Celebrity chef Kerry Simon dies after battle with multiple system atrophy

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 13 September 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Iron Chef star Kerry Simon passed away on Friday aged 60 after a two-year battle with multiple system atrophy (MSA), what some describe as an aggressive form of Parkinson’s disease because of the similar symptoms they share.

Having gone public in 2013 that he was fighting MSA, the celebrity chef and restaurateur died at Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas, reported various sources.

Tributes have been pouring in on social media for the ‘rock-and-roll chef’ who is credited with laying the groundwork for a number of Las Vegas’ premier dining destinations. He was famed for his modern take on traditional comfort food and opened restaurants around the world.

MSA is a degenerative neurological disease that shares similar symptoms to Parkinson’s, including muscle control and balance problems.

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Perspectives

21 motivational Michael J Fox quotes on living with Parkinson’s disease

Inspiring MJ Fox quotes to mark ‘Back to the Future’ anniversary

Charity Miles: the app “changing the way you see the world”

We talk to the founder of the Charity Miles app

Parkinson’s in the news: August

A roundup of Parkinson’s news stories in August

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, US, have found that people with early Parkinson’s disease are at higher risk of developing cognitive impairments if they are overweight, have disruptive sleep behaviours or experience symptoms of depression. Evaluating data from 405 people, the researchers used statistical analysis to identify relationships between certain characteristics and changes in patient cognition over time. Their findings suggest that factors such as high body mass index (BMI) or excessive sleepiness are associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease. The researchers wrote: “Despite its common and devastating occurrence, treatment of [cognitive impairments] in [Parkinson’s disease] is limited and no medications slow its onset or progression. However, identification of treatable or modifiable comorbidities that affect the rate of progression of [cognitive impairments] in [Parkinson’s disease] could provide opportunities for early intervention and improved prognosis.”

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US, will investigate genes that could protect cells in the brain against Parkinson’s disease. An award from US non-profit G Harold and Leila Y Mathers Foundation will allow scientists to use a mouse model screening technique to find out more about the condition. Individually deleting each of the 22,000 genes present in mice neurons will help identify which genes are linked to neuron survival – and offer insights that could lead to new treatments for the condition. Dr Myriam Heiman, an Associate Professor at MIT, said: “There is currently no molecular explanation for the brain cell loss seen in Parkinson’s disease or a cure for this devastating disease. I’m extremely grateful for this generous support and recognition of our work from the Mathers Foundation, and hope that our study will elucidate new therapeutic targets for the treatment and even prevention of Parkinson’s…

Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

Researchers from Texas Woman’s University, US, are investigating how equine-assisted therapy – which involves working with horses to promote wellbeing – can benefit people with Parkinson’s disease. As part of the five-month study, funded by the non-profit Human Animal Bond Research Institute, 30 men with Parkinson’s disease will be randomly assigned to participate in equine-assisted therapy or simulated horseback riding. The participants’ motor performance, balance, gait and symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease will be assessed before, during and after the therapy. Rhett Rigby, principal investigator of the study, said: “There is currently no known study that utilises equine-assisted therapy as an intervention treatment for those with Parkinson’s disease. Our research could have a significant impact on an understudied population and help contribute to the existing literature on human-animal interaction.”

All fields required

First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Country of residence*
About me*
- I have Parkinson's disease
- I am a partner / carer / family / friend of someone who has Parkinson's
- I am a healthcare professional with an interest in Parkinson's
- I work for a Parkinson's disease organisation
- Other
CAPTCHA
*
- By proceeding you agree to our
Phone
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Celebrity chef Kerry Simon dies after battle with multiple system atrophy

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 13 September 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Perspectives

21 motivational Michael J Fox quotes on living with Parkinson’s disease

Interviews

Charity Miles: the app “changing the way you see the world”

Global update

Parkinson’s in the news: August

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

Celebrity chef Kerry Simon dies after battle with multiple system atrophy

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 13 September 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Perspectives

21 motivational Michael J Fox quotes on living with Parkinson’s disease

Interviews

Charity Miles: the app “changing the way you see the world”

Global update

Parkinson’s in the news: August

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in