Parkinson’s podcast: DBS – a report from the front lines

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Author: Geoffrey ChangPublished: 7 October 2015

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October’s podcast gives the low-down on new treatments for Parkinson’s – in particular deep brain stimulation

In the latest 30-minute episode of the Portland Countdown podcast series, regular hosts Dave Iverson and Jon Palfreman discuss the latest research on new surgical and non-surgical interventions for Parkinson’s disease with special guest Dr Andres Lozano.

The show focuses on a subject we can “genuinely be excited about”, says Jon. “That’s how neurologists are building on the success of deep brain stimulation (DBS), to pioneer new applications for the procedure and also to uncover some of the deeper mysteries of Parkinson’s disease, and indeed the brain.”

The aim of the Portland Countdown series is to give listeners new perspectives on the latest advances in Parkinson’s research and treatment.

The shows, developed by the World Parkinson Coalition, are aired online on the first Tuesday of every month from June 2015 to September 2016 – when the 4th World Parkinson Congress takes place in Portland, Oregon, US. The podcasts are free and available for download.

The full schedule of show topics and guest speaker profiles is available here

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Sir Billy Connolly: Parkinson’s disease is “like a strange animal”

Scottish comedian, actor and musician Sir Billy Connolly has recently discussed his experience of Parkinson’s disease while promoting his new autobiography, ‘Windswept & Interesting’. In an appearance on UK talk show, ‘The Graham Norton Show’, the comedian explained that he had lost the ability to write. He said: “It breaks my heart as I used to love writing letters to people.” Speaking to UK newspaper The Guardian, Connolly added that he thinks the condition is “like a strange animal. One that sits beside you and says, ‘How will you get on without this?’ – before it takes away something else.” Despite these adjustments, Connolly told Norton he has “good days and bad days” with the condition. “It’s creeping up on me and it never lets go,” he said. “I walk like a drunk man and have to have help. So, life is different, but it is good.” Lead image credit:…

New insights on immune cell process and Parkinson’s disease

Insoluble clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein, which can cause damage to brain cells, have been previously linked to Parkinson’s. Now, scientists in Germany, France and the US have uncovered new details on how brain cells respond to these clusters. The researchers discovered that the brain’s immune cells may be able to join together to break down the protein clumps. According to a press release, this was previously unknown. They also found that these neighbouring cells share mitochondria – structures that generate energy for chemical reactions – to help one another. In certain mutations associated with Parkinson’s, this process may be impaired. The researchers hope this insight could inform the development of new therapies. “We have opened the door to a field that will certainly engage researchers for many years to come,” said Professor Dr Michael Heneka, director of the Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry at the University Hospital…

Could analysing skin oil help diagnose Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease patients tend to have high levels of oil, known as sebum, on their skin’s surface. Now, a study has suggested that analysing this substance may help when diagnosing the condition. The study revealed that sebum contains significant amounts of genetic material, specifically the molecule ribonucleic acid (RNA). Analysis of RNA contained in sebum – that is, skin surface lipids RNA, or SSL-RNA – could offer insights into a person’s health. Researchers in Japan examined SSL-RNA in men and women with and without Parkinson’s. The results suggested that the SSL-RNA profiles of those with Parkinson’s had “different characteristics” than those without. The researchers then tested whether examining these profiles with machine learning could reveal those who had Parkinson’s – and who didn’t. The team’s algorithm indicated a “relatively robust discriminatory ability,” supporting the further use of SSL-RNA as part of a future “non-invasive” method for diagnosis.

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Parkinson’s podcast: DBS – a report from the front lines

Resources & Tools

Author: Geoffrey ChangPublished: 7 October 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Interviews

“The lockdown has affected people with Parkinson’s in India immensely”

Global update

Sir Billy Connolly: stop calling Parkinson’s ‘incurable’

Special reports

Why we should treat this ‘damaging’ study on physiotherapy in Parkinson’s with caution

Sir Billy Connolly: Parkinson’s disease is “like a strange animal”

New insights on immune cell process and Parkinson’s disease

Could analysing skin oil help diagnose Parkinson’s disease?

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Parkinson’s podcast: DBS – a report from the front lines

Resources & Tools

Author: Geoffrey ChangPublished: 7 October 2015

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Interviews

“The lockdown has affected people with Parkinson’s in India immensely”

Global update

Sir Billy Connolly: stop calling Parkinson’s ‘incurable’

Special reports

Why we should treat this ‘damaging’ study on physiotherapy in Parkinson’s with caution

Sir Billy Connolly: Parkinson’s disease is “like a strange animal”

New insights on immune cell process and Parkinson’s disease

Could analysing skin oil help diagnose Parkinson’s disease?

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