Who said what: QoTW 04.06.15

Perspectives

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 4 June 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

A weekly roundup of our favourite Parkinson’s quotes

“We aren’t victims, we are strong, amazing people who just happen to have a crummy disease, and we want a cure to that disease”

– Kate Matheson, newly appointed national ambassador at Shake It Up in Australia

“Giving up is not an option and no matter what kind of obstacle you must face – face it with all you’ve got”

– Tore Henriksen, inspired by his father’s battle with Parkinson’s, completed a gruelling Ironman race in Lanzarote to raise funds and awareness

“How are they going to see me — as the colleague as I have always been, or as the patient I always will be? That was the beginning of my transition”

– Alice Lazzarini, a Parkinson’s researcher who was diagnosed with the disease

“More comprehensive care not only means a better quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, but also markedly reduced healthcare costs”

– Bas Bloem, after signing an agreement to lay the foundation for bringing innovative Dutch healthcare programme ParkinsonNet to the US

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New enzyme discovery could “put the brakes” on Parkinson’s

Researchers at the University of Dundee, UK, have discovered an enzyme that could reverse mutations in a gene commonly associated with the development of Parkinson’s. The enzyme, called PPM1H, has been found to naturally prevent the biological activity of LRKK2 – it is hoped this discovery could slowdown the progression of the disease. The researchers are now working with the university’s Drug Discovery Unit to develop compounds that could activate the newly discovered enzyme. Professor Dario Alessi, one of the lead researchers, said: “Parkinson’s is like a runaway train – at present we have no way of putting the brakes on to slow it down, let alone stop it. This new enzyme we have found acts as the brakes in the pathway that causes Parkinson’s in humans. “This finding opens the door for a new chemical approach to the search for Parkinson’s treatments.” Lead image credit: University of Dundee

£2 million ballet and Parkinson’s study launched

A new study launched by English National Ballet and university King’s College London, UK, will assess the impact of ballet on Parkinson’s symptoms. Researchers hope that regular lessons – which include voice exercises and dance – will improve fluidity, gait and posture in people living with the condition. The study is part of a wider project, costing in the region of UK £2 million, researching how the arts impacts physical and mental health. Fleur Derbyshire-Fox, English National Ballet’s Engagement Director, said: “Since creating our Dance for Parkinson’s programme in 2010 we have seen first-hand the incredible effects dance can have on a person living with Parkinson’s. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this study, with the opportunity to embed the programme within secondary care, and in turn have a greater impact on the physical and emotional wellbeing of people living with Parkinson’s.”

Parkinson’s trial awarded £250,000 by UK Medical Research Council

Researchers from UK university Imperial College London have been awarded UK £250,000 to trial surgical implants that could reduce the number of falls in patients with Parkinson’s. The funding has been awarded by the Medical Research Council – the body responsible for co-ordinating research in the UK. As part of the trial, the implants will alter nerve activity by sending a low-voltage current to different areas of the spinal cord in five patients living with Parkinson’s disease. Dr Yen Tai, from the Department of Brain Sciences at Imperial College London, said: “Frequent falls are a common and disabling problem in advanced Parkinson’s, and can lead to patient’s being housebound. “This grant will enable me to work in collaboration with the Brain and Vestibular Group at the College and the Trust, to trial a new treatment that could help improve outcomes for patients and how we deliver care.”

Who said what: QoTW 04.06.15

Perspectives

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 4 June 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

“We aren’t victims, we are strong, amazing people who just happen to have a crummy disease, and we want a cure to that disease”

“Giving up is not an option and no matter what kind of obstacle you must face – face it with all you’ve got”

“How are they going to see me — as the colleague as I have always been, or as the patient I always will be? That was the beginning of my transition”

“More comprehensive care not only means a better quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, but also markedly reduced healthcare costs”

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Perspectives

Comedy stars unite for ‘Shake with Laughter’

Interviews

Olie Westheimer: the visionary behind Dance for PD

Global update

Parkinson’s in the news: September

New enzyme discovery could “put the brakes” on Parkinson’s

£2 million ballet and Parkinson’s study launched

Parkinson’s trial awarded £250,000 by UK Medical Research Council

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Who said what: QoTW 04.06.15

Perspectives

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 4 June 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

“We aren’t victims, we are strong, amazing people who just happen to have a crummy disease, and we want a cure to that disease”

“Giving up is not an option and no matter what kind of obstacle you must face – face it with all you’ve got”

“How are they going to see me — as the colleague as I have always been, or as the patient I always will be? That was the beginning of my transition”

“More comprehensive care not only means a better quality of life for people with Parkinson’s, but also markedly reduced healthcare costs”

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Perspectives

Comedy stars unite for ‘Shake with Laughter’

Interviews

Olie Westheimer: the visionary behind Dance for PD

Global update

Parkinson’s in the news: September

New enzyme discovery could “put the brakes” on Parkinson’s

£2 million ballet and Parkinson’s study launched

Parkinson’s trial awarded £250,000 by UK Medical Research Council

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