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

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Author: AdminPublished: 8 April 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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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Researchers have finally identified brain cells linked to Parkinson’s disease

For decades, scientists have known that Parkinson’s is associated with the death of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Now, researchers from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, US, have discovered the specific subtype of brain cells that die in Parkinson’s disease. Using a technique called single-cell RNA signalling, which enables the individual analysis of cells within a tissue for activity and protein production, researchers identified 10 subtypes of dopamine-producing cells within the donated brains of people who died from causes unrelated to Parkinson’s. The team carried out the same investigation on people who had died with Parkinson’s or a condition with similar symptoms called Lewy body dementia. They discovered that only one subtype of the cells had reduced in number – which suggests many of these cells had died while the people were living. It is hoped that the findings could lead to better understanding of Parkinson’s causes and…

Tiny DBS implant shows potential to advance Parkinson’s disease treatment

In an innovative trial by North Bristol NHS Trust, UK, surgeons have succeeded in implanting a tiny deep brain stimulation (DBS) device into a person’s skull. Their aim? To address symptoms of Parkinson’s. Designed with a tiny battery system that is inserted into the skull, the DBS device delivers electric impulses to targeted areas of the brain through electric probes. In doing so, it works to address abnormal brain cell activity associated with Parkinson’s – and may help to ease symptoms. One of around 25 patients selected for the year-long trial has described the device’s impact as “amazing”. Commenting on the results of the trial so far, consultant neurologist Dr Alan Whone of North Bristol NHS Trust said: “We are hopeful that if these findings hold up, we will have a significant technical advance by which to improve Parkinson’s care across the world.”

Could a specialised smartwatch support people with Parkinson’s disease?

A specialised smartwatch, which could help those living with Parkinson’s to better manage their condition, will be rolled out to thousands of people in England. The Parkinson’s Kinetigraph, developed by the National Health Service (NHS) in Plymouth and the University of Plymouth, UK, contains sensors designed to monitor the wearer’s activity and buzz with medication reminders. Data collected from the watch – which detects excessive movement, immobility and sleep disturbances – is shared with healthcare providers, allowing for improvements to physiotherapy and prescriptions based on patient needs. Commenting on the smartwatch’s launch, NHS England chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “Not only is it better for these people living with Parkinson’s, but it is also more efficient for the NHS, freeing up space and time in hospitals for our hard-working staff.” UK health secretary Sajid Javid, meanwhile, described the Kinetigraph as a “fantastic example of how technology is driving cutting-edge innovation…

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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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Dance like Parkinson’s ain’t watching!

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“Helping women with Parkinson’s know they are not alone”

Advances

New patient-centred study will harvest data via smartphones

Researchers have finally identified brain cells linked to Parkinson’s disease

Tiny DBS implant shows potential to advance Parkinson’s disease treatment

Could a specialised smartwatch support people with Parkinson’s disease?

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

News

Author: AdminPublished: 8 April 2015

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Health & Fitness

Dance like Parkinson’s ain’t watching!

Women and Parkinson's

“Helping women with Parkinson’s know they are not alone”

Advances

New patient-centred study will harvest data via smartphones

Researchers have finally identified brain cells linked to Parkinson’s disease

Tiny DBS implant shows potential to advance Parkinson’s disease treatment

Could a specialised smartwatch support people with Parkinson’s disease?

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