Who said what: QoTW 11.06.15

Perspectives

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 11 June 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

A weekly roundup of our favourite Parkinson’s quotes

“If you want to blame somebody, blame it on the Parkinson’s”

– Mitch Faile, the lyrics to a light-hearted song he wrote on everyday difficulties of living with Parkinson’s

“We’ll start small, think big, act fast. We’ll hopefully expand to the rest of Michigan, and why not the rest of the States?”

– Bas Bloem, after signing an agreement to bring innovative healthcare model to West Michigan

“The puppets will have the strings attached to the head, hands and feet which will be a metaphor for the disease itself”

– Susan Guy, an animator making a stop motion documentary about Parkinson’s

“The focus now is on being there for my parents because this doesn’t just affect the individual, it affects the whole family”

– Enzo Cilenti, ‘Yezzan’ in hit TV series Game of Thrones, whose father was diagnosed three years ago

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Parkinson’s pilgrimage: hiking the Camino de Santiago for stem cell research

Taking on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage to beat Parkinson's

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Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, US, have found that people with early Parkinson’s disease are at higher risk of developing cognitive impairments if they are overweight, have disruptive sleep behaviours or experience symptoms of depression. Evaluating data from 405 people, the researchers used statistical analysis to identify relationships between certain characteristics and changes in patient cognition over time. Their findings suggest that factors such as high body mass index (BMI) or excessive sleepiness are associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline in Parkinson’s disease. The researchers wrote: “Despite its common and devastating occurrence, treatment of [cognitive impairments] in [Parkinson’s disease] is limited and no medications slow its onset or progression. However, identification of treatable or modifiable comorbidities that affect the rate of progression of [cognitive impairments] in [Parkinson’s disease] could provide opportunities for early intervention and improved prognosis.”

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US, will investigate genes that could protect cells in the brain against Parkinson’s disease. An award from US non-profit G Harold and Leila Y Mathers Foundation will allow scientists to use a mouse model screening technique to find out more about the condition. Individually deleting each of the 22,000 genes present in mice neurons will help identify which genes are linked to neuron survival – and offer insights that could lead to new treatments for the condition. Dr Myriam Heiman, an Associate Professor at MIT, said: “There is currently no molecular explanation for the brain cell loss seen in Parkinson’s disease or a cure for this devastating disease. I’m extremely grateful for this generous support and recognition of our work from the Mathers Foundation, and hope that our study will elucidate new therapeutic targets for the treatment and even prevention of Parkinson’s…

Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

Researchers from Texas Woman’s University, US, are investigating how equine-assisted therapy – which involves working with horses to promote wellbeing – can benefit people with Parkinson’s disease. As part of the five-month study, funded by the non-profit Human Animal Bond Research Institute, 30 men with Parkinson’s disease will be randomly assigned to participate in equine-assisted therapy or simulated horseback riding. The participants’ motor performance, balance, gait and symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease will be assessed before, during and after the therapy. Rhett Rigby, principal investigator of the study, said: “There is currently no known study that utilises equine-assisted therapy as an intervention treatment for those with Parkinson’s disease. Our research could have a significant impact on an understudied population and help contribute to the existing literature on human-animal interaction.”

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Who said what: QoTW 11.06.15

Perspectives

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 11 June 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

“If you want to blame somebody, blame it on the Parkinson’s”

“We’ll start small, think big, act fast. We’ll hopefully expand to the rest of Michigan, and why not the rest of the States?”

“The puppets will have the strings attached to the head, hands and feet which will be a metaphor for the disease itself”

“The focus now is on being there for my parents because this doesn’t just affect the individual, it affects the whole family”

Last Month

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Global update

Parkinson’s pilgrimage: hiking the Camino de Santiago for stem cell research

Resources & Tools

Whatever happened to stem cells? Tune in to this free MJFF live webinar

Health & Fitness

‘Performing arts help shake off the burden of Parkinson’s’

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

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Who said what: QoTW 11.06.15

Perspectives

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 11 June 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

“If you want to blame somebody, blame it on the Parkinson’s”

“We’ll start small, think big, act fast. We’ll hopefully expand to the rest of Michigan, and why not the rest of the States?”

“The puppets will have the strings attached to the head, hands and feet which will be a metaphor for the disease itself”

“The focus now is on being there for my parents because this doesn’t just affect the individual, it affects the whole family”

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Global update

Parkinson’s pilgrimage: hiking the Camino de Santiago for stem cell research

Resources & Tools

Whatever happened to stem cells? Tune in to this free MJFF live webinar

Health & Fitness

‘Performing arts help shake off the burden of Parkinson’s’

Weight, sleep and depression linked to risk of cognitive problems in Parkinson’s

Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

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