Category Archives: Parkinson’s Treatment

SYDNEYand AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Sept. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Living Cell Technologies Limited (LCT) today announced that the first patient has been successfully implanted in the Phase I clinical trial of the regenerative cell therapy NTCELL(R) a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease. The pioneering brain surgery was conducted at Auckland City Hospital and the patient has recovered well so far. An MRI scan taken the day after the surgery indicated that the NTCELL capsules have been implanted at their intended target. The patient and family have requested privacy and no contact with the media. The Phase I clinical trial is an open label investigation of the safety and clinical effect of NTCELL in four people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease for at least four years. The first patient will now be monitored for two months to confirm no serious adverse safety events. At that time, the independent data safety monitoring board (DSMB) will consider the safety data and advise if the implants for the remaining three patients can proceed. The trial Principal Investigator is Dr Barry Snow (MBChB, FRACP, FRCPC), an internationally recognised clinician and researcher in Parkinson's disease who leads the Auckland Movement Disorders Clinic at the Auckland … Continue reading →

KALAMAZOO, Mich., Sept. 19, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Metabolic Solutions Development Company, LLC (MSDC) announced today the presentation of new data showing an investigational drug being studied to treat diabetes, MSDC-0160, had a protective effect on nerve cells in the brain that control movement, balance and walking. These results in laboratory and animal models of Parkinson's disease suggest MSDC-0160 may have the potential to modify the course of Parkinson's disease. The Company is preparing for the start of clinical trials, which could begin in late 2014. These results were generated in collaboration with Patrik Brundin, MD, PhD, Head of the Laboratory of Translational Parkinson's Disease Research and Director of the Center for Neurodegenerative Science at the Van Andel Institute (VAI). The data were presented by post-doctoral fellow Anamitra Ghosh at the "Grand Challenges in Parkinson's Disease" symposium, which is being convened September 18 19 at VAI (Grand Rapids, MI). First in Class MSDC-0160 is the first in a new class of insulin sensitizers called mTOT Modulators, which appear to exert their therapeutic effects through a new drug target located in the inner mitochondrial membrane. MSDC-0160 has been shown to be well-tolerated and no significant safety issues were noted in studies in … Continue reading →

GRAND RAPIDS, MI A doctor who developed deep brain stimulation treatment will be honored at the second annual Grand Challenges in Parkinson's Disease symposium at Van Andel Institute. The event, which will be held Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 18-19, is open to Parkinson's patients and caregivers as well as scientists. It brings together global leaders in Parkinson's and neurodegenerative disease research. Dr. Alim Louis Benabid, a French neurologist and researcher, will receive the Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Parkinson's Disease Research. He will give a lecture at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday. Dr. Benabid has made an incredible contribution to the treatment of Parkinson's disease by developing deep brain stimulation," said Dr. Patrik Brundin, head of the translational Parkinson's disease laboratory at the Van Andel Institute. "Today over 140,000 advanced Parkinsons patients have undergone DBS treatment, which essentially changes the 'electric connections' in the brain, and they are able to move remarkably much better thanks to Dr. Benabid's invention." Benabid's work is credited with helping more than 140,000 people seeking help coping with Parkinson's disease. Benabid, the chairman of the board of the Clinatec Institute in Grenoble, France, recently received the 2013 Robert H. Pritzker Prize for Leadership from … Continue reading →

Billy Connolly has thanked the people of Glasgow for their get well message after it was revealed that he has undergone surgery for prostate cancer and is being treated for the initial symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Connolly, known as the Big Yin, said he was very touched after Glasgow City Councils Lord Provost Sadie Docherty sent him a get well message on behalf of the people of Glasgow earlier today. In response, he wrote: I was very touched to receive a get well message from the Lady/Lord Provost. Please convey my best wishes to her. Celtic football club has also passed on its best wishes to life-long fan Connolly. A statement on the club's website said: "Everyone at Celtic would like to pass on our thoughts and best wishes to Billy Connolly. "Always a popular figure at Celtic Park, Billy is a comedy legend as well as being a star of television and films." A spokesperson for Connolly confirmed that his surgery had been a success and he was receiving appropriate treatment for the initial symptoms of Parkinsons disease. The 70-year-old star, who rose to fame on the Scottish folk music scene, will continue to work in TV and on … Continue reading →

Electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus is an established treatment for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease with pharmacologically unresponsive fluctuations. Compared with pharmacological treatment, subthalamic neurostimulation significantly improves motor symptoms, particularly during the phases of poor response to drug treatment, and reduces the severity of dyskinesias. Importantly, it also significantly improves quality of life and other integral measures of disease severity. The treatment response can last for more than 10 years, although there is no evidence that levodopa-resistant symptoms are delayed by subthalamic neurostimulation. At present, the mean disease duration for patients at the time of implantation is 12 years. In a recent study (EARLYSTIM) in patients with a disease duration of 75 years and fluctuations for 15 years, similar improvements in clinical outcomes were reported. These findings suggest that neurostimulation of the subthalamic nucleus could be used earlier in the disease course for carefully selected patients if the benefits of the treatment are weighed against the surgical risks and the lifelong need for specialised care by an experienced team. As mobility is consistently improved during the times with poor mobility by reducing fluctuations and delaying levodopa-sensitive complications, we propose that this treatment changes the disease course. Original post: Subthalamic … Continue reading →

Topics: billy connolly, cancer, celebrity, editors picks, parkinsons disease, prostate cancer BILLY Connolly is receiving treatment for Parkinson's disease after being diagnosed with the degenerative nerve disorder. The 70-year-old actor recently won his battle with prostate cancer after the disease was caught early, but he has now been told he is showing symptoms of the initial stages of the degenerative nerve disorder - which can include shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement and difficulty with walking. His spokeswomen said: "Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer. The operation was a total success, and Billy is fully recovered. "In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease." 'Brave' star Billy - who is married to psychologist Pamela Stephenson - is currently being treated for his Parkinson's disease, which is commonly tackled through the use of levodopa, a chemical that the body converts into dopamine, an organic chemical used by the brain as a neurotransmitter. His spokeswoman added: "He is receiving the appropriate treatment [for Parkinson's disease]." Presently, the disease will not hinder the comic-and-actor's career and he will be able to continue to work. Billy's … Continue reading →

The 70-year-old star, who rose to fame on the Scottish folk music scene, will continue to work in TV and on stage. His spokeswoman said: "Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer. The operation was a total success, and Billy is fully recovered. "In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment. "Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as well as undertaking an extensive theatrical tour of New Zealand in the new year." The Glasgow-born star, affectionately known as the Big Yin, began his working life in the Clyde shipyards but soon moved into entertainment with folk singing and comedy performances. A string of appearances on Michael Parkinson's chatshow made him a household name and helped launch a career that saw him perform sell-out stand-up shows around the world, present a series of documentaries and become an in-demand character actor. He is married to New Zealand-born actress and psychologist … Continue reading →

Comic and actor Billy Connolly has undergone surgery for prostate cancer, a spokeswoman for the star has confirmed. He is also being treated for the "initial symptoms" of Parkinson's disease it has been revealed. The 70-year-old star, who rose to fame on the Scottish folk music scene, will continue to work in TV and on stage. His spokeswoman said: "Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer. The operation was a total success, and Billy is fully recovered. "In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment. "Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as well as undertaking an extensive theatrical tour of New Zealand in the new year." The Glasgow-born star, affectionately known as the Big Yin, began his working life in the Clyde shipyards but soon moved into entertainment with folk singing and comedy performances. A string of appearances on Michael Parkinson's chatshow made him a household name and … Continue reading →

Home Mail News Sports Finance Weather Games Groups Answers Flickr More omg! Shine Movies Music TV Health Shopping Travel Autos Homes Mobile Yahoo! News Search News Search Web Sign In Mail Help Account Info Help Suggestions Yahoo! Home Video Photos GMA Year in Review Odd Comics Travel Opinion Trending Now Who Knew? Weather The Upbeat U.S. U.S. Video GMA Education Religion Crimes and Trials Local Contributor Network Year In Review World World Video Middle East Europe Latin America Africa Asia Canada Australia/Antarctica Business Video Exclusives Today's Markets Stocks Personal Finance Marketplace Entertainment Video Clinton Concert Celebrity TV Movies Music Fashion Books Arts Theater Dear Abby Comics Odd News Sports Video NFL MLB NBA NCAAF NCAAB Soccer Cycling NHL Tennis Golf Boxing Motor Sports MMA Olympics Tech Gadgets Wireless Apple Social Media Security Open Source Gaming Apps This Could Be Big Upgrade Your Life Politics Remake America The Issues Women and Politics Press Releases Video Science Science Video Weather News Space / Astronomy Pets Dinosaurs / Fossils Biotech Energy Green Health Video Weight Loss Cancer Sexual Health Medications/Drugs Parenting/Kids Seniors/Aging Diseases/Conditions Blogs The Sideshow Katie's Take Power Players This Could Be Big Newsmakers Trending Now The Upbeat Who Knew? Nightline Fix … Continue reading →

Billy Connolly is to undergo treatment for Parkinson's disease. Comedian and actor Billy Connolly, a British treasure, has undergone successful surgery for prostate cancer though has now been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The 70-year-old, who famously began his working life as a welder in the Glasgow shipyards before quitting to become a folk singer, will now begin treatment for the degenerative disease. "Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer," his spokeswoman told BBC News, "In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment." After gaining early success as a musician, Billy turned to stand-up and became one of the best loved Scottish stand-ups of all time. He has also starred in numerous movies, including the Oscar-nominated Mrs Brown, the Oscar-winning Brave and Dustin Hoffman's hugely well-received directorial debut Quartet. Connolly's spokesman confirmed that the star would continue to work throughout the treatment. "Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as … Continue reading →