Comedian Paul Mayhew-Archer wins award for Parkinson’s documentary

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Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 9 November 2016

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A light-hearted documentary called ‘Parkinson’s: The Funny Side’ for UK channel BBC One, saw prolific comedy scriptwriter Paul Mayhew-Archer – who lives with Parkinson’s – win the award for ‘best documentary presenter’ at the prestigious Grierson Awards.

The annual ceremony celebrates the UK’s best documentaries, where Paul Mayhew-Archer beat nominees including Louis Theroux, who was shortlisted for his programme ‘Drinking To Oblivion’.

Jury chair Liesel Evans said: “What sets our winner apart is his use of humour in tackling a complicated subject in a way that felt genuine and persuasive whilst being completely charming and insightful.”

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Turmeric oil may be beneficial in treating Parkinson’s disease, according to researchers from Kumamoto University in Japan. Their findings support the known properties of aromatic turmerone (ar-turmerone), a compound found in turmeric essential oil, which reduces inflammatory responses caused by cells associated with Parkinson’s-related neurodegeneration. Using midbrain slice cultures – laboratory cellular models that mimic brain activity – the team analysed the effects of a natural form of aromatic turmerone and eight structurally similar derivatives. They tested the derivatives’ anti-inflammatory effects, as well as their ability to protect dopamine-producing neurons. Those with the strongest anti-inflammatory effects were found to prevent the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Among these were aromatic turmerone and its derivatives, suggesting their role as a “potential candidate for treating Parkinson’s disease”. In a press release, lead author Takahiro Seki said: “Our study elucidated a new mechanism by which ar-turmerone and its derivatives directly protect … [dopamine-producing] neurons.”

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Researchers in Denmark have shared insights on a cause of up to 95% of Parkinson’s disease cases. Using data on gene patterns and three mouse models, scientists at the University of Copenhagen found that a blockage to a pathway regulating mitochondria (‘powerhouses’ that generate energy for reactions in cells) causes a form of the condition known as ‘sporadic Parkinson’s disease’. When the pathway becomes blocked by a protein, damaged mitochondria accumulate, unable to produce enough energy – which in turn causes nerve cells to die. “Just like when people eat, cells take what they need and get rid of … waste products,” explained corresponding study author Professor Shohreh Issazadeh-Navikas. “But if our brain cells have this specific kind of signalling blockage, it means that the powerhouse of the cell – mitochondria – cannot get cleaned up after being damaged.” The team now plan to investigate the pathway’s role in neuronal…

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Comedian Paul Mayhew-Archer wins award for Parkinson’s documentary

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Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 9 November 2016

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Global update

One small step for man, one giant leap for Parkinson’s

PD in Practice

WEBINAR: Get expert advice on managing Parkinson’s pain and fatigue

Perspectives

Poem for World Parkinson’s Day: “Parkinson’s can be a state of mind, rather than an illness”

New evidence fruit compound could support Parkinson’s disease treatment

Turmeric oil may offer new ways of treating Parkinson’s disease

Research offers new insights on a cause of Parkinson’s disease

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Comedian Paul Mayhew-Archer wins award for Parkinson’s documentary

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 9 November 2016

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Global update

One small step for man, one giant leap for Parkinson’s

PD in Practice

WEBINAR: Get expert advice on managing Parkinson’s pain and fatigue

Perspectives

Poem for World Parkinson’s Day: “Parkinson’s can be a state of mind, rather than an illness”

New evidence fruit compound could support Parkinson’s disease treatment

Turmeric oil may offer new ways of treating Parkinson’s disease

Research offers new insights on a cause of Parkinson’s disease

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