Blood Cells Link

Filed under General – July 22nd, 2008

Researchers offer hope for looking into new forms of treatment. A gene and protein which cause Parkinson’s disease are controlled by genetic mechanisms in blood cells, according to scientists.

They found that the activity of three genes, which control the major component of haemoglobin in the blood, precisely matched the activity of the alpha-synuclein gene, which is seen in elevated levels in Parkinson’s patients.

According to the researchers from the University of Wisconsin, Harvard University-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the University of Ottawa, their finding suggests that a common switch controls both and raises hope for therapies aimed

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Estelle Getty Passes Away

Filed under General – July 22nd, 2008

Estelle Getty, who played meddling mother Sophia on “The Golden Girls,” died Tuesday morning. She was 84.

Getty, who suffered from advanced dementia, died around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday at her Hollywood Boulevard home, said her son, Carl Gettleman of Santa Monica.

Getty won an Emmy Award in 1988 for her portrayal of the feisty octogenarian. For her role as Sophia, Getty also notched a Golden Globe Award in 1986. She also received an American Comedy Award.

Getty co-starred on “Golden Girls” from 1985-92 and reprised the tart-tongued Sophia on four other TV series: “The Golden Palace,” “Nurses,” “Empty Nest” and “Blossom.” Getty was two months younger than Arthur, but the illusion of her age was maintained through makeup, costume and her deportment.

In similar vein of take-no-prisoners elder, Getty played Sylvester Stallone’s domineering mother, Tutti Bomowski, in “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot.” Generically, it was a battling-buddy

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Living Alone with Parkinson’s

Filed under General – July 21st, 2008

Living alone with Parkinson’s can be a difficult thing. I’m a strong believer that attitude makes the biggest difference. I have had many different experiences in my life that agree with that situation. I remember years ago when I hiked King’s Peak, Utah’s highest mountain, with my dad and cousin. The hike was a gruelling 26 miles, all in one day! By the time we got to the top a large storm was rolling in, so with 13 miles of rain I began to drag my feet and complain, but after a couple of hours of that I realized that it was futile, instead I began seeking out the muddy puddles

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Kate Kelsall’s Blog

Filed under General, Spotlights – July 18th, 2008

I just barely posted about Kate Kelsall’s post regarding batteries, after I posted her advice, I began looking through her blog some more. If you haven’t had a chance to read Kate’s blog I highly recommend it, she is a talented writer and wonderful advocate for Parkinson’s disease. She also knows how to be light and humorous when needs be, from what I know of her I would call her a very well-rounded person, especially considering she can dance and play the accordion! I interviewed her a few months back. I actually just re-read that interview and remembered again why she is such an amazing person, I hope you’ll take a moment and read that post–it’s a great reminder for us all regardless of our situation.

DBS: Check Your Batteries

Filed under General, Technology – July 18th, 2008

Kate Kelsall just wrote a wonderful post on her blog Shake Rattle and Roll about being on top of ones batteries for those who have had DBS surgery. Her last point I feel is especially important to keep in mind:

If your doctor doesn’t normally do so, it is important to have the charge in your IPG battery periodically monitored, particularly the longer it has been implanted. Although the typical lifespan of the battery is three to five years,

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It’s Official, Michael J. Fox will be back to the TV screen… at least for 4 more TV shows

Filed under General, News – July 16th, 2008

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Actor Michael J. Fox, semi-retired from show business due to Parkinson’s disease, will return to television next spring as a guest star on the firefighting drama “Rescue Me,” the FX cable network said on Tuesday. Fox, 47, will portray the wheelchair-bound boyfriend of the ex-wife of the show’s lead character, New York City firefighter Tommy Gavin, played by Denis Leary, said FX spokesman John Solberg. Canadian-born Fox has signed on to appear in four episodes of the upcoming fifth season, starting with a premiere episode in the spring. “It’s terrific news, he’s a phenomenal actor,” Solberg said. “He and Denis have been friends for a long time and it’s a great fit and should be very funny as well.”

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So, you can kick gambling, but can you kick alcohol… ?

Filed under Drugs, General, Health Care, Studies – July 16th, 2008

It was pointed out to me by one of my readers that there have been lengthy studies in regards to the gambling addiction that seems to be pushed by Mirapex, but not much on some of the other addictions such as drinking, smoking, sexual activity, eating, and shopping. As I’ve dug in a little bit I haven’t found many studies that focus on these other addictions

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