Revamping Parkinson’s research

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Author: Geoffrey ChangPublished: 14 May 2015

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The Michael J. Fox Foundation has launched a new online clinical study, Fox Insight, that aims to gather the world’s largest dataset on the everyday experiences of living with Parkinson’s – and accelerate research as a result.

The initiative means that anyone, anywhere, with internet access can take part in recording all aspects of their personal experience relating to Parkinson’s via a series of questionnaires.

Fox Insight prompts users to update their responses regularly and so hopes to study and measure unprecedented levels of data.

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Did you know there are strategies designed to help people with Parkinson’s cope with walking difficulties? A survey from researchers at Radboud University Medical Centre, the Netherlands, suggests that many people with the condition might not be aware of seven key strategies – which include internal and external cueing, visualising movement and practising relaxation techniques. Of the 4,324 people surveyed, 17% hadn’t heard of any of the strategies listed, while 23% of participants had never tried them. The study also offered insights into how well the techniques worked in different contexts. For example, participants found visualising movement more effective when walking outdoors than when walking in a smaller space. “We found that people are rarely educated about all the different compensation strategies,” explained study author Anouk Tosserams. “When they are, people often find strategies that work better for them and their unique circumstances.”

Marjoram tea may reduce non-motor symptoms and depression in Parkinson’s disease

Researchers in Tunisia have found that drinking marjoram tea daily may help reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. As part of a small study, the team recruited 60 people with Parkinson’s who used antiparkinsonian medication. Half of the group were assigned to drink marjoram tea and the other half a placebo tea, every night for 30 days. During the study period, participants maintained their usual diet, physical activity and medication. The researchers used the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Beck Depression Inventory and Non-motor Symptoms Scale to assess changes in the participants’ motor and non-motor symptoms, and depression. The results showed that marjoram tea may significantly reduce non-motor symptoms and depression in Parkinson’s, while improvement of motor symptoms “may need an extended treatment period”. The study’s authors added: “More research with a large number of participants and lasting longer than one month is needed to argue these findings”.

Virtual reality: exercise therapy for Parkinson’s disease?

US researchers are developing immersive virtual reality (VR) games as exercise therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease. Designed by a team at Virginia Commonwealth University, the games aim to address motor symptoms and encourage movement. “The idea is to have something where you’re motivated and engaged, and you can put this headset on and work out anytime,” said research lead Professor James S Thomas. The team invited people with Parkinson’s to test the technology at a showcasing event. Wearing a VR headset, participants used handheld controllers to play games that called for swatting and scooping motions at different speeds. One participant reported: “I can definitely see the value in these games.” The researchers hope to create a lower-cost version of the VR system that can be used independently. “We’re trying to get you to move your body in a way that will help you maintain your quality of life,” said…

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Revamping Parkinson’s research

News

Author: Geoffrey ChangPublished: 14 May 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Resources & Tools

Mindfulness toolkit: maintaining your mental health during lockdown

Advances

CES 2017: 5 innovative gadgets for people with Parkinson’s

Interviews

Insight into Parkinson’s: “join us as we make history”

Survey highlights seven walking strategies for Parkinson’s disease

Marjoram tea may reduce non-motor symptoms and depression in Parkinson’s disease

Virtual reality: exercise therapy for Parkinson’s disease?

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Revamping Parkinson’s research

News

Author: Geoffrey ChangPublished: 14 May 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Resources & Tools

Mindfulness toolkit: maintaining your mental health during lockdown

Advances

CES 2017: 5 innovative gadgets for people with Parkinson’s

Interviews

Insight into Parkinson’s: “join us as we make history”

Survey highlights seven walking strategies for Parkinson’s disease

Marjoram tea may reduce non-motor symptoms and depression in Parkinson’s disease

Virtual reality: exercise therapy for Parkinson’s disease?

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