Two genes tell how Parkinson’s progresses

Two genes tied to protein accumulation in a Parkinson’s patient’s brain can tell how quickly the disease will progress in an individual, says a new finding. "Our study shows that these two genes can be used as a surrogate marker to estimate the rate of Parkinson`s disease progression," said Yue Huang from Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA), who led the study. Click Here for more information. Added 2/13/2012.

More than one million Americans are currently living with Parkinson's. The condition causes tremors, balance problems and speech issues. Doctors often use physical examines to test for it, but 40 percent of Parkinson's patients are undiagnosed. Click here for more information. Added 2/7/2012.

How Social Security Evaluates Parkinson's Disease

If you are considering applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), are currently going through the application process, or have previously applied and were not approved, this article will help you to understand how Social Security evaluates each case. Learn More. Added 12/28/2011.

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Professor Parkinson: Five Lessons Learned

New Year's typically ushers in a time of reflection. What will we do differently, perhaps better, in the new year? What have we learned? For Bob Kuhn, the new year is inextricably linked to his diagnosis on January 19, six years ago at the age of 53. In this blog post, he considers what he's learned since then, five important life lessons that may help you begin the new year with new perspective. See now. Added 12/28/2011.

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Nutrition for Parkinson's Disease

Good nutrition is important for everyone, but especially for someone with Parkinson's disease. A healthy diet can help people with PD achieve or maintain normal body weight, increase energy level, boost their immune system, decrease risk factors for certain conditions or illnesses, and reduce constipation. Read Full Article. Added 12/28/2011.

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Making Technology Easier to Use

If using your favorite technology is challenging because of dexterity or mobility issues associated with Parkinson's disease, check out the new Technology section of our Resource Guide. There are a variety of ways to quickly and affordably make your Apple or Microsoft products more user-friendly. Some solutions include Mouse Keys, Slow Keys and Sticky Keys or using a stylus with touch screen devices for more control. View Now. Added 12/28/2011.

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Is There a Clinical Trial Right For You? Fox Trial Finder Connects Willing Volunteers to Parkinson’s Clinical Trials Nearly 80 percent of clinical trials face recruitment challenges, significantly increasing costs and delaying progress toward breakthroughs. The Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN) has historically worked to enhance recruitment efforts for clinical trials, including being part of the joint organizational effort behind PDtrials.org. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research is now taking on this challenge in a new way, to help reduce the length and costs of Parkinson’s clinical trials, and help bring new treatments to patients faster. Introducing: Fox Trial Finder Fox Trial Finder was created to help increase the flow of willing participants — both people with Parkinson's and control participants who do not have Parkinson's — into clinical trials that need them, speeding progress toward breakthrough therapies and a cure. Here at PAN, we are working with policymakers on ways to more quickly and efficiently bring treatments and therapies to people with Parkinson’s. Having effective clinical trials is also a part of this process, which is why we are letting you know about this new program. How Does It Work? By harnessing state-of-the-art technology, the Fox Trial Finder website makes it easier for volunteers and research coordinators to find each other. By creating a profile at Fox Trial Finder, potential volunteers are alerted when new trials begin recruiting efforts to find participants who match their criteria. Fox Trial Finder then matches volunteers with trials and facilitates the connection with the trial team, all with privacy protections in place. With an estimated 500,000 to1.5 million Americans with Parkinson’s (and upwards of 5 million worldwide) there are abundant opportunities for the Parkinson’s community to contribute to important and potentially groundbreaking research. The active involvement of Parkinson's patients and their loved ones in clinical research is vital to finding a cure. Where can I sign up? To learn more about Fox Trial Finder, register a personal profile, and find potential trial matches using their privacy-protected system, click here. If you have specific questions about the program that aren’t answered on the website, you can call Claire Meunier at the Michael J. Fox Foundation at 212.509.0995 (x240).

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Other Information Sources

Online Seminars from PDF

From time to time, Parkinson’s Disease Foundation offers valuable information packed online seminars. Click here to view a list of their upcoming programs. PDF is responsible for all content on their site.

Online Information

Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center go to www.maprc.com.

Parkinson's Disease Foundation go to www.pdf.org.

Arizona Chapter American Parkinson Disease Association go to azapda.org.