Stem cell therapies and Parkinson’s – Michael J Fox Foundation webinar

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Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 15 August 2019

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Tune in to the latest webinar in The Michael J Fox Foundation’s Third Thursdays series for an expert discussion on stem cell therapies and its potential treatments for Parkinson’s

The next episode of The Michael J Fox Foundation’s Third Thursdays webinar series will focus on stem cell therapies for Parkinson’s.

In the free hour-long webinar, a panel of Parkinson’s experts will discuss the status of stem cell therapies – and how they could be used to treat Parkinson’s. Panellists will also answer a range of questions on Parkinson’s from listeners.

There has been significant research into Parkinson’s and stem cells therapies, with studies suggesting that genetically edited cells may be able to counter the effects of the condition.

Last year, scientists from Kyoto University, Japan, carried out a world first trial – transplanting reprogrammed stem cells into people with Parkinson’s.

And in January, a team from the University of Edinburgh, UK, created Parkinson’s resistant stem cells. As part of the study, published in the ‘European Journal of Neuroscience’, the team used gene editing techniques to remove the alpha-synuclein protein from stem cells – preventing them from developing the condition.

To listen to this webinar, listeners must register here up to 15 minutes before it’s start time at 12:00 EST. If you cannot make the live broadcast, you can visit the archive to listen to a recording.

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Singing in your head could improve gait in Parkinson’s

Researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine, US, have found that ‘mental singing’ could improve the walking pattern – known as gait variability – in people with Parkinson’s. The study – published in medical journal ‘Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy’ – collected data from 60 people with an average age of 65, half of whom had Parkinson’s. Each participant did three walking tests: walking and listening to music, walking and singing aloud without music, and walking and singing in their heads. The nursery rhyme ‘Row, Row, Row Your Boat’ was used for all test conditions. All participants experienced better walking patterns while singing mentally. The researchers found that walking at a faster pace – while singing in their heads – was also linked with improved gait. The study authors said: “Internal cues allow people to increase gait velocity while simultaneously reducing gait variability, which may ultimately contribute to enhanced gait stability and reduced fall risk.”

MJFF announces $5 million grant to study Parkinson’s genetics in Africa, East Asia and India

The Michael J Fox Foundation has announced a US $5 million grant to three research teams studying Parkinson’s genetics in African, East Asian and Indian populations. To date, most of the genetic research on Parkinson’s has been focused on people of European descent. However, it is hoped this new grant will broaden the research landscape – and help researchers to better understand the condition. Brian Fiske, senior vice president of research programmes at The Michael J Fox Foundation, said: “While the field has made significant strides in genetic research, we know we have much more to learn about the changes in DNA that lead to Parkinson’s disease and impact its progression. “This is an all-star initiative with world-class geneticists, clinic networks and study volunteers coming together to paint a global picture of Parkinson’s and work toward cures for everyone.”

The Parkinson’s Foundation announces centres for ‘under-served’ communities

The Parkinson’s Foundation has announced the addition of three Centres of Excellence to its network of care facilities for people with Parkinson’s. The centres, which are based in US states Colorado, Indiana and Pennsylvania, will primarily focus on ‘under-served’ (low income) communities which have less access to healthcare services – giving individuals from those areas priority in the application process. The facilities will include specialised teams of neurologists, movement disorder specialists, mental health professionals and experts in Parkinson’s medication. John L. Lehr, president of the Parkinson’s Foundation, said: “The newly designated Centers of Excellence join a network that is setting the highest standards of care for people with PD worldwide. “We are proud to further our commitment to improving the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s and making a difference in under-served communities across the country.”

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Stem cell therapies and Parkinson’s – Michael J Fox Foundation webinar

Resources & Tools

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 15 August 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Next Month

Share this story

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Recipes & Nutrition

Naturally good food: the diets proven to boost the body against Parkinson’s

Advances

Can a diabetes drug be repurposed to treat Parkinson’s too?

Global update

Judas Priest guitarist raises $150,000 for Parkinson’s

Singing in your head could improve gait in Parkinson’s

MJFF announces $5 million grant to study Parkinson’s genetics in Africa, East Asia and India

The Parkinson’s Foundation announces centres for ‘under-served’ communities

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Stem cell therapies and Parkinson’s – Michael J Fox Foundation webinar

Resources & Tools

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 15 August 2019

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

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Recipes & Nutrition

Naturally good food: the diets proven to boost the body against Parkinson’s

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