Parkinson’s Life 2017 highlights

Perspectives

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 22 December 2017

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It’s been another fascinating year, with stories from the global Parkinson’s community covering everything from taboo-breaking therapists, hilarious comedians, world-famous artists and a campaign that touched millions worldwide. Here are the highlights, as selected by Parkinson’s Life editorial team

January

How I got Damien Hirst to make art for Parkinson’s

We spoke to The Cure Parkinson’s Trust founder Tom Isaacs about the Cure3 exhibition, a Parkinson’s fundraiser which included work from Damien Hirst, Grayson Perry and Sarah Lucas.

February

VIDEO: Watch Parkinson’s patient walk again after hearing favourite song

In the touching four-minute clip, physiotherapist Anicea Renee Gunlock showed the power of music – recording the transformation in 73 year-old Larry Jennings movement when he heard his favourite song.

March

11 landmark moments in the history of Parkinson’s disease

From the birth of James Parkinson to Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic torch, we looked back at the most significant moments in Parkinson’s history.

April

Australian Prime Minister backs #UniteForParkinsons as campaign goes viral

In April the #UniteForParkinsons campaign, launched by Parkinson’s UK and Parkinson’s Europe, went viral. The campaign – of which Parkinson’s Life were the official media partner – reached 12 million people and received support from politicians across the globe.

May

Why women need to talk about sex and Parkinson’s

Our guest writer, Sharon Krischer, shared “what happens when a sex therapist visits a women-only Parkinson’s support group”.

June

Move to the beat: meet Parkinson’s physio behind award-winning mobility app

Founder of Beats Medical Ciara Clancy spoke passionately about her award-winning Parkinson’s mobility app, and why she felt compelled to join the fight against the condition.

July

Michael J Fox records special message for “inspirational” Parkinson’s athlete

The powerful message was played as Jimmy Choi, an athlete living with Parkinson’s, entered the difficult assault course on the TV show ‘American Ninja Warrior’.

August

Giant leap for research as NASA launches Parkinson’s protein into space

In August Parkinson’s research took to the skies as the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which carried a significant protein sample, was launched into space. The event was streamed live on YouTube.

September

Diana Levine: taking photos for a cure

Professional photographer Diana Levine, who has snapped the likes of One Direction and Barack Obama, spoke candidly about her mother’s Parkinson’s and how she has raised US$44,000 for the Michael J Fox Foundation.

October

Sexuality and Parkinson’s: the needs of caregivers

As part of our series focusing on sexuality and Parkinson’s, sex therapist Gila Bronner and Orna Moore offered tips to caregivers on maintaining intimacy.

November

Alexander Reed: “people with Parkinson’s are not sick”

Last month we interviewed Alexander Reed, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s nine years ago, about the European Parkinson Therapy Centre and why he does not define himself as “sick”. The story also prompted a stimulating debate – with two follow-up reports covering the social media responses on both sides.

December

Comedian Rob Deering on raising nearly £100,000 for Parkinson’s UK

Comedian Rob Deering shared with us his reasons for raising money for Parkinson’s UK, and also touched on the relationship between Parkinson’s and comedy.

Parkinson’s Life highlights: our favourite stories of 2015

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Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham has won a World Parkinson Coalition (WPC) award for her contribution to the Parkinson’s community. Lizzie is one of four people set to receive the Robin Elliott Award – which is given out every three years to individuals whose efforts best embody the goals and ethos of the WPC. She will be presented with the award in a ceremony at the World Parkinson’s Congress, which will be held in Barcelona later this year. Commenting on the news of Lizzie’s award, Parkinson’s Europe President, Veronica Clark, said: “Lizzie is Lizzie, and we love her for who she is and what she has done for us all – for people with Parkinson’s past and present and, I’m sure, future.” Lizzie co-founded the European Parkinson’s Disease Association (renamed Parkinson’s Europe last year) in 1992. She has since held several roles within the organisation – including secretary general and…

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Cognitive impairment can affect some people with Parkinson’s – and may greatly impact their quality of life. Now, researchers in China have examined the possible risk factors for cognitive impairment in those with the condition. The study analysed data from 409 people with Parkinson’s within two years of their involvement in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) – an international study that follows people with and without the condition over time. The participants, who were newly diagnosed and experiencing normal cognitive function at the start of the research, were studied for at least five years. Published in ‘Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience’, the results indicate that older age at onset, high blood pressure and worse baseline motor symptoms may be among factors that could contribute to an increased risk of developing cognitive impairment. The researchers cautioned that “a larger sample and much more comprehensive assessment, and prolonged follow-up, will be required”.

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

Frailty can refer to a reduction in physical function, and its attributes – including a slow walking speed and weak grip – are commonly experienced by people with Parkinson’s. Until now, there has been limited insight into the link between frailty and the risk of developing the condition over time. This is what led researchers at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China to analyse data from a large UK study, which was gathered over a 12-year period. Published in JAMA Neurology, the analysis found that frailty may be linked to an 87% higher risk of developing the condition. Commenting on the results, the researchers said: “These findings indicate that physical frailty is a potential risk factor for [Parkinson’s], and the assessment and management of frailty might have clinical significance in the at-risk population.”

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Parkinson’s Life 2017 highlights

Perspectives

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 22 December 2017

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Interviews

Speaking out: Dad with Parkinson’s calls for better access to speech therapy

Interviews

The choir improving Parkinson’s symptoms one note at a time

Advances

Could an Apple smart watch track your Parkinson’s disease symptoms?

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

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Parkinson’s Life 2017 highlights

Perspectives

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 22 December 2017

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Interviews

Speaking out: Dad with Parkinson’s calls for better access to speech therapy

Interviews

The choir improving Parkinson’s symptoms one note at a time

Advances

Could an Apple smart watch track your Parkinson’s disease symptoms?

Parkinson’s Europe co-founder Lizzie Graham wins World Parkinson Coalition award

Study explores predictors of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease

Could frailty be a potential risk factor for Parkinson’s disease?

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