hopkins found that, when the parkin gene is mutated in genetically altered mice, the protein PARIS accumulates since its degradation is blocked. Excess decreases the production of PGC-1alpha, a protein that protects brain cells, such that unprotected cells die and PD advances.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Of all the important changes that lead to the death of brain cells as a result of parkin inactivation, our studies show that PARIS is, without a doubt, a key player,&#8221; says Ted Dawson, M.D., Ph.D., of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Cell Engineering.<\/p>\n<h3>STEM CELLS<\/h3>\n<p>A press release March 3<sup>rd<\/sup> announced that Stanford researchers used induced pluripotent stem cells to model PD. With the skin of a woman with a genetic form of PD, they derived neurons that replicated \u201csome key features of the condition in a dish.\u201d They hope to test treatments on and learn more about PD from these neurons.<\/p>\n<h3>TECHNOLOGY<\/h3>\n<p>A study published in September, 2010, demonstrates an approach to PD treatment through technology, specifically virtual reality. Researchers involved wanted to reduce \u201cfall risk and difficulties with mobility, especially during complex or dual-task walking.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Using virtual reality, they can better \u201cincorporate principles of motor learning while delivering engaging and challenging training in complex environments.\u201d At the end of the training, they observed a significant improvement in gait speed, particularly in walking, dual task, and facing overground obstacles. One month after the training, researchers still observed these effects. The group hopes to continue research on motor learning and fall risk reduction.<\/p>\n<h3>PSYCHOLOGY<\/h3>\n<p>From a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science?_ob=ArticleURL&amp;_udi=B6SYP-51Y57GR-8&amp;_user=489277&amp;_coverDate=01%2F14%2F2011&amp;_rdoc=1&amp;_fmt=high&amp;_orig=gateway&amp;_origin=gateway&amp;_sort=d&amp;_docanchor=&amp;view=c&amp;_searchStrId=1667282811&amp;_rerunOrigin=scholar.google&amp;_acct=C000022679&amp;_version=1&amp;_urlVersion=0&amp;_userid=489277&amp;md5=762f4f169b88b029d26be3f4cc4f3423&amp;searchtype=a\">review<\/a> published in January, neuroscientists examined studies on Theory of Mind (ToM), \u201cthe ability to infer other people\u2019s mental states,\u201d in those with PD. They found \u201cpreliminary evidence that ToM difficulties may occur in PD patients,\u201d particularly in the \u201ccognitive component of ToM in the early stages of the disease.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>SOCIETY<\/h3>\n<p>Paul Green of Westport, CT was diagnosed with PD 17 years ago. Since then, he has searched for ways to slow its progression, finding some that have allowed him to live into his 80s. Now 87, he denies that symptoms like depression and tremor will occur.<\/p>\n<p>Compiling his research, he wrote a booklet on his conclusion that progression can be slowed with \u201cvigorous <img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-2171\" src=\"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/ombs\/files\/2011\/03\/paulgreen.jpg\" alt=\"paulgreen\" width=\"275\" height=\"183\" \/>exercise.\u201d Using this and his foundation <em>Nevah Surrendah to Parkinson\u2019s<\/em> (inspired by Winston Churchill\u2019s use of \u201cnevah\u201d in WWII), he aims to help others with PD.<\/p>\n<p>He believes that with \u201cprescription drugs, deliberate exercise and changes in nutrition and attitude they can enjoy a full life.\u201d He continues, \u201cWhat works for one person might not be as helpful for another. However, it&#8217;s vital that people \u2018nevah\u2019 stop trying to improve their physical, spiritual and emotional condition.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Whether people eat more berries, exercise more, or cut down on amphetamines, they are making attempts to fight PD. Thanks to the research using so many different approaches, a lot has been discovered about the disease. However, it is quite clear that many more studies need to be carried out to affirm the conclusions above and better understand the mechanisms of PD. For now, with awareness and support of Parkinson\u2019s Disease research, the goal is to find the best treatments for patients and most earnestly a cure.<\/p>\n<p><sup> <\/sup><\/p>\n<p>Sources:<a href=\"http:\/\/www.jacksonsun.com\/article\/20110228\/LIFESTYLE\/102280303\/Berries-may-offer-sweet-protection-against-Parkinson-s\"> Berries may offer sweet protection against Parkinson&#8217;s<\/a> &#8212; Steven Reinberg of The Jackson Sun;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.nwitimes.com\/business\/local\/article_54ae2dc0-b93b-5989-a2fa-c8831dcc1d5d.html\"> Certain foods could reduce risk of Parkinson&#8217;s? Berry possible.<\/a> \u2013 Tyler Moss of Northwest Indiana (NWI) Times;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.yomiuri.co.jp\/dy\/national\/T110304006397.htm\"> Parkinson&#8217;s drug &#8216;helped mice with Alzheimer&#8217;s&#8217;<\/a> \u2013 The Daily Yomiuri; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.businessweek.com\/lifestyle\/content\/healthday\/650058.html\">Can Prescription Amphetamine Use Raise Parkinson&#8217;s Risk?<\/a> \u2013 Stacy Lipson of Bloomberg Newsweek; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/news\/media\/releases\/johns_hopkins_team_explores_paris_finds_a_key_to_parkinsons_\">Johns Hopkins Team Explores Paris; Finds A Key To Parkinson&#8217;s<\/a> \u2013 Press release by Maryalice Yakutchik;<a href=\"http:\/\/www.eurekalert.org\/pub_releases\/2011-03\/sumc-ss022811.php\"> Stanford scientists create neurons with symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s disease from patient&#8217;s skin cells<\/a> \u2013 Press release by Krista Conger; <a href=\"http:\/\/biomedgerontology.oxfordjournals.org\/content\/66A\/2\/234.short\">Virtual Reality for Gait Training: Can It Induce Motor Learning to Enhance Complex Walking and Reduce Fall Risk in Patients With Parkinson&#8217;s Disease?<\/a> \u2013 Anat Mirelman, et al. from the Journals of Gerontology; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science?_ob=ArticleURL&amp;_udi=B6SYP-51Y57GR-8&amp;_user=489277&amp;_coverDate=01%2F14%2F2011&amp;_rdoc=1&amp;_fmt=high&amp;_orig=gateway&amp;_origin=gateway&amp;_sort=d&amp;_docanchor=&amp;view=c&amp;_searchStrId=1667282811&amp;_rerunOrigin=scholar.google&amp;_acct=C000022679&amp;_version=1&amp;_urlVersion=0&amp;_userid=489277&amp;md5=762f4f169b88b029d26be3f4cc4f3423&amp;searchtype=a\">Theory of Mind in Parkinson&#8217;s disease<\/a> \u2013 Michele Poletti et al. from ScienceDirect; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.westport-news.com\/news\/article\/Westport-man-refuses-to-surrender-to-Parkinson-s-1040927.php\">Westport man refuses to surrender to Parkinson&#8217;s<\/a> \u2013 Karen Kovacs Dydzuhn of Westport News<\/p>\n<p><iframe src=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fblogs.bu.edu%2Fombs%2F2011%2F03%2F08%2Fa-peek-at-parkinson%E2%80%99s%2F&amp;layout=standard&amp;show_faces=false&amp;width=450&amp;action=like&amp;colorscheme=light&amp;height=25\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" style=\"border:none;overflow:hidden;width:450px;height:25px\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"text\/javascript\"><!--\ngoogle_ad_client = \"ca-pub-4732900598418038\";\n\/* Blog Post Unit *\/\ngoogle_ad_slot = \"3197496261\";\ngoogle_ad_width = 468;\ngoogle_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/-->\n<\/script><br \/>\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Firstly, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nlm.nih.gov\/medlineplus\/parkinsonsdisease.html\">Parkinson\u2019s Disease<\/a> (PD) is a motor disorder that affects dopaminergic neurons of the brain, which are necessary in the coordination of movement. Onset is usually around age 60, starting with symptoms including tremor, stiffness, slowness of movement, and poor balance and coordination. While current treatments can help alleviate the symptoms in patients, none provide a cure.<\/p>\n<p>Second off, the mission of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson\u2019s Research and other support groups is to find better treatments for those suffering from the disease. With the Baby Boomer generation entering late<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7094,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[587,589],"tags":[601,607,750,785,912,962,969,987,1013,1091,1125,1146],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/ombs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2160"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/ombs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/ombs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/ombs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7094"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/ombs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2160"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/ombs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2160\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/ombs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2160"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/ombs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2160"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sites.bu.edu\/ombs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2160"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}