New pump is “huge step forward” for treatment of advanced Parkinson’s

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Author: AdminPublished: 8 April 2015

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Campaigners in the US have welcomed the approval of a new dopamine pump as “a huge step forward” for treatment of people with advanced Parkinson’s disease.

The technology, named DUOPA, promises a significant reduction in ‘off’ time.

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Is there a link between Parkinson’s disease and blood vessel dysfunction?

Scientists in Slovakia have investigated the link between blood vessel dysfunction and Parkinson’s – and found that dopamine agonists may have an impact. The team studied the function of the endothelium – a membrane which lines the heart and blood vessels and helps control blood fluidity – in 41 people with the condition and 41 people without. Endothelial function was then measured through a parameter that assessed how easily blood could flow through the vessels. The results showed that while more people with Parkinson’s had endothelial dysfunction compared to those without, the difference did not reach statistical significance. However, the researchers noted that the findings suggested “an association between smoking, dopamine agonists, and impaired endothelial function” in those with the condition. Outlining the study’s limitations, the team noted that more research is needed to explore this potential link.

New swab test may help with Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

Researchers at the University of Manchester, UK, have drawn on one woman’s sense of smell to develop a swab test that may be used to detect Parkinson’s. The scientists used the test to analyse sebum (a type of oily substance on the skin) in 79 people with Parkinson’s and a control group of 71 healthy individuals. The team identified more than 4,000 different compounds in the participant samples – including 500 that were unique to those living with the condition. The test was developed with the help of Joy Milne from Perth, Scotland, whose unique sense of smell meant that she noticed a change in her late husband Les’s odour twelve years before he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Speaking to the BBC, Professor Perdita Barran, who led the research, described the test as potentially “transformative” – and said that the team hopes to roll the test out to people in…

Could a national biobank help inform the future of Parkinson’s disease treatment in Australia?

A biobank is a collection of biological samples and data designed to be used for research. Now, researchers in Australia are working to build a biobank for Parkinson’s. As part of the project, the scientists are conducting scans of people that have been injected with fluorodopa – a substance that highlights dopamine in the brain. Participants include people living with Parkinson’s and a control group of people without the condition. The resulting database of scans will be used to create a national biobank that aims to inform treatment and research into the condition. Commenting on the study, Olivia Nasser – executive director at the Hospital Research Foundation, which is helping to fund the research – said, “Once we build up the biobank of scans, it can actually be used as an effective way to treat Parkinson’s.” The researchers encourage people with and without Parkinson’s to take part in the trial.

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New pump is “huge step forward” for treatment of advanced Parkinson’s

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Author: AdminPublished: 8 April 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Easier to swallow – dysphagia in Parkinson’s

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“I #UniteForParkinsons because…”

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How one father’s Parkinson’s disease inspired a virtual art programme

Is there a link between Parkinson’s disease and blood vessel dysfunction?

New swab test may help with Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

Could a national biobank help inform the future of Parkinson’s disease treatment in Australia?

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New pump is “huge step forward” for treatment of advanced Parkinson’s

News

Author: AdminPublished: 8 April 2015

Last Month

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Share this story

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sponsored article

Health & Fitness

Easier to swallow – dysphagia in Parkinson’s

Global update

“I #UniteForParkinsons because…”

Interviews

How one father’s Parkinson’s disease inspired a virtual art programme

Is there a link between Parkinson’s disease and blood vessel dysfunction?

New swab test may help with Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

Could a national biobank help inform the future of Parkinson’s disease treatment in Australia?

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