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	<title>Davis Phinney Foundation</title>
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	<link>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org</link>
	<description>Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson&#039;s Disease / Every Victory Counts</description>
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		<title>Google exec&#8217;s hunt for Parkinson&#8217;s cure advances</title>
		<link>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/google-execs-hunt-parkinsons-cure-advances/</link>
		<comments>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/google-execs-hunt-parkinsons-cure-advances/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 13 May 2012 16:46:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>dpfmarketing</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/?p=4146</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Robert Langreth, San Francisco Chronicle www.sfgate.com Sergey Brin, the 38-year-old co-founder of Google Inc., is making strides in his quest]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<address>Robert Langreth, San Francisco Chronicle www.sfgate.com</address>
<p>Sergey Brin, the 38-year-old co-founder of Google Inc., is making strides in his quest to find a cure for Parkinson&#8217;s, a progressive disease his DNA and family history suggest may afflict him as early as 10 years from now.</p>
<p>The advances are encouraging Pfizer Inc. and GlaxoSmithKline to pursue a new class of medicines that may become the first to slow the progress of Parkinson&#8217;s disease in a unique collaboration that Brin is funding.</p>
<p>Read more: <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/05/12/BUM51OGR72.DTL#ixzz1urbCuxE4">http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/05/12/BUM51OGR72.DTL#ixzz1urbCuxE4</a></p>
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		<title>The Victory Summit Comes to Richmond, VA on May 19</title>
		<link>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/spotlight/victory-summit-richmond-va-19/</link>
		<comments>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/spotlight/victory-summit-richmond-va-19/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 17:55:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>dpfmarketing</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Spotlight]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/?p=4127</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Victory Summit symposium in Richmond is just around the corner. If you&#8217;re in the area, join us at the]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a href="http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/VS_logo_4c.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2272" title="VS_logo_4c" src="http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/VS_logo_4c.jpg" alt="VS logo 4c The Victory Summit Comes to Richmond, VA on May 19" width="175" height="86" /></a></strong></p>
<p><strong>The Victory Summit</strong> symposium in <strong><a href="http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/victory-summit/upcoming-victory-summits/victory-summit-richmond-va/">Richmond</a></strong> is just around the corner. If you&#8217;re in the area, join us at the Greater Richmond Convention Center on Saturday, May 19. We have a terrific day planned, featuring notable speakers from around the country and a record number (ten!) of breakout sessions including, &#8220;What&#8217;s Going On in My Gut?,&#8221; &#8220;What Do Clinical Trials Mean for Me?&#8221; and &#8220;Fight Back Against Depression and Anxiety.&#8221; Detailed information about speakers and a complete list of topics is available in the downloadable <strong><a href="http://205.186.165.246/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/The-Victory-Summit-Richmond-Agenda.pdf" target="_blank">agenda</a></strong>. This event is free of charge for people with Parkinson&#8217;s and their care partners and family, but you must <strong><a href="https://www.kintera.org/AutoGen/Register/Register.asp?ievent=1002276&amp;en=puIRJ0NQIfJMK3MKL9KMI9OUJpK7KjNQLcJVJ8NPKoIYI4PSIyH" target="_blank">register</a></strong> to attend.</p>
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		<title>Range of brain diseases could be treated by single drug</title>
		<link>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/range-brain-diseases-treated-single-drug/</link>
		<comments>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/range-brain-diseases-treated-single-drug/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 07 May 2012 17:37:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>dpfmarketing</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/?p=4122</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By James Gallagher, Health and science reporter, BBC News, www.bbc.co.uk The tantalising prospect of treating a range of brain diseases, such as]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<address>By James Gallagher, Health and science reporter, BBC News, www.bbc.co.uk</address>
<p id="story_continues_1">The tantalising prospect of treating a range of brain diseases, such as Alzheimer&#8217;s and Parkinson&#8217;s, all with the same drug, has been raised by UK researchers.</p>
<p>In a study, <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature11058">published in Nature</a>, they prevented brain cells dying in mice with prion disease.</p>
<p>It is hoped the same method for preventing brain cell death could apply in other diseases.</p>
<p>The findings are at an early stage, but have been heralded as &#8220;fascinating&#8221;.</p>
<p>Many neuro-degenerative diseases result in the build-up of proteins which are not put together correctly &#8211; known as misfolded proteins. This happens in Alzheimer&#8217;s, Parkinson&#8217;s and Huntington&#8217;s as well as in prion diseases, such as the human form of mad cow disease.</p>
<p><strong>Turn off</strong></p>
<p>Researchers at the University of Leicester uncovered how the build-up of proteins in mice with prion disease resulted in brain cells dying.</p>
<p>They showed that as misfolded protein levels rise in the brain, cells respond by trying to shut down the production of all new proteins.</p>
<p>It is the same trick cells use when infected with a virus. Stopping production of proteins stops the virus spreading. However, shutting down the factory for a long period of time ends up killing the brain cells as they do not produce the proteins they actually need to function. There are good reasons for believing this response, identified with prion disease, applies also to Alzheimer&#8217;s and other neuro-degenerative diseases”</p>
<p>The team at the Medical Research Council laboratory in Leicester then tried to manipulate the switch which turned the protein factory off. When they prevented cells from shutting down, they prevented the brain dying. The mice then lived significantly longer.</p>
<p>Each neuro-degenerative disease results in a unique set of misfolded proteins being produced, which are then thought to lead to brain cells dying.</p>
<p>Prof Giovanna Mallucci told the BBC: &#8220;The novelty here is we&#8217;re just targeting the protein shut-down, we&#8217;re ignoring the prion protein and that&#8217;s what makes it potentially relevant across the board.&#8221;</p>
<p>The idea, which has not yet been tested, is that if preventing the shut down protects the brain in prion disease &#8211; it might work in all diseases that have misfolded proteins.</p>
<p>Prof Mallucci added: &#8220;What it gives you is an appealing concept that one pathway and therefore one treatment could have benefits across a range of disorders.</p>
<p>&#8220;But the idea is in its early stages. We would really need to confirm this concept in other diseases.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>&#8216;Fascinating&#8217;</strong></p>
<p>The study has been broadly welcomed by other scientists although many point out that the research is in its infancy.</p>
<p>Professor of Molecular Neurobiology at King&#8217;s College London, Roger Morris, said it was a &#8220;breakthrough in understanding what kills neurons&#8221;. <strong><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17952797" target="_blank">Read the rest of the article here.</a></strong></p>
<address> </address>
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		<title>Those With Parkinson&#8217;s Disease Able to Claim SSDI Benefits</title>
		<link>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/parkinsons-disease-claim-ssdi-benefits/</link>
		<comments>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/parkinsons-disease-claim-ssdi-benefits/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 06 May 2012 17:37:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>dpfmarketing</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/?p=4124</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[uspolitics.einnews.com Parkinson&#8217;s disease is an eligible condition for SSDI. May 06, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ &#8212; Individuals with Parkinson &#8216;s disease severe]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<address><em>uspolitics.einnews.com</em></address>
<p><strong>Parkinson&#8217;s disease is an eligible condition for SSDI.</strong></p>
<p>May 06, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ &#8212; Individuals with Parkinson &#8216;s disease severe enough to prevent them from working are able to collect vital benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI. If the individual is a veteran, disability benefits through the VA may also be available.</p>
<p><strong>What is Parkinson&#8217;s Disease?</strong></p>
<p>Parkinson&#8217;s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that affects a patient&#8217;s movement in the extremities and face. Common symptoms include tremors and shaking, stiffness in the limbs, slow movement and loss of coordination or balance. These symptoms can affect one&#8217;s ability to work and may make working impossible altogether.</p>
<p><strong>SSDI Benefits for Parkinson&#8217;s Disease Sufferers </strong></p>
<p>Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes Parkinson&#8217;s disease as a condition <a href="http://www.pgoodson.com/Social-Security-Disability/SSD-Eligibility.shtml" target="_blank">eligible for SSDI</a>. Though the disease typically affects those over 50, sometimes younger individuals are affected. SSDI benefits are available to those under the full retirement age (65-67).</p>
<p>To be eligible for SSDI benefits, workers must be under 65 and have paid into the Social Security system for at least ten years. Parkinson&#8217;s disease is on the SSA&#8217;s list of eligible conditions under &#8220;neurological conditions&#8221; and individuals applying for SSDI should be able to present systems like significant rigidity of limbs, bradykinesia and tremors in two or more extremities.</p>
<p>If someone applies for SSDI benefits due to Parkinson&#8217;s disease but is initially denied benefits, he or she should appeal the decision as soon as possible, since claims for Parkinson&#8217;s disease are often denied at first, then awarded during an appeals hearing.</p>
<p>Filing for SSDI benefits as soon as possible will help individuals avoid going without a paycheck when their Parkinson&#8217;s disease symptoms become too severe.</p>
<p><strong>Veterans Benefits Also Available</strong></p>
<p>For those that were in the service during the Vietnam War, veterans&#8217; disability benefits may also be available. Recently the Veterans Administration has acknowledged that there is a connection between <a href="http://www.pgoodson.com/Veterans-Disability-Claims/Agent-Orange-Exposure.shtml" target="_blank">Agent Orange and Parkinson&#8217;s disease</a>. Veterans who were in the Republic of Vietnam, parts of Thailand, parts of the Korean DMZ, and certain U.S. bases do not need to prove they were exposed to Agent Orange to be eligible for benefits. Veterans with Parkinson&#8217;s disease are able to use the VA&#8217;s Fast Track Claims Processing System to apply for benefits.</p>
<p>Those with Parkinson&#8217;s disease who are worried that their symptoms may prevent them from permanently working should consult with a disability lawyer to help them understand the benefits that are available to them and assist in navigating the complex application process.</p>
<p>Article provided by The Law Offices of Paul M. Goodson P.C.</p>
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		<title>Study shows exercise can help Parkinson&#8217;s sufferers</title>
		<link>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/study-shows-exercise-parkinsons-sufferers/</link>
		<comments>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/study-shows-exercise-parkinsons-sufferers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 18:05:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>dpfmarketing</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/?p=4117</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[By Jessica Tobacman, Special to the Tribune, www.chicagotribune.com Terry Musial, who suffers from Parkinson&#8217;s disease, has found new hope since she]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<address>By Jessica Tobacman, Special to the Tribune, www.chicagotribune.com</address>
<p>Terry Musial, who suffers from <a id="HEDAI0000032" title="Parkinson's Disease" href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/health/diseases-illnesses/parkinsons-disease-HEDAI0000032.topic">Parkinson&#8217;s disease</a>, has found new hope since she joined a research study at <a id="PLCUL00021986" title="Rush University Medical Center" href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/health/hospitals-clinics/rush-university-medical-center-PLCUL00021986.topic">Rush University Medical Center</a>and the <a id="OREDU0000154" title="University of Illinois at Chicago" href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/education/colleges-universities/university-of-illinois-at-chicago-OREDU0000154.topic">University of Illinois at Chicago</a> in which patients exercised twice a week for an hour each.</p>
<p>The multiyear study has shown her that exercise — particularly lifting weights — can lessen the effects of Parkinson&#8217;s disease, a brain disorder that leads to shaking and difficulty with walking, movement and coordination.</p>
<p>&#8220;I thought that (exercise) made my medication more long-lasting,&#8221; said Musial, 57, of Naperville. &#8220;I noticed that, even without medication, I was stronger. I believe that you lose if you don&#8217;t move. I felt that exercise gave me hope.&#8221;</p>
<p>Daniel Corcos, a kinesiology professor at UIC and one of the study&#8217;s principal researchers, said &#8220;there&#8217;s clear scientific data that, if a patient with Parkinson&#8217;s disease exercises twice a week, the symptoms of their Parkinson&#8217;s disease will be reduced.&#8221; Corcos, who is also director of the university&#8217;s Neural Control of Movement Laboratory, presented the findings last week at the American Academy of Neurology conference in New Orleans.</p>
<p>Dr. Cynthia Comella, a neurological sciences professor at Rush who worked with Corcos on the study, called it &#8220;the first of its kind, (studying) the effect of two different forms of exercise on Parkinson&#8217;s disease over a two-year period. It&#8217;s never been done before.&#8221;</p>
<p>The study signed up Parkinson&#8217;s disease patients who were between the ages of 50 and 67 and were able to walk for at least six minutes.</p>
<p>The study began with 51 patients, and 38 patients were still exercising at its conclusion. They were divided into two groups, the Progressive Resistance Exercise group, with weight training designed to increase strength by raising the amount of weight lifted during the course of the study; and the Parkinson&#8217;s Disease: Fitness Counts group, with a program of stretching, strengthening and balance. <strong><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-x-parkinsons-study-20120502,0,1379746.story" target="_blank">Read the rest of the article here.</a></strong></p>
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		<title>Michigan State and University of Texas scientists receive Sanberg Awards from ASNTR</title>
		<link>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/michigan-state-university-texas-scientists-receive-sanberg-awards-asntr/</link>
		<comments>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/michigan-state-university-texas-scientists-receive-sanberg-awards-asntr/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:57:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>dpfmarketing</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/?p=4112</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Awards recognize excellence in neural therapy and brain repair research Tampa, Fla. (April 30, 2012) – At the 19th Annual]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Awards recognize excellence in neural therapy and brain repair research</h2>
<p>Tampa, Fla. (April 30, 2012) – At the 19th Annual Conference of the American Society of Neural Therapy and Repair (ASNTR), held April 26 – 28 in Clearwater Beach, Florida, the ASNTR awarded The 2011 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for Brain Repair to <strong><a href="http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/research/research-advisory-board/">Timothy J. Collier, PhD</a></strong>, professor of translational science and molecular medicine at Michigan State University and director of the Udall Center of Excellence in Parkinson&#8217;s Disease Research at Michigan State University and the University of Cincinnati. ASNTR also presented The Molly and Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award to Sean I. Savitz, MD, associate professor of neurology at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston.</p>
<p>The 2011 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for Brain Repair</p>
<p>The 2011 award was presented in recognition of Dr. Collier&#8217;s long career studying the neurobiology of aging, work that has included investigation of the role of dopamine in neuron biology as applied to aging, Parkinson&#8217;s disease, and experimental therapeutics. Dr. Collier was part of a team that first examined cell transplantation in nonhuman primate models of Parkinson&#8217;s disease.</p>
<p>The award is named for Bernard Sanberg, father of Dr. Paul Sanberg (University of South Florida), a co-founder of the ASNTR. After Bernard Sanberg died of a stroke in 1999, the award bearing his name was established and is presented by the ASNTR annually to an individual who has made outstanding research contributions in the field of neural therapy and repair. The award, first presented in 2000, is presented every year at ASNTR&#8217;s Annual Meeting.</p>
<p>&#8221; Professor Collier has been a leader in the field of cellular repair for Parkinson&#8217;s disease for over 25 years and consistently has brought new ideas forward on how to stimulate growth and survival of neurons that are crucial for maintenance of proper brain function,&#8221; said John Sladek, PhD, director for Outreach and Development, Center for Neuroscience, and professor of Neurology, Pediatrics and Neuroscience at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. &#8220;As director of the highly coveted Morris Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson&#8217;s Disease Research he is in an ideal position to make breakthroughs that will accelerate the transfer of new research into the clinics. As his postdoctoral mentor, I couldn&#8217;t be prouder of his accomplishments and look forward to his next important discovery.&#8221;</p>
<p>Recent past winners of the award include Donald Eugene Redmond, MD, (2011), Shinn-Zong Lin, MD, PhD (2010) Howard J. Federoff, MD, PhD, Georgetown University (2009); Paul Carvey, PhD, Rush University Medical Center (2008); Barry Hoffer, MD, PhD, NIDA/NIH (2007); and John Sladek, PhD, University of Colorado (2006).</p>
<p>The Molly and Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award</p>
<p>In recognition of his significant contributions to the field of brain repair after stroke, the Molly and Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award was presented to Dr. Savitz for his work in developing novel therapies for ischemic stroke. The award also recognizes his work in animal model and clinical research focused on cell-based therapies, such as the use of bone marrow cells to enhance recovery from stroke. His research into cell-based therapies also includes work with cells derived from the umbilical cord and placenta.</p>
<p>The Molly and Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award is presented periodically by the ASNTR to an outstanding scientist who has made a significant contribution to the field of brain repair. It is a special coincidence that Bernard Sanberg was medically treated at the same institution where Dr. Savitz now works on important new therapies for stroke sufferers.</p>
<p>&#8220;Dr. Savitz is a true physician scientist,&#8221; said Alison Willing, PhD, professor, Center for Excellence in Aging and Brain Repair, Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair, University of South Florida. &#8220;He works with stroke patients every day, but it is not enough for him to just treat them or make them comfortable. He has worked tirelessly in his preclinical studies to define the best methods to treat his patients and is the first Principal Investigator to initiate clinical trials using autologous bone marrow cells for the treatment of stroke.&#8221;</p>
<div align="center">###</div>
<p>ASNTR&#8217;s 20th Annual Conference, marking ASNTR&#8217;s 20th anniversary, will be held April 25-27, 2013 in Clearwater Beach, Florida. For more information, email Donna Morrison <a href="mailto:dmorrison@health.usf.edu">dmorrison@health.usf.edu</a> or visit the ASNTR website <a href="http://www.ASNTR.org/">www.ASNTR.org</a></p>
<p>ASNTR is a society for basic and clinical neuroscientists using a variety of technologies to better understand how the nervous system functions and establish new procedures for its repair in response to trauma or neurodegenerative disease. Member scientists employ stem/neural cell transplantation, gene therapy, trophic factor and neuroprotective compound administration and other approaches.</p>
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		<title>Parkinson&#8217;s Personality: Disease More Likely to Strike Cautious People</title>
		<link>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/parkinsons-personality-disease-strike-cautious-people/</link>
		<comments>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/parkinsons-personality-disease-strike-cautious-people/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:57:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>dpfmarketing</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/?p=4115</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Rachael Rettner, MyHealthNewsDaily Staff Writer, www.myhealthnewsdaily.com Some personality traits appear to be linked with the risk of developing Parkinson&#8217;s disease,]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<address>Rachael Rettner, MyHealthNewsDaily Staff Writer, www.myhealthnewsdaily.com</address>
<p>Some personality traits appear to be linked with the risk of developing Parkinson&#8217;s disease, a new study suggests.</p>
<p>The results show patients with <a href="http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/911-parkinsons-linked-to-variations-5-gene-locations.html">Parkinson&#8217;s disease</a> are more likely to be cautious and avoid taking risks compared with people who don&#8217;t have Parkinson&#8217;s.</p>
<p>Moreover, the tendency to avoid taking risks appears to be a stable <a href="http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/1966-personality-traits-affect-smell.html">personality trait</a> across a patient&#8217;s lifetime — as far back as 30 years before symptoms began, those with Parkinson&#8217;s disease said they did not often engage in risky or exhilarating activities, such as riding roller coasters or speeding, the study found.</p>
<p>The findings add to a growing body of research suggesting Parkinson&#8217;s is more likely to afflict people with rigid, cautious personalities.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s possible that what we consider to be aspects of someone&#8217;s personality may in fact be very early manifestations of Parkinson&#8217;s, said study researcher Kelly Sullivan, of the University of South Florida&#8217;s department of neurology. However, much more research is needed to confirm this hypothesis, Sullivan said.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s also way too soon to say that having a &#8220;look before you leap&#8221; personality puts you at <a href="http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/946-berries-lower-parkinsons-disease-risk.html">risk for Parkinson&#8217;s</a>.</p>
<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m not a big risk-taker, but at the same time, I haven&#8217;t resigned myself that I&#8217;m going to have Parkinson&#8217;s,&#8221; Sullivan said.</p>
<p><strong>Parkinson&#8217;s personality</strong></p>
<p>Since the early 1900s, there have been reports that Parkinson&#8217;s patients tend to be industrious, punctual, cautious and risk-averse. Most studies that have found a link between Parkinson&#8217;s and a risk- avoidant personality have been based on assessments of patients&#8217; personalities prior to the disease, using questions such as &#8220;did you take risks when you were younger?&#8221; However, remembering what you were like many years ago may be difficult, and what someone considers a &#8220;risk&#8221; is subjective, Sullivan said.</p>
<p>In the new study, Sullivan and colleagues asked 89 patients with Parkinson&#8217;s and 99 healthy people whether they engaged in specific activities— such as riding roller coasters, speeding and wearing a seatbelt— before the age of 35.</p>
<p>They also asked questions to gauge participants&#8217; current personalities.</p>
<p>The results showed that participants with Parkinson&#8217;s had higher levels of <a href="http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/2328-heartbeat-signatures-personality-traits.html">neuroticism</a> — a personality trait associated with experiencing more negative emotions such as anxiety — and higher levels of harm-avoidance compared with healthy participants. In general, participants&#8217; willingness to take risks tended to be stable over time, and Parkinson&#8217;s patients tended to report they took fewer risks.</p>
<p>Another study by Sullivan and colleagues found women with Parkinson&#8217;s disease were 60 percent more likely to say they had a routine lifestyle as a young adult (such as getting up and going to bed at the same time every day) compared with people without Parkinson&#8217;s.</p>
<p><strong>Too little dopamine</strong></p>
<p>A <a href="http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/265-brain-chemicals-cooperate-to-cause-psychosis-study-suggests.html">brain chemical called dopamine</a> is needed to control muscle movement, and in Parkinson&#8217;s disease patients, the brain cells that produce dopamine start to die. This cellular death leads to the tremors and difficulty with walking, movement and coordination, which are hallmarks of Parkinson&#8217;s.</p>
<p>Levels of dopamine may also affect personality. Dopamine is responsible for signaling feelings of reward and pleasure. &#8220;When you take a risk or jump out of an airplane, that’s what gives you that reward feeling,&#8221; Sullivan said.</p>
<p>&#8220;If you have lower levels of dopamine, it&#8217;s less likely that you would really get that neurochemical reward and say &#8216;That was awesome! Let&#8217;s keep doing that,&#8217;&#8221; Sullivan said.</p>
<p>While the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s don&#8217;t show up until about 70 percent of dopamine-producing cells have deteriorated, Sullivan said, it&#8217;s possible the loss of dopamine-producing cells goes on for a long period before someone is diagnosed, Sullivan said.</p>
<p>More research is needed to know exactly how long this process of brain cell loss goes on, and whether the risk-avoidant behaviors exhibited early in life by Parkinson&#8217;s patients are actually manifestations of the disease, Sullivan said.</p>
<p>Sullivan&#8217;s studies were presented last week at the American Academy of Neurology meeting in New Orleans.</p>
<p><em>Follow MyHealthNewsDaily staff writer Rachael Rettner on Twitter </em><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/RachaelRettner"><em>@RachaelRettner</em></a><em>. Find us on</em><a href="http://www.facebook.com/MyHealthNewsDaily"><em>Facebook</em></a><em>.</em></p>
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		<title>Music, Brain Development and Healthy Aging</title>
		<link>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/music-brain-development-healthy-aging/</link>
		<comments>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/music-brain-development-healthy-aging/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 17:52:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>dpfmarketing</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/?p=4100</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Oregon Health &#38; Science University Speaker Series in the Bing Lounge, with Larry Sherman, PhD. Dr. Sherman shares a fascinating]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<address>Oregon Health &amp; Science University Speaker Series in the Bing Lounge, with Larry Sherman, PhD.</address>
<p>Dr. Sherman shares a fascinating lecture on the relationship between music and brain activity. Listening to music and playing an instrument lights up areas in brain that control attention, memory, expectations &amp; rules, and emotion. There is some evidence that music and rhythm help people with Parkinson&#8217;s with movement and freezing, too. <strong><a href="http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/ohsu-speaker-series-music-and-the-brain/1l3grnd0r" target="_blank">Watch the video.</a></strong></p>
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		<title>Cross-country biker for Parkinson&#8217;s encounters deer, beaver and dogs on the road</title>
		<link>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/crosscountry-biker-parkinsons-encounters-deer-beaver-dogs-road/</link>
		<comments>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/crosscountry-biker-parkinsons-encounters-deer-beaver-dogs-road/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:34:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>dpfmarketing</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog Posts]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/?p=4095</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[www.independentmail.com Pedaling for Parkinson’s Awareness Steve Quam is an Anderson County, S.C. resident who is making his second cross-country trip]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<address>www.independentmail.com</address>
<p><strong>Pedaling for Parkinson’s Awareness</strong></p>
<p><em>Steve Quam is an Anderson County, S.C. resident who is making his second cross-country trip to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with four years ago. Each week he will send in an update about his journey. He started the trip on Edisto Island on April 15, and is bound for Newport, Ore.</em></p>
<div><a href="http://www.independentmail.com/photos/2012/apr/08/125387/"><img class="alignleft" title="Ken Ruinard" src="http://media.independentmail.com/media/img/photos/2012/04/08/420120408135813001_t300.JPG" alt=" Cross country biker for Parkinsons encounters deer, beaver and dogs on the road" size=" width="300" height="395" /></a></div>
<div><strong><em><font size="1">Steve Quam of Anderson practices riding his bike along Broadway Lake Road in Anderson. Quam, who has Parkinson&#8217;s disease, will set off on a cross-country bike ride next week to raise money for the Davis Phinney Foundation, whose focus is helping people live a healthy life with the disease.</em></strong></div>
<div></div>
<div>PHOTO: <a href="http://www.independentmail.com/photos/2012/apr/08/125387/">KEN RUINARD</a>,</div>
<div>ANDERSON INDEPENDENT MAIL</font></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>On April 17, I left Denmark, S.C., and pedaled to Aiken, where I was treated royally by my friend Bill. Bill introduced me to some newspaper reporters, and he supported me for about 10 miles, taking countless pictures on April 18. By that evening, I had pedaled to Johnston, S.C.</p>
<p>Another couple of hosts, Dan and Debra, were terrific, and with their help, I was able to share my story at a Bible study that evening. Riding the next day, I saw three deer (together) and one beaver. I had gourmet home-grilled pork chops at Bob and Jackie’s in Greenwood, S.C., and was able to talk at the monthly Gold Wing Road Riders Association Chapter M meeting. On April 20, I saw a hawk on the way home to Anderson. I arrived just in time to hitch a ride with my wife, Jeanne, to the monthly Walk to Emmaus gathering. Low and behold, I was asked to talk since the scheduled speaker couldn’t make it.</p>
<p>On Saturday, I was warmly welcomed to Georgia, just southeast of Hartwell, by Lamar, Pam and family and met their pastor. On Sunday, I pedaled to Watson Mill State Park, which is east of Athens. That day was a day filled with dog encounters. I fended off three dogs from one house, and three more dogs were added to the mix when I reached the very next house. I survived, and the six dogs weren’t any worse for the wear. On Monday, I faced cold head winds and steep rolling hills. I was well taken care of that evening at Watkinsville, Ga., First United Methodist Church. Thanks Wes!</p>
<p>I had traveled 312 miles in total as of Tuesday evening.</p>
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		<title>New Online Community Highlights that Living with Parkinson’s Disease May Involve More than Motion</title>
		<link>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/online-community-highlights-living-parkinsons-disease-involve-motion/</link>
		<comments>http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/dpf-blog/online-community-highlights-living-parkinsons-disease-involve-motion/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:00:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>dpfmarketing</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog Posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://davisphinneyfoundation.org/?p=4089</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[UCB, Inc. Launches First of its Kind Reality Video Series and Facebook Page   Atlanta – Friday, April 20, 2012]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<address>UCB, Inc. Launches First of its Kind Reality Video Series and Facebook Page  </address>
<p><strong>Atlanta – Friday, April 20, 2012</strong> – To help people learn more about the full range of symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, global biopharmaceutical company UCB, Inc., is launching a new online community &#8212; Parkinson’s More than Motion™ &#8212; that provides a platform for people living with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers to interact and learn from others with the condition.  Part of this launch is the debut of a new reality-style video series depicting real families living with the condition.</p>
<p>“My family and I are telling my story in the More than Motion™ community to encourage others to educate themselves about all symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, so they can best manage the condition,” said Jo-Ann Golec, who was diagnosed more than 15 years ago and has become an active Parkinson’s disease advocate.</p>
<p>The Parkinson’s More than Motion™ community includes a Facebook page where people can add their voices to the conversation, connect with experts, take quizzes and more:</p>
<p>Watch the reality-style video series featuring Parkinson’s disease patients and their families.</p>
<ul>
<li>In the first installment, viewers will meet Jo-Ann and her family and find out why she is committed to exercise, how she prepares for meetings with her movement disorder specialist, and her involvement with the Parkinson’s disease community in her hometown.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Sign up for More than Motion™ magazine, a free publication featuring helpful resources and stories from real people.  One million Americans currently live with Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are typically categorized as either affecting motor function or non-motor function. The cardinal motor symptoms include stiffness, tremors, slow movements and postural instability. In addition, the medical and research communities are starting to better understand the full spectrum of symptoms that can have a significant impact on a patient’s life. These include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Cognitive changes, such as memory problems or trouble paying attention</li>
<li>Depression, anxiety, irritability, decreased motivation or apathy</li>
<li>Sleep disorders, ranging from insomnia to drowsiness</li>
<li>Skin disorders, such as rashes or dandruff</li>
<li>Gastrointestinal or urinary disorders</li>
</ul>
<p>In celebration of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which occurs each April in the U.S., Parkinson’s More than Motion™ will travel to community events this month including the American Academy of Neurology’s Brain Health Fair in New Orleans and the Parkinson’s Unity Walk in New York City. </p>
<p>To learn more about Parkinson’s More than Motion™ and to view the first installment of the video series, visit Facebook.com/ParkinsonsMorethanMotion.</p>
<p>More About Parkinson’s Disease Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive, neurological disease that occurs when certain cells in the brain stop producing enough of a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine plays several important roles in the body &#8212; it helps regulate movement and it plays a role in cognitive and emotional function.   As dopamine levels fall, the cardinal motor symptoms (stiffness, tremors, slow movement, and postural instability) can progress, along with the underlying non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, which are less well-recognized and may be under-treated. It is estimated that 60 percent of people with Parkinson’s have two or more non-motor symptoms, and that 25 percent have four or more.</p>
<p>Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological disorder affecting older people in the United States. Each year, between 50,000 and 60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed in the U.S.; worldwide it is estimated that 7 to 10 million people have Parkinson’s disease.   Most people are diagnosed with the condition when they are in their sixties; one in every 100 people age 60 and older is affected by the condition.  About UCB  UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With more than 8,500 people in about 40 countries, the company generated revenue of EUR 3.2 billion in 2011. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB).</p>
<p>Further information  Andrea Levin, Associate Director, Communications &amp; PR, UCB, Inc. T +1.770.970.8352, andrea.levin@ucb.com</p>
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