Parkinson’s in the news: February

Global update

Author: Roisin McCormackPublished: 28 February 2019

Parkinson's LifePrep: Parkinson's LifeCook: Parkinson's LifeServes:

Parkinson's news

From infrared helmets to surprising new treatments, we look at some of the most significant Parkinson’s news stories from across the globe in February 2019


Parkinson’s warning as cases set to treble in global pandemic

Researchers are warning of a Parkinson’s pandemic after a new report – published in the ‘Journal of Parkinson’s Disease’ – found that cases of the disease could rise to over 12 million by 2040. This is attributed, in part, to an ageing population as well as falling smoking rates – as smokers are 40% less likely to develop the condition.

Could food made for cattle ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s? 

A former beef farmer who invented healthy feed for his cattle has reformulated his product into a probiotic drink to treat Parkinson’s. A medical trial, which is part-funded by Parkinson’s UK, will test the effects of the drink on 60 patients at King’s College Hospital in London, UK.

Tasmanian red light helmet treatment for Parkinson’s disease symptoms prompts clinical trial 

The University of Sydney School of Medicine and support group Parkinson’s South Australia are trialling a ‘red light helmet’ that it is hoped will provide energy for dying brain cells. As part of the trial, participants will use helmets with a mixture of placebo and near-infrared lights before having blood tests to measure the effectiveness.

Michael J Fox supporting Kiwi research into Parkinson’s disease 

The Michael J Fox Foundation and the Silverstein Foundation have announced a US $226,000 grant for a pioneering new Parkinson’s study in New Zealand. As part of the study, researchers will focus on gene mutation and its significance to the development of the condition. Professor Justin Sullivan, who is leading the study, said the funding represented an “amazing opportunity.”

Parkinson’s Drug Trial: A Miracle Cure?

On 28 February, UK television channel BBC Two is premiering a documentary entitled ‘Parkinson’s Drug Trial: A Miracle Cure?’. The television show, which was filmed over the course of six years, follows people living with Parkinson’s as they take part in a ground-breaking new medical trial.


Read more:

“Some serious Parkinson’s research breakthroughs are on the horizon”

Expert opinion: Parkinson’s and the appendix

Go Back

Share this story

Comments


Related articles


Atlantic Ocean Row Liz Dennett

Interviews

“I’m ready to row, eat, sleep and repeat”

We hear from the woman taking on the Atlantic Ocean

READ MORE
Nepal-Bhanita-lead

In my country

Why I launched Nepal’s first Parkinson’s support group

Overcoming tough economic challenges in Nepal

READ MORE
A composite image featuring three interpretations of the Spark logo

Global update

Take part in the Crazy Spark Art Challenge!

Learn about the initiative uniting people with Parkinson’s disease

READ MORE