Study links Parkinson’s to 16 types of cancer

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Author: AdminPublished: 24 June 2015

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A study conducted by researchers in Taiwan has found that people with Parkinson’s are at higher risk of being diagnosed with over 16 different types of cancer.

Using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database to separate two groups of people – one with Parkinson’s and the other without – the researchers found Parkinson’s patients in Taiwan to be at an increased risk of malignant brain tumours, gastrointestinal tracts, lung cancers, some hormone-related cancers, urinary tract cancers, lymphoma/leukaemia, melanoma and other skin cancers.

Pan-Chyr Yang of the National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, said: “Based on this nationwide study on the association between Parkinson’s and cancer risk, we conclude that Parkinson’s is a risk factor for most cancer in Taiwan.”

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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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Study links Parkinson’s to 16 types of cancer

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Author: AdminPublished: 24 June 2015

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Parkinson’s podcast: losing our minds – cognition and PD

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Arise, Sir Billy Connolly

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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Study links Parkinson’s to 16 types of cancer

News

Author: AdminPublished: 24 June 2015

Last Month

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Parkinson’s podcast: losing our minds – cognition and PD

Special reports

Age, smoking and lack of fitness increase risk of Parkinson’s

Perspectives

Arise, Sir Billy Connolly

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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