Parkinson’s Disease

Nam Nguyen ◆ Haley Howard ◆ Yolanda Alvarez ◆ Cheryl Nuckles, Miranda Mcvicker ◆ Nermin Dodic ◆ Edlene Capistrano ◆ Gretchen Cain

Michael J. Fox

RAD SOUND presents:

History of Parkinson’s Disease• Ancient Indian medical system of Ayurveda referred to it as Kampavata. Kampa is a Sanskrit

word for tremors.

• AD175: In Western medicine, physician Galen described it as “shaking palsy.”

• 1817: James Parkinson published a medical essay titled “an essay on the Shaking Palsy.”

• 60 years after that essay was published: Jean Martin Charcot, a French Neurologist named the disease after James Parkinson. Jean-Martin Charcot and his colleagues are responsible for much of the advancement and understanding the disease.

• 1940’s and 1950’s: Neurosurgeons began performing brain surgery that resulted in improvements of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

• 1960’s: Researcher’s identified differences in the brains of people with PD that were associated with low levels of dopamine.

– Levodopa was the best treatment that was available in the 1960s and is still being used today.

• Today: Alternative treatments are being researched in order to move forward in improving quality of life and in finding a cure for this disease.

Diagnosis• Neurologists can take a neurological history or the patient,

and perform an examination.

• There are no standard diagnostic tests for this disease, so the diagnosis depends on the physical exam findings and the clinical information provided by the patient.

• The purpose any further testing would be to eliminate other disease options that imitate Parkinson’s disease, like strokes or hydrocephalus.

• Researchers are working on developing an accurate blood test or brain imaging scan for the disease.

Treatment

• Medications can help manage problems with walking, movement and tremor by increasing the brain’s supply of dopamine. Effectiveness varies by patient.

► Carbidopa- levodopa (Parcopa) ► Dopamine agonists ► MAO B inhibitors ► Catechol O-methyltransferase ► (COMT) inhibitors ► Anticholinergics ► Amantadine

• Surgery may be an option for some patients, although it does not cure the disease, it may help ease symptoms.

Signs & SymptomsSigns & Symptoms• Tremor: shaking

– Often begins in your hands/fingers.• Bradykinesia: slowed movement

– Overtime, it might reduce your ability to move and slow your movement making simple tasks difficult.

• Ex. Steps become shorter when you walk, getting out of a chair, feet may stick to floor.

• Rigid muscles: muscle stiffness– Can limit your range of motion, causing pain.

• Impaired posture & balance: posture may become stooped, balance difficulties

• Loss of automatic movements: decreased ability to perform unconscious moments– Ex. Blinking, smiling, swinging your arms while walking

• Speech changes: speech problems– May speak softly, quickly, hesitation. Speech may become monotone

• Writing changes: writing may appear small and become more difficult

Prognosis1. Parkinson’s Disease is both chronic and progressive ● persists over a long period of time (chronic)

● symptoms grow worse over time (progressive)

2. If treated with medications: ● Patients respond differently to medication ● Life expectancy is normal to near normal 3. If left untreated: ● all brain functions deteriorate ● early death

4. Complications associated with Parkinson’s that can lead to severe injury or death ● choking ● pneumonia ● falls

Living with PD• Managing your nutrition and medications

• Exercising or engaging in self fulfilling activities, such as tai-chi or painting

• Getting enough sleep; taking naps would be beneficial

• Consulting a occupational, physical, and/or speech therapist, along with a nutritionist could help with coping.

Michael J. Fox and PD• Fox was diagnosed with PD in 1991 and campaigned for

increased PD research in 1998.

• Fox launched the Michael J. Fox Foundation of Parkinson’s Research in 2000, which is today’s largest non-profit funder of Parkinson’s drug development in the world.

• His foundation focuses on treatments that can slow, stop or reverse the progression of PD.

• The foundation raised over $350 million in research.

Michael J. Fox and PD (2)

• MJFF focuses on 4 priority areas each with a specific investment percentage:

Altering Disease- 52% Defining PD- 22% Untreated Symptoms- 18% Tools- 8%

• Michael J. Fox and his foundation in dedicated to accelerating a cure and improving the lives of those living with Parkinson’s Disease.

Public Awareness• Public awareness of PD

increased after Fox was diagnosed in 1991.

• Team Fox is The Michael J Fox foundations community initiative to help raise funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research.

• Through newsletters; the Fox Focus keeps supporters updated on Parkinson’s research.

• Podcast series was launched on Parkinson’s science in 2010.

Funding• Before Fox, the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (1957)

funded over $140 million towards research, education and advocacy of PD.

• Michael J. Fox Foundation (2000) has increased funding for PD research.

►$350 million have been invested in PD research.

►$50 million raised and spent each year.

• Michael J. Fox’s celebrity status has increased awareness and funding for the disease.