By Luis Fabregas
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Bernard Madoff scandal has hit a high-profile Parkinson's disease research project at the University of Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases operated for five years with a $750,000 annual grant from the Picower Foundation, which shut down last week because of the $50 billion fraud scheme that wiped out investors around the world.
The foundation notified Pitt officials it will not be able to fulfill the remainder of its pledge, which was expected to last another year-and-a-half. Without the money, the institute's mission to find a cure for Parkison's could be threatened, its director said Tuesday.
"No one would have guessed that a scandal in New York would suddenly affect research in Pittsburgh," said Dr. Tim Greenamyre, a professor of neurology at Pitt's School of Medicine and the institute's director since 2005. "All of a sudden, it comes to affect all of the research that we conduct on Parkinson's."
The institute, located in Biomedical Science Tower 3 in Oakland, was looking into causes of Parkinson's, a brain disorder characterized by tremors, slowness of movement and stiffness. About a dozen workers at the laboratory are studying aspects of the disorder, including environmental causes, the viability of gene therapy treatments and ways to stem its development.
The Picower Foundation grant was the main source of funding for the institute because federal grants from the National Institutes of Health diminished in recent years, Greenamyre said.
"We're scrambling for any potential source we can get," he said. "Our hope is that we can generate some philanthropic giving this season."
David Von Hofen of the Pittsburgh chapter of the National Parkinson Foundation said more research like Pitt's is needed at a time when there is no known way to slow the progression of the disorder. About 1.5 million Americans have the disease.
"There have been new medications to help reduce symptoms, but right now there is no clinically proven medication that slows its progress," said Von Hofen, the chapter's director of programs and outreach. "Even though it is manageable to a great extent for a number of years, there isn't anything yet that will even slow it down."
Greenamyre said his laboratory has attracted talented scientists from around the world. The Picower Foundation provided funding to five other laboratories that conducted Parkison's research.
"It's getting difficult to get biomedical research funding these days," he said. "This could have a potentially devastating impact."
Madoff, a former Nasdaq stock market chairman, is accused of running a Ponzi scheme that paid returns to certain investors out of the principal received from others.
The scam included a global roster of investors, from retirees on Long Island to the International Olympic Committee, to charities worldwide. So far, investors said they lost more than $30 billion, according to an Associated Press calculation.
Luis Fabregas can be reached at lfabregas@tribweb.com or 412-320-7998.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
AFFiRiS Begins Development of a Parkinson's Vaccine
Last update: 7:02 a.m. EST Dec. 11, 2008
VIENNA, Austria, December 11, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- AFFiRiS has started pre-clinical development of a Parkinson's vaccine. The vaccine, known as PD01, can be used to target a specific protein that is closely associated with the causes of this degenerative neurological disease. Excellent product candidates from discovery studies have prompted the company to file a patent application and proceed immediately with development. Similarly positive results from external assessments impelled the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) to provide considerable financial funding for the project. The vaccine is based on the company's AFFITOME technology, which, among other things, has already been used to develop two Alzheimer's vaccines, which are currently both in phase I clinical testing.
AFFiRiS, based in Vienna, Austria, today announced the start of the pre-clinical development of its first Parkinson's vaccine PD01. The vaccine will be investigated for efficacy ("proof of concept") in Parkinson models. On successful conclusion of this preclinical evaluation, initial clinical testing could start in 2010/11. The Parkinson's vaccine specifically targets the alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) protein, which is considered to be a key contributory element in Parkinson's disease.
Although all details of the disease are not yet fully understood, there is clear scientific evidence that the concentration and enrichment of alpha-syn in the brain are contributing factors in the progression of Parkinson's disease. Therefore, reducing the alpha-syn burden in the brain should have a positive impact on the course of the disease - a hypothesis that was recently confirmed by the results of U.S. researchers working on animal models.
The Parkinson's vaccine from AFFiRiS has been developed to delivery efficacy in combination with an excellent safety profile, as Dr. Walter Schmidt, CEO of AFFiRiS, explains: "Alpha-syn is an attractive target for treating the cause - not just the symptoms - of Parkinson's. However, it is important to bear in mind that alpha-syn is a human protein belonging to a family of proteins with very similar structures like e.g. beta-syn, an essential neuroprotective factor. Therefore, treatment to reduce alpha-syn must not lead to the reduction of related proteins, such as beta-syn. Our AFFITOME technology enables us to develop vaccines that induce antibody specifically targeting alpha-syn only."
Frank Mattner, Chief Scientific Officer at AFFiRiS, adds: "The great potential offered by our AFFITOME technology has been confirmed by external experts, who appraised our development of a Parkinson's vaccine for the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). Their assessment prompted the FFG to provide considerable financial support for this project."
The AFFITOME technology from AFFiRiS provides a means of targeting very specific structures of human rogue proteins with patented product candidates. AFFiRiS has already succeeded in developing two vaccines and a hemodialysis program for the treatment of Alzheimer's. These therapies only target specific structures found on harmful fragments of beta-amyloid, which is said to be responsible for Alzheimer's. Both Alzheimer's vaccines are currently being trialled on Alzheimer patients. In October, a licence option agreement worth up to EUR 430 million was concluded with GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals for their further clinical development market launch and sales.
About AFFiRiS GmbH (as at December 2008):
AFFiRiS GmbH develops peptide-based vaccines for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis and other serious diseases. The company has established its AFFITOME platform technology. It employs 35 highly qualified members of staff on 1,800sqm of rented laboratory facilities at the Campus Vienna Biocenter ( http://www.affiris.com). AFFITOME and AFFITOPE are registered trademarks of AFFiRiS GmbH.
About MIG-Fonds:
The participation of MIG Verwaltungs AG in Affiris GmbH represents the continuation of a tried-and-tested approach. Investment is only made in selected companies in Germany and Austria after their viability has been thoroughly audited. Their innovative, high-potential products and the entrepreneurial skills of their management teams are both key. MIG Verwaltungs AG is supported by Alfred Wieder AG. This specialist in venture capital is experienced in the sale of holdings and is therefore the first point of contact for any potential investors.
Contact for Affiris GmbH:
Mag. Agnes Meyer
Campus Vienna Biocenter
1030 Vienna
T +43-1-798-15-75-10
E Agnes.Meyer@affiris.com
Copy Editing & Distribution:
PR&D - Public Relations for Research & Education
Campus Vienna Biocenter 2
1030 Vienna
T +43-1-505-70-44
E contact@prd.at
W http://www.prd.at
VIENNA, Austria, December 11, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- AFFiRiS has started pre-clinical development of a Parkinson's vaccine. The vaccine, known as PD01, can be used to target a specific protein that is closely associated with the causes of this degenerative neurological disease. Excellent product candidates from discovery studies have prompted the company to file a patent application and proceed immediately with development. Similarly positive results from external assessments impelled the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) to provide considerable financial funding for the project. The vaccine is based on the company's AFFITOME technology, which, among other things, has already been used to develop two Alzheimer's vaccines, which are currently both in phase I clinical testing.
AFFiRiS, based in Vienna, Austria, today announced the start of the pre-clinical development of its first Parkinson's vaccine PD01. The vaccine will be investigated for efficacy ("proof of concept") in Parkinson models. On successful conclusion of this preclinical evaluation, initial clinical testing could start in 2010/11. The Parkinson's vaccine specifically targets the alpha-synuclein (alpha-syn) protein, which is considered to be a key contributory element in Parkinson's disease.
Although all details of the disease are not yet fully understood, there is clear scientific evidence that the concentration and enrichment of alpha-syn in the brain are contributing factors in the progression of Parkinson's disease. Therefore, reducing the alpha-syn burden in the brain should have a positive impact on the course of the disease - a hypothesis that was recently confirmed by the results of U.S. researchers working on animal models.
The Parkinson's vaccine from AFFiRiS has been developed to delivery efficacy in combination with an excellent safety profile, as Dr. Walter Schmidt, CEO of AFFiRiS, explains: "Alpha-syn is an attractive target for treating the cause - not just the symptoms - of Parkinson's. However, it is important to bear in mind that alpha-syn is a human protein belonging to a family of proteins with very similar structures like e.g. beta-syn, an essential neuroprotective factor. Therefore, treatment to reduce alpha-syn must not lead to the reduction of related proteins, such as beta-syn. Our AFFITOME technology enables us to develop vaccines that induce antibody specifically targeting alpha-syn only."
Frank Mattner, Chief Scientific Officer at AFFiRiS, adds: "The great potential offered by our AFFITOME technology has been confirmed by external experts, who appraised our development of a Parkinson's vaccine for the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). Their assessment prompted the FFG to provide considerable financial support for this project."
The AFFITOME technology from AFFiRiS provides a means of targeting very specific structures of human rogue proteins with patented product candidates. AFFiRiS has already succeeded in developing two vaccines and a hemodialysis program for the treatment of Alzheimer's. These therapies only target specific structures found on harmful fragments of beta-amyloid, which is said to be responsible for Alzheimer's. Both Alzheimer's vaccines are currently being trialled on Alzheimer patients. In October, a licence option agreement worth up to EUR 430 million was concluded with GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals for their further clinical development market launch and sales.
About AFFiRiS GmbH (as at December 2008):
AFFiRiS GmbH develops peptide-based vaccines for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, atherosclerosis and other serious diseases. The company has established its AFFITOME platform technology. It employs 35 highly qualified members of staff on 1,800sqm of rented laboratory facilities at the Campus Vienna Biocenter ( http://www.affiris.com). AFFITOME and AFFITOPE are registered trademarks of AFFiRiS GmbH.
About MIG-Fonds:
The participation of MIG Verwaltungs AG in Affiris GmbH represents the continuation of a tried-and-tested approach. Investment is only made in selected companies in Germany and Austria after their viability has been thoroughly audited. Their innovative, high-potential products and the entrepreneurial skills of their management teams are both key. MIG Verwaltungs AG is supported by Alfred Wieder AG. This specialist in venture capital is experienced in the sale of holdings and is therefore the first point of contact for any potential investors.
Contact for Affiris GmbH:
Mag. Agnes Meyer
Campus Vienna Biocenter
1030 Vienna
T +43-1-798-15-75-10
E Agnes.Meyer@affiris.com
Copy Editing & Distribution:
PR&D - Public Relations for Research & Education
Campus Vienna Biocenter 2
1030 Vienna
T +43-1-505-70-44
E contact@prd.at
W http://www.prd.at
Friday, December 12, 2008
Bogus Stem Cell Therapies Sold on Internet
By Amanda Gardner
HealthDay Reporter
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Expensive, sham stem cell therapies are being hawked directly to desperate patients over the Internet, experts say.
In response, the leading organization of stem cell scientists on Wednesday issued guidelines to steer research in the field toward responsible, practical uses.
"Stem cell research is progressing so rapidly and has sparked a lot of interest in translational research [including] among patients in hopes for therapies," said Insoo Hyun, lead author of the paper outlining the guidelines and an associate professor of bioethics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland.
"At the same time," he said, "legitimate science is speeding ahead and getting to the point where there needed to be more of a road map to take the basic knowledge to clinical applications."
Although Hyun had not heard of patients actually been harmed by so-called stem cell therapies, he said he feared that "it's only a matter of time."
The new guidelines were published in the December issue of Cell Stem Cell.
Experts hailed the move.
"We clearly need guidelines for around the world to make sure that appropriate research is done before clinical work is undertaken in patients," said Paul Sanberg, distinguished professor of neurosurgery and director of the University of South Florida Center for Aging and Brain Repair in Tampa. "We see desperate patients all the time and want to make sure that any therapies they take come from responsible research groups."
"There is tremendous confusion about the two types of stem cells -- embryonic stem cells and adult progenitor stem cells. The difference is monumental, and needs to be clarified," said Dr. Darwin J. Prockop, director of the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Scott & White, who also holds the Stearman Chair in Genomic Medicine at the center.
In an accompanying commentary, Canadian researchers analyzed 19 Web sites unearthed by a regular Google search, all of which peddled expensive stem cell therapies for everything from stroke to allergies.
Different clinics in China (Beike Biotech), the Ukraine (ACT) and elsewhere claim to have treated thousands of patients for neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury and Alzheimer's disease, congenital conditions such as autism and cerebral palsy, as well as allergies, heart conditions and even cosmetic procedures. However, the University of Alberta team was unable to find any studies that had even investigated stem cell therapy for Parkinson's disease or for Alzheimer's, for example.
Nowhere, apparently, was there any authentication of whether the stem cells actually were stem cells, or where they had come from.
Stem cells most often, but not always, came from the patient's own bone marrow. Others reportedly came from aborted fetuses, animal tissues or donor tissues.
Web site information tended to be heavily skewed toward the alleged benefits of the process, and away from its risks. And the price? According to the paper, when advertised, the average cost of these therapies -- excluding airfare and accommodation -- was $21,500.
The new guidelines are meant to guide research toward what is practical and responsible, Hyun said. Previous scientific guidelines and regulations have regulated human-subjects research and clinical research in general, as well as gene transfer research, but not stem cell research, which poses a number of independent issues.
"Most of the time, stem cell products are presenting entirely novel products that are unpredictable in humans," Hyun said. "Unlike drugs, you can't just create a batch and put them on the shelf and expect they will be the same. We need uniform quality control and manufacturing. And if they're embryonic or pluripotent stem cells, they could form unwanted tissues or tumors. So, we have to be very careful about following up and monitoring patients."
Accordingly, the guidelines, written by a task force of stem cell specialists from 13 countries, addressed issues of ethical review, quality and safety of the stem cells; voluntary informed consent of participants in research projects along with careful monitoring of these volunteers and caution in using stem-cell-based therapies outside a research context.
Despite its promise, stem-cell based treatment is the standard of care for only a few diseases and conditions. These include hematopoietic stem cell transplants for leukemia and epithelial-stem-cell-based treatments for burns and corneal (eye) disorders.
Still, the potential of stem cell research is vast, experts said. Although research has not yet translated directly into abundant therapies for patients, the gains have been substantial, albeit indirect.
"For patients, it's not surprising that there are not direct applications, but what is often lost to public is that so much knowledge had been gained from stem cell research," Hyun said. "The advancements for patients are going to come sooner through these indirect routes, not direct cell-based therapy, from the expansion of knowledge."
More information
There's a patient handbook on the new guidelines at the International Society for Stem Cell Research.
SOURCES: Insoo Hyun, Ph.D., associate professor, bioethics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland; Paul Sanberg, distinguished professor, neurosurgery, and director, University of South Florida Center for Aging and Brain Repair, Tampa; Darwin J. Prockop, M.D., director and the Stearman Chair in Genomic Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Scott & White, Temple; December 2008, Cell Stem Cell
HealthDay Reporter
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 3 (HealthDay News) -- Expensive, sham stem cell therapies are being hawked directly to desperate patients over the Internet, experts say.
In response, the leading organization of stem cell scientists on Wednesday issued guidelines to steer research in the field toward responsible, practical uses.
"Stem cell research is progressing so rapidly and has sparked a lot of interest in translational research [including] among patients in hopes for therapies," said Insoo Hyun, lead author of the paper outlining the guidelines and an associate professor of bioethics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland.
"At the same time," he said, "legitimate science is speeding ahead and getting to the point where there needed to be more of a road map to take the basic knowledge to clinical applications."
Although Hyun had not heard of patients actually been harmed by so-called stem cell therapies, he said he feared that "it's only a matter of time."
The new guidelines were published in the December issue of Cell Stem Cell.
Experts hailed the move.
"We clearly need guidelines for around the world to make sure that appropriate research is done before clinical work is undertaken in patients," said Paul Sanberg, distinguished professor of neurosurgery and director of the University of South Florida Center for Aging and Brain Repair in Tampa. "We see desperate patients all the time and want to make sure that any therapies they take come from responsible research groups."
"There is tremendous confusion about the two types of stem cells -- embryonic stem cells and adult progenitor stem cells. The difference is monumental, and needs to be clarified," said Dr. Darwin J. Prockop, director of the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Scott & White, who also holds the Stearman Chair in Genomic Medicine at the center.
In an accompanying commentary, Canadian researchers analyzed 19 Web sites unearthed by a regular Google search, all of which peddled expensive stem cell therapies for everything from stroke to allergies.
Different clinics in China (Beike Biotech), the Ukraine (ACT) and elsewhere claim to have treated thousands of patients for neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury and Alzheimer's disease, congenital conditions such as autism and cerebral palsy, as well as allergies, heart conditions and even cosmetic procedures. However, the University of Alberta team was unable to find any studies that had even investigated stem cell therapy for Parkinson's disease or for Alzheimer's, for example.
Nowhere, apparently, was there any authentication of whether the stem cells actually were stem cells, or where they had come from.
Stem cells most often, but not always, came from the patient's own bone marrow. Others reportedly came from aborted fetuses, animal tissues or donor tissues.
Web site information tended to be heavily skewed toward the alleged benefits of the process, and away from its risks. And the price? According to the paper, when advertised, the average cost of these therapies -- excluding airfare and accommodation -- was $21,500.
The new guidelines are meant to guide research toward what is practical and responsible, Hyun said. Previous scientific guidelines and regulations have regulated human-subjects research and clinical research in general, as well as gene transfer research, but not stem cell research, which poses a number of independent issues.
"Most of the time, stem cell products are presenting entirely novel products that are unpredictable in humans," Hyun said. "Unlike drugs, you can't just create a batch and put them on the shelf and expect they will be the same. We need uniform quality control and manufacturing. And if they're embryonic or pluripotent stem cells, they could form unwanted tissues or tumors. So, we have to be very careful about following up and monitoring patients."
Accordingly, the guidelines, written by a task force of stem cell specialists from 13 countries, addressed issues of ethical review, quality and safety of the stem cells; voluntary informed consent of participants in research projects along with careful monitoring of these volunteers and caution in using stem-cell-based therapies outside a research context.
Despite its promise, stem-cell based treatment is the standard of care for only a few diseases and conditions. These include hematopoietic stem cell transplants for leukemia and epithelial-stem-cell-based treatments for burns and corneal (eye) disorders.
Still, the potential of stem cell research is vast, experts said. Although research has not yet translated directly into abundant therapies for patients, the gains have been substantial, albeit indirect.
"For patients, it's not surprising that there are not direct applications, but what is often lost to public is that so much knowledge had been gained from stem cell research," Hyun said. "The advancements for patients are going to come sooner through these indirect routes, not direct cell-based therapy, from the expansion of knowledge."
More information
There's a patient handbook on the new guidelines at the International Society for Stem Cell Research.
SOURCES: Insoo Hyun, Ph.D., associate professor, bioethics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland; Paul Sanberg, distinguished professor, neurosurgery, and director, University of South Florida Center for Aging and Brain Repair, Tampa; Darwin J. Prockop, M.D., director and the Stearman Chair in Genomic Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Scott & White, Temple; December 2008, Cell Stem Cell
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Vets' Brain Injuries Linked To Long Term Health Problems
05 Dec 2008
A report by a non-profit US medical organization suggests that military personnel who suffer severe or moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at greater risk of long term health problems including Alzheimer's-like dementia, aggression, symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, depression, and memory loss.
Titled "Gulf War and Health: Volume 7: Long-Term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury", the report is published by the National Academies press and compiled by a committee of experts working under the auspices of the Institute of Medicine. The study was funded by the US Department of Veteran Affairs.
The researchers reviewed evidence of the long term consequences of TBI and concluded that even mild TBI is linked to some of the severe health consequences. They also noted that brain injuries from explosions that don't directly impact the head may be under-diagnosed because there is not enough research on blast injury: one of the most common hazards of serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The report said the US Defense and Veteran Affairs Departments should set up more clinical and animal studies into brain injuries caused by blasts, also known as blast-induced neurotrauma (BINT).
Chair of the committee that wrote the report, George W. Rutherford, who is professor of epidemiology and preventive medicine and also vice chair of the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California School of Medicine in San Francisco, said patterns of war-related brain injury have changed recently:
"Explosive devices and other weaponry have become more powerful and devastating throughout the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we are seeing much higher rates of nonpenetrating traumatic brain injury and blast-induced injury among military personnel who have served in these countries than in earlier wars."
"It is important to identify and understand any long-term health effects of these injuries so that wounded service members do not lose valuable time for therapy and rehabilitation," he added.
According to the Department of Defense, up to January this year, over 5,500 troops have suffered TBI in the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Explosives have become the hallmark of these conflicts, with more and more personnel suffering blast-related injuries, often as a result of experiencing more than one explosion.
There has been a prevailing tendency among neurologists to assume that the human skull protects most people from blast-related injury where no blow to the head occurs, and that neurological damage, both short and long term, is relatively unlikely. However, there is an increasing body of clinical research and military experience that says otherwise, according to the authors.
The authors said there are no adequate animal models of BINT and that the Departments of Veteran Affairs (VA) and Defense should sponsor research to establish some. Without these, it is not possible to conduct reliable experiments and accurately assess, diagnose and treat the changes in brain function and behaviour that veterans exposed to bomb blasts may develop.
There are mild and severe forms of TBI, and there is sufficient evidence to show that the seizures that can occur from skull piercing TBI wounds can also occur in non-penetrating TBI and less severe brain injury. Studies show that moderate and severe TBI is linked to other long term consequences too, including increased risk of a dementia that is like Alzheimer's, a disorder that is like Parkinson's, and reduced ability to form and maintain social relationships. Other studies shows that mild TBI is linked to increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.
The evidence does not show that the TBI causes these problems, only that it is linked to increased risk of developing them. It also shows that even mild TBI is linked to increased incidence of aggressive behaviour, depression, and problems with concentration and memory.
The authors said there is limited evidence that TBI is also linked to increased risk of diabetes and psychosis.
Because the evidence is not strong, it is not possible to say whether mild TBI is also linked to many of the risks associated with moderate and severe TBI.
The authors also recommended that troops be more carefully screened before they are deployed so as to establish a baseline for diagnosing post-injury consequences. The VA should also include uninjured personnel in the health registry it is compiling on TBI veterans, so that better comparisons can be made, they said.
"Gulf War and Health: Volume 7: Long-Term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury."
Committee on Gulf War and Health: Brain Injury in Veterans and Long-Term Health Outcomes
Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice (BPH), Institute of Medicine (IOM)
Published by the National Academies Press, 2008.
Click here for details of how to order a copy and to read the report online.
Sources: IOM.
Written by: Catharine Paddock, PhD
A report by a non-profit US medical organization suggests that military personnel who suffer severe or moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at greater risk of long term health problems including Alzheimer's-like dementia, aggression, symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, depression, and memory loss.
Titled "Gulf War and Health: Volume 7: Long-Term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury", the report is published by the National Academies press and compiled by a committee of experts working under the auspices of the Institute of Medicine. The study was funded by the US Department of Veteran Affairs.
The researchers reviewed evidence of the long term consequences of TBI and concluded that even mild TBI is linked to some of the severe health consequences. They also noted that brain injuries from explosions that don't directly impact the head may be under-diagnosed because there is not enough research on blast injury: one of the most common hazards of serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The report said the US Defense and Veteran Affairs Departments should set up more clinical and animal studies into brain injuries caused by blasts, also known as blast-induced neurotrauma (BINT).
Chair of the committee that wrote the report, George W. Rutherford, who is professor of epidemiology and preventive medicine and also vice chair of the department of epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of California School of Medicine in San Francisco, said patterns of war-related brain injury have changed recently:
"Explosive devices and other weaponry have become more powerful and devastating throughout the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and we are seeing much higher rates of nonpenetrating traumatic brain injury and blast-induced injury among military personnel who have served in these countries than in earlier wars."
"It is important to identify and understand any long-term health effects of these injuries so that wounded service members do not lose valuable time for therapy and rehabilitation," he added.
According to the Department of Defense, up to January this year, over 5,500 troops have suffered TBI in the fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Explosives have become the hallmark of these conflicts, with more and more personnel suffering blast-related injuries, often as a result of experiencing more than one explosion.
There has been a prevailing tendency among neurologists to assume that the human skull protects most people from blast-related injury where no blow to the head occurs, and that neurological damage, both short and long term, is relatively unlikely. However, there is an increasing body of clinical research and military experience that says otherwise, according to the authors.
The authors said there are no adequate animal models of BINT and that the Departments of Veteran Affairs (VA) and Defense should sponsor research to establish some. Without these, it is not possible to conduct reliable experiments and accurately assess, diagnose and treat the changes in brain function and behaviour that veterans exposed to bomb blasts may develop.
There are mild and severe forms of TBI, and there is sufficient evidence to show that the seizures that can occur from skull piercing TBI wounds can also occur in non-penetrating TBI and less severe brain injury. Studies show that moderate and severe TBI is linked to other long term consequences too, including increased risk of a dementia that is like Alzheimer's, a disorder that is like Parkinson's, and reduced ability to form and maintain social relationships. Other studies shows that mild TBI is linked to increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.
The evidence does not show that the TBI causes these problems, only that it is linked to increased risk of developing them. It also shows that even mild TBI is linked to increased incidence of aggressive behaviour, depression, and problems with concentration and memory.
The authors said there is limited evidence that TBI is also linked to increased risk of diabetes and psychosis.
Because the evidence is not strong, it is not possible to say whether mild TBI is also linked to many of the risks associated with moderate and severe TBI.
The authors also recommended that troops be more carefully screened before they are deployed so as to establish a baseline for diagnosing post-injury consequences. The VA should also include uninjured personnel in the health registry it is compiling on TBI veterans, so that better comparisons can be made, they said.
"Gulf War and Health: Volume 7: Long-Term Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury."
Committee on Gulf War and Health: Brain Injury in Veterans and Long-Term Health Outcomes
Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice (BPH), Institute of Medicine (IOM)
Published by the National Academies Press, 2008.
Click here for details of how to order a copy and to read the report online.
Sources: IOM.
Written by: Catharine Paddock, PhD
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Rude Robots, Stay Away From Homes
Agam Shah, IDG News Service
Robots are fun to play with, but they can be insolent during social interaction with humans if badly programmed, a researcher said on Tuesday.
It is important to program robots to change moods by better understanding and adapting to human behavior, especially as robots play a bigger role in assisted living, said Maja Matari_, founding director of the University of Southern California's Center for Robotics and Embedded Systems, during a speech at the RoboDevelopment conference on Tuesday in Santa Clara, California.
"You can endow a robot with a personality ... but it should not be rude," Matari_ said. Unlike some humans, robots are not sociopaths, Matari_ said. Robots can stay a distance away and still interact with a person. However, people, especially at-risk patients, need social interaction, so the closer and more mobile a robot, the better.
By taking cues from body movement and health readings gathered from a body, robots can adapt behavior and take better care of patients, Matari_ said.
USC is experimenting with robots as coaches that direct the exercise and movement of patients suffering from cardiac or mental diseases. With the help of wearable technologies like sensors on humans, robots are able to judge and monitor human behavior and activity, based on which patients are directed to do certain activities.
For example, by collecting information from bracelet sensors on hands, robot coaches are encouraging cardiac patients to exercise. Robots are also helping Parkinson's disease patients move more appropriately by detecting walking movement with the help of a leg band on patients.
Cameras in a robot are another way to detect movement, but sensors are effective for patients concerned about privacy issues, Matari_ said. Wearable sensors can also keep track of human health.
Humans need to feel cared for and encouraged to do activities, but for sustained engagement, robots need to understand a patient and adapt to their behavior, Matari_ said. By taking real-time cues from health and movement reads, robots are now being programmed to motivate patients and adapt to changing moods and needs.
Robots can talk in engaging tones to motivate patients, but also need to know when to play music or read a book to calm a patient. Cardiac patients can reach high frustration levels, and certain sensors monitoring a patient's heart rate and blood pressure can indicate those levels, based on which a robot can react.
Customizable robots can also detect early signs of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, for which they can provide continued support, Matari_ said. Robots detecting sustained wayward movement in a person can identify it as an early sign of dementia.
Close to 1 million residents in the U.S. in assisted living have dementia, and 26 million worldwide have Alzheimer's disease, with the number expected to reach 100 million by 2050, Matari_ said.
The assistive robots being developed by USC will be ready for commercial use in a few years; venture capitalists just need to look at the technology and invest in it, Matari_ said in an interview after the speech. The need for caretakers is dire -- well-trained workers are few and nursing shortages are already an issue, and robots can fill that role, Matari_ said.
A professional company also needs to repackage the robots to make them attractive to consumers. The industry could take off if health insurance companies reimburse patients for charges related to assistive robots, she said.
Robots are fun to play with, but they can be insolent during social interaction with humans if badly programmed, a researcher said on Tuesday.
It is important to program robots to change moods by better understanding and adapting to human behavior, especially as robots play a bigger role in assisted living, said Maja Matari_, founding director of the University of Southern California's Center for Robotics and Embedded Systems, during a speech at the RoboDevelopment conference on Tuesday in Santa Clara, California.
"You can endow a robot with a personality ... but it should not be rude," Matari_ said. Unlike some humans, robots are not sociopaths, Matari_ said. Robots can stay a distance away and still interact with a person. However, people, especially at-risk patients, need social interaction, so the closer and more mobile a robot, the better.
By taking cues from body movement and health readings gathered from a body, robots can adapt behavior and take better care of patients, Matari_ said.
USC is experimenting with robots as coaches that direct the exercise and movement of patients suffering from cardiac or mental diseases. With the help of wearable technologies like sensors on humans, robots are able to judge and monitor human behavior and activity, based on which patients are directed to do certain activities.
For example, by collecting information from bracelet sensors on hands, robot coaches are encouraging cardiac patients to exercise. Robots are also helping Parkinson's disease patients move more appropriately by detecting walking movement with the help of a leg band on patients.
Cameras in a robot are another way to detect movement, but sensors are effective for patients concerned about privacy issues, Matari_ said. Wearable sensors can also keep track of human health.
Humans need to feel cared for and encouraged to do activities, but for sustained engagement, robots need to understand a patient and adapt to their behavior, Matari_ said. By taking real-time cues from health and movement reads, robots are now being programmed to motivate patients and adapt to changing moods and needs.
Robots can talk in engaging tones to motivate patients, but also need to know when to play music or read a book to calm a patient. Cardiac patients can reach high frustration levels, and certain sensors monitoring a patient's heart rate and blood pressure can indicate those levels, based on which a robot can react.
Customizable robots can also detect early signs of dementia or Alzheimer's disease, for which they can provide continued support, Matari_ said. Robots detecting sustained wayward movement in a person can identify it as an early sign of dementia.
Close to 1 million residents in the U.S. in assisted living have dementia, and 26 million worldwide have Alzheimer's disease, with the number expected to reach 100 million by 2050, Matari_ said.
The assistive robots being developed by USC will be ready for commercial use in a few years; venture capitalists just need to look at the technology and invest in it, Matari_ said in an interview after the speech. The need for caretakers is dire -- well-trained workers are few and nursing shortages are already an issue, and robots can fill that role, Matari_ said.
A professional company also needs to repackage the robots to make them attractive to consumers. The industry could take off if health insurance companies reimburse patients for charges related to assistive robots, she said.
Mercer stem cell researcher talks at CEC
By Brenda Pedraza-Vidamour
The Times-Herald
Dr. Henry Young, expert on adult stem cell research, spoke to biology and medical profession students at Central Educational Center in Newnan about his research Thursday morning.
Unlike the controversial embryonic stem cell research, adult stem cell research involves extracting cells venally (from marrow) or from cadaveric or live adult tissue, such as the skin or muscle. They are the cells many scientists believed didn't exist when Young started his research 30 years ago.
Today, four types of stem cells are recognized: embryonic, amniotic, umbilical cord and adult.
Proof that adult stem cells exist and have viable medical applications has received lots of international attention recently following some work five months ago by doctors in Bristol, England, and Barcelona, Spain. The doctors used adult stem cells to create a new windpipe in a Bristol lab for transplantation into a 30-year-old Colombian woman.
The stem cells were harvested from the trachea of a 51-year-old who died and the woman's own bone marrow. The lab-made windpipe was then transplanted into Claudia Castillo in Barcelona. She has suffered no complications nor risked rejection since her body recognizes that new section of her trachea as her own.
The work is regarded as a medical milestone and precursor to "a new age in surgical care," per Wednesday's report on CNN.
Young, a professor of anatomy at the Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, said the international team's work proves that adult stem cell transplants work, and could be more successful because patients aren't required to take the necessary anti-rejection drugs to help the body accept the organ. Young explained transplant patients eventually require a second transplant -- a kidney transplant -- within 10-15 years after their original transplant because of the body's reaction to the donor antigens.
In a two-and-one-half-hour series of slide show presentations, Young explained how embryonic stem cells are derived and how his lab has isolated, classified and characterized adult stem cells. In response to a question, Young explained why he chose adult over embryonic stem cell research.
"A lot of the public finds a moral and ethical dilemma with stem cell research. With me, personally, I chose adult stem cell because I have an issue with embryonic stem cell research, but there's a need for embryonic stem cell research. We're not allowed to do research on embryos so embryonic stem cell research should go forward and be funded for treatment of embryos and fetuses in the womb. I've made my choice, and I let other people make their choices."
Young, who also serves as an adjunct professor in Mercer's departments of pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, is credited with discovering the adult totipotent blastomere-like stem cells (BLSCs), adult pluripotent epiblast-like stem cells (ELSCs) and adult-derived germ layer stem cells (GLSCs). He has 11 current and pending patents, which he pointed out aren't to protect any profitable interests, but to further medical research.
"I believe in the Wal-Mart approach rather than the Mercedes approach -- high value and low cost. I want to see people treated rather than make lots of money," he said.
Young covered with the crowd of about 150 students the extensive medical applications of adult stem cells and what makes them better for medical application including a quiescent characteristic, which means the cells don't spontaneously differentiate (break down into a lot of other different cells) like embryonic stem cells. Young explained the cells act much like his 17-year-old daughter who sits on the couch all day and won't do anything until somebody tells her what to do. The cells' quiescence allows researchers the ability to regulate and control their differentiation.
Young said there's interest in stem cell research because of the varying medical uses. One ongoing problem with it, however, is that there are still shortages in numbers of donors and research is slow-paced. He encouraged students to make tissue donations, volunteer to do research work and spread the word about clinical trials. Currently, the Mercer lab has 17 patients involved in experimental trials who are being treated for various disorders ranging from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to Parkinson's disease.
Barbara Rickles, a biotechnology teacher at CEC, invited Young to speak after meeting him at a conference last summer. Included in the audience were students from her biotechnology class, AP biology classes from Coweta's three public high schools and nursing students from CEC and West Central Technical College.
Bret Eady, a Northgate High School junior, said Young's work was fascinating.
"I just thought it was really interesting that you have cells in your body now that can still mimic the cells you had as an infant," he said.
The Times-Herald
Dr. Henry Young, expert on adult stem cell research, spoke to biology and medical profession students at Central Educational Center in Newnan about his research Thursday morning.
Unlike the controversial embryonic stem cell research, adult stem cell research involves extracting cells venally (from marrow) or from cadaveric or live adult tissue, such as the skin or muscle. They are the cells many scientists believed didn't exist when Young started his research 30 years ago.
Today, four types of stem cells are recognized: embryonic, amniotic, umbilical cord and adult.
Proof that adult stem cells exist and have viable medical applications has received lots of international attention recently following some work five months ago by doctors in Bristol, England, and Barcelona, Spain. The doctors used adult stem cells to create a new windpipe in a Bristol lab for transplantation into a 30-year-old Colombian woman.
The stem cells were harvested from the trachea of a 51-year-old who died and the woman's own bone marrow. The lab-made windpipe was then transplanted into Claudia Castillo in Barcelona. She has suffered no complications nor risked rejection since her body recognizes that new section of her trachea as her own.
The work is regarded as a medical milestone and precursor to "a new age in surgical care," per Wednesday's report on CNN.
Young, a professor of anatomy at the Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, said the international team's work proves that adult stem cell transplants work, and could be more successful because patients aren't required to take the necessary anti-rejection drugs to help the body accept the organ. Young explained transplant patients eventually require a second transplant -- a kidney transplant -- within 10-15 years after their original transplant because of the body's reaction to the donor antigens.
In a two-and-one-half-hour series of slide show presentations, Young explained how embryonic stem cells are derived and how his lab has isolated, classified and characterized adult stem cells. In response to a question, Young explained why he chose adult over embryonic stem cell research.
"A lot of the public finds a moral and ethical dilemma with stem cell research. With me, personally, I chose adult stem cell because I have an issue with embryonic stem cell research, but there's a need for embryonic stem cell research. We're not allowed to do research on embryos so embryonic stem cell research should go forward and be funded for treatment of embryos and fetuses in the womb. I've made my choice, and I let other people make their choices."
Young, who also serves as an adjunct professor in Mercer's departments of pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, is credited with discovering the adult totipotent blastomere-like stem cells (BLSCs), adult pluripotent epiblast-like stem cells (ELSCs) and adult-derived germ layer stem cells (GLSCs). He has 11 current and pending patents, which he pointed out aren't to protect any profitable interests, but to further medical research.
"I believe in the Wal-Mart approach rather than the Mercedes approach -- high value and low cost. I want to see people treated rather than make lots of money," he said.
Young covered with the crowd of about 150 students the extensive medical applications of adult stem cells and what makes them better for medical application including a quiescent characteristic, which means the cells don't spontaneously differentiate (break down into a lot of other different cells) like embryonic stem cells. Young explained the cells act much like his 17-year-old daughter who sits on the couch all day and won't do anything until somebody tells her what to do. The cells' quiescence allows researchers the ability to regulate and control their differentiation.
Young said there's interest in stem cell research because of the varying medical uses. One ongoing problem with it, however, is that there are still shortages in numbers of donors and research is slow-paced. He encouraged students to make tissue donations, volunteer to do research work and spread the word about clinical trials. Currently, the Mercer lab has 17 patients involved in experimental trials who are being treated for various disorders ranging from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to Parkinson's disease.
Barbara Rickles, a biotechnology teacher at CEC, invited Young to speak after meeting him at a conference last summer. Included in the audience were students from her biotechnology class, AP biology classes from Coweta's three public high schools and nursing students from CEC and West Central Technical College.
Bret Eady, a Northgate High School junior, said Young's work was fascinating.
"I just thought it was really interesting that you have cells in your body now that can still mimic the cells you had as an infant," he said.
Philips Forms Several Health Research Alliances: Philips has signed research agreements with several partners recently
Abstract:
NeuroNexus Technologies and Philips Research have signed a joint research agreement to develop next-generation deep brain stimulation devices with the ambition to improve the treatment of neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders. By combining Philips Research's strengths in microelectronics, signal processing, ultra-low power system design and miniaturization with NeuroNexus Technologies' expertise in micro-scale electrode design and fabrication, the two companies aim to show the technical feasibility of highly programmable and MRI-safe deep brain stimulation devices. Their initial research will aim to meet the functional requirements of a deep brain stimulation device for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. This is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that impairs people's motor skills and speech, leading to a progressive loss in quality of life. Recent publications suggest that deep brain stimulation could also be suitable for treating psychiatric disorders such as clinical depression.
Philips Forms Several Health Research Alliances: Philips has signed research agreements with several partners recently.
Germany | Posted on November 20th, 2008
Late-stage Parkinson's disease is increasingly being treated using deep brain stimulation - a technique that involves implantation of a medical device, a "brain pacemaker" that sends electrical impulses to specific parts of the patient's brain via permanently inserted electrodes. The pacemaker control unit is normally implanted into the patient's chest or abdomen, with a connecting lead routed under the skin to the brain electrode. While offering an effective therapy that helps many patients, currently available technologies have significant limitations.
"As currently used, deep brain stimulation poses several challenges to both the patient and the physician: The implantation requires a lengthy surgical procedure involving both neurosurgeons and neurologists. Following surgery, setting the right stimulation parameters requires painstaking efforts on the part of the neurologists before the patient can be sent home. In the long term, patients may for example develop spine problems that would require further examination using MRI, but with current implants MRI scans are not possible due to the materials used in the fabrication of DBS electrodes and the stimulators," explains Prof. Maximilian Mehdorn, Head of Neurosurgery at the Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Germany.
The joint research project aims to address these clinical needs, and will leverage Philips' expertise in medical imaging and surgery planning with the aim of simplifying the implantation process and shortening the surgical procedure. Philips will also contribute to making the entire device MRI compatible so that patients fitted with the implant are not barred from MRI scans. With its world-leading track record in neural micro-electrodes, NeuroNexus Technologies brings in key technology and knowledge for novel brain probes.
"As neuroscientists become increasingly able to understand the language of the brain and fix neurological conditions with advanced electrical stimulation techniques, they will need a new generation of DBS devices that give them much greater flexibility in tailoring therapy," explains Daryl Kipke, chief executive officer of NeuroNexus Technologies. "With our unique micro-scale implantable electrode technology and Philips Research's integration expertise, we are well positioned to make a significant leap forward in delivering technologies that will support neurologists and neurosurgeons in improving patient treatment."
"Contributing to the development of MRI-compatible deep brain stimulation devices may ultimately allow us to combine DBS technology with our functional imaging, image-guided intervention and therapy planning capabilities to produce integrated treatment suites for neurodegenerative disease," says Henk van Houten, senior vice president of Philips Research and head of its Healthcare Research program. "It's yet another example of where the coming together of in-depth clinical knowledge and world-class technology expertise can work to the benefit of patients."
NeuroNexus Technologies and Philips Research have signed a joint research agreement to develop next-generation deep brain stimulation devices with the ambition to improve the treatment of neurological diseases and psychiatric disorders. By combining Philips Research's strengths in microelectronics, signal processing, ultra-low power system design and miniaturization with NeuroNexus Technologies' expertise in micro-scale electrode design and fabrication, the two companies aim to show the technical feasibility of highly programmable and MRI-safe deep brain stimulation devices. Their initial research will aim to meet the functional requirements of a deep brain stimulation device for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. This is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that impairs people's motor skills and speech, leading to a progressive loss in quality of life. Recent publications suggest that deep brain stimulation could also be suitable for treating psychiatric disorders such as clinical depression.
Philips Forms Several Health Research Alliances: Philips has signed research agreements with several partners recently.
Germany | Posted on November 20th, 2008
Late-stage Parkinson's disease is increasingly being treated using deep brain stimulation - a technique that involves implantation of a medical device, a "brain pacemaker" that sends electrical impulses to specific parts of the patient's brain via permanently inserted electrodes. The pacemaker control unit is normally implanted into the patient's chest or abdomen, with a connecting lead routed under the skin to the brain electrode. While offering an effective therapy that helps many patients, currently available technologies have significant limitations.
"As currently used, deep brain stimulation poses several challenges to both the patient and the physician: The implantation requires a lengthy surgical procedure involving both neurosurgeons and neurologists. Following surgery, setting the right stimulation parameters requires painstaking efforts on the part of the neurologists before the patient can be sent home. In the long term, patients may for example develop spine problems that would require further examination using MRI, but with current implants MRI scans are not possible due to the materials used in the fabrication of DBS electrodes and the stimulators," explains Prof. Maximilian Mehdorn, Head of Neurosurgery at the Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Germany.
The joint research project aims to address these clinical needs, and will leverage Philips' expertise in medical imaging and surgery planning with the aim of simplifying the implantation process and shortening the surgical procedure. Philips will also contribute to making the entire device MRI compatible so that patients fitted with the implant are not barred from MRI scans. With its world-leading track record in neural micro-electrodes, NeuroNexus Technologies brings in key technology and knowledge for novel brain probes.
"As neuroscientists become increasingly able to understand the language of the brain and fix neurological conditions with advanced electrical stimulation techniques, they will need a new generation of DBS devices that give them much greater flexibility in tailoring therapy," explains Daryl Kipke, chief executive officer of NeuroNexus Technologies. "With our unique micro-scale implantable electrode technology and Philips Research's integration expertise, we are well positioned to make a significant leap forward in delivering technologies that will support neurologists and neurosurgeons in improving patient treatment."
"Contributing to the development of MRI-compatible deep brain stimulation devices may ultimately allow us to combine DBS technology with our functional imaging, image-guided intervention and therapy planning capabilities to produce integrated treatment suites for neurodegenerative disease," says Henk van Houten, senior vice president of Philips Research and head of its Healthcare Research program. "It's yet another example of where the coming together of in-depth clinical knowledge and world-class technology expertise can work to the benefit of patients."
Study links Parkinson's, agricultural fungicide
The Associated Press
Posted: 11/17/2008 12:59:16 PM PST
FRESNO, Calif.—A new study has made a connection between Parkinson's disease and residents in the San Joaquin Valley who have experienced long-term exposure to certain pesticides.
A University of California, Los Angeles study of 400 Valley residents with the neurological disease indicates a connection between Parkinson's and a fungicide called ziram, an agricultural toxin widely used on nut and fruit trees and grapes.
Research showed the fungicide kills certain brain cells associated with Parkinson's. Researchers say it could explain why the rate of Parkinson's seems to be higher in the San Joaquin Valley than elsewhere in the state.
A spokeswoman for the California Department of Pesticide Regulation says it's too early to discuss restrictions or a ban on ziram, but officials have made studying the potential link a priority.
Posted: 11/17/2008 12:59:16 PM PST
FRESNO, Calif.—A new study has made a connection between Parkinson's disease and residents in the San Joaquin Valley who have experienced long-term exposure to certain pesticides.
A University of California, Los Angeles study of 400 Valley residents with the neurological disease indicates a connection between Parkinson's and a fungicide called ziram, an agricultural toxin widely used on nut and fruit trees and grapes.
Research showed the fungicide kills certain brain cells associated with Parkinson's. Researchers say it could explain why the rate of Parkinson's seems to be higher in the San Joaquin Valley than elsewhere in the state.
A spokeswoman for the California Department of Pesticide Regulation says it's too early to discuss restrictions or a ban on ziram, but officials have made studying the potential link a priority.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Wash. voters approve assisted suicide initiative
Voters approved Initiative 1000 on Tuesday, making Washington the second state to give terminally ill people the option of medically assisted suicide.
By CURT WOODWARD
Voters approved Initiative 1000 on Tuesday, making Washington the second state to give terminally ill people the option of medically assisted suicide.
The ballot measure, patterned after Oregon's "Death with Dignity" law, allows a terminally ill person to be prescribed lethal medication, which would be self-administered.
With about 43 percent of the expected vote counted Tuesday in unofficial returns, I-1000 was being approved by a margin of about 58 percent to about 42 percent.
Supporters, led publicly by Democratic former Gov. Booth Gardner, said the initiative would provide a compassionate way for terminally ill people to die.
Gardner has Parkinson's disease, an incurable disorder that causes tremors and stiff or frozen limbs. Gardner, who would not be eligible under I-1000 because Parkinson's is not considered fatal, said he pushed the measure in his "last campaign" because he understood why other ill people would want the option.
Opponents, including the Catholic church, said assisted suicide is a dangerous step that devalues human life. Critics also said the assisted suicide measure could exploit depressed or vulnerable people who worry they've become a burden on their families.
The measure involved a multimillion-dollar campaign, including TV advertisements featuring actor Martin Sheen, who urged a "no" vote. But polling before Election Day showed I-1000 with significant support.
Outside of Oregon, advocates of similar laws haven't fared well. California, Michigan and Maine voters rejected the idea, and bills have failed in statehouses around the country. In Washington, voters rejected physician-assisted suicide in 1991.
This year's proposal differs from the earlier Washington measure - it doesn't allow doctors to administer lethal drugs on behalf of patients who can't do so themselves.
Any patient requesting the fatal medication must be at least 18, declared competent and a resident of Washington state.
The patient would have to make two oral requests, 15 days apart, and submit a written request witnessed by two people, including one person who is not a relative, heir, attending doctor, or connected with a health facility where the requester lives.
Two doctors also would have to certify that the patient has a terminal condition and six months or less to live.
Forty-nine people died in Oregon last year under that state's assisted suicide law, according to a report by the Oregon Department of Human Services. Since it went into effect, more than 340 Oregon patients have used the law to end their lives.
Most suffered from cancer, and the most common reasons reported for choosing assisted suicide were loss of autonomy, loss of dignity and a decreasing ability to participate in activities they enjoyed.
The decision on I-1000 was a personal one for 82-year-old Jean Hoggarth of Yakima. She battled breast cancer and the disease now has spread to her bones, but voted against the initiative.
"I've had experience with people dying, but I believe it can be done peacefully," Hoggarth said. "And we have doctors today who give the best care. They should be allowed to do that all the way to the end."
Mike Dingus, a 39-year-old long-term care worker in Yakima, voted "yes."
"You don't get much choice coming in, so you should get some choice going out," Dingus said.
By CURT WOODWARD
Voters approved Initiative 1000 on Tuesday, making Washington the second state to give terminally ill people the option of medically assisted suicide.
The ballot measure, patterned after Oregon's "Death with Dignity" law, allows a terminally ill person to be prescribed lethal medication, which would be self-administered.
With about 43 percent of the expected vote counted Tuesday in unofficial returns, I-1000 was being approved by a margin of about 58 percent to about 42 percent.
Supporters, led publicly by Democratic former Gov. Booth Gardner, said the initiative would provide a compassionate way for terminally ill people to die.
Gardner has Parkinson's disease, an incurable disorder that causes tremors and stiff or frozen limbs. Gardner, who would not be eligible under I-1000 because Parkinson's is not considered fatal, said he pushed the measure in his "last campaign" because he understood why other ill people would want the option.
Opponents, including the Catholic church, said assisted suicide is a dangerous step that devalues human life. Critics also said the assisted suicide measure could exploit depressed or vulnerable people who worry they've become a burden on their families.
The measure involved a multimillion-dollar campaign, including TV advertisements featuring actor Martin Sheen, who urged a "no" vote. But polling before Election Day showed I-1000 with significant support.
Outside of Oregon, advocates of similar laws haven't fared well. California, Michigan and Maine voters rejected the idea, and bills have failed in statehouses around the country. In Washington, voters rejected physician-assisted suicide in 1991.
This year's proposal differs from the earlier Washington measure - it doesn't allow doctors to administer lethal drugs on behalf of patients who can't do so themselves.
Any patient requesting the fatal medication must be at least 18, declared competent and a resident of Washington state.
The patient would have to make two oral requests, 15 days apart, and submit a written request witnessed by two people, including one person who is not a relative, heir, attending doctor, or connected with a health facility where the requester lives.
Two doctors also would have to certify that the patient has a terminal condition and six months or less to live.
Forty-nine people died in Oregon last year under that state's assisted suicide law, according to a report by the Oregon Department of Human Services. Since it went into effect, more than 340 Oregon patients have used the law to end their lives.
Most suffered from cancer, and the most common reasons reported for choosing assisted suicide were loss of autonomy, loss of dignity and a decreasing ability to participate in activities they enjoyed.
The decision on I-1000 was a personal one for 82-year-old Jean Hoggarth of Yakima. She battled breast cancer and the disease now has spread to her bones, but voted against the initiative.
"I've had experience with people dying, but I believe it can be done peacefully," Hoggarth said. "And we have doctors today who give the best care. They should be allowed to do that all the way to the end."
Mike Dingus, a 39-year-old long-term care worker in Yakima, voted "yes."
"You don't get much choice coming in, so you should get some choice going out," Dingus said.
Famed pastor says there's a cure for Parkinson's
Robert Schuller is under scrutiny from medical experts and those suffering from the disease.
By JENNIFER MUIR
GARDEN GROVE — Robert H. Schuller announced Sunday during an internationally televised sermon at the Crystal Cathedral that his friend has discovered a cure for Parkinson's disease, sparking a backlash among those who suffer from the neurological disease and bewilderment among medical professionals.
Schuller was introducing a different guest for his "Hour of Power" sermon when he made the announcement, promising his congregation that the medical researcher would soon fly in from Pittsburgh "to share with us how God helped him to discover a cure — that's the word they use — for Parkinson's disease."
But no one else in the medical community has heard about it.
"This is giving people false hope," said Bob Kendall, 48, who was diagnosed seven years ago. "To me this is really sad. If there was a breakthrough and a cure, it wouldn't be a televangelist announcing it, believe me. There are a lot of people up in arms."
Neurological experts say they're not aware of any breakthrough. Dr. Neal Hermanowicz, director of the movement disorder program in UCI's Department of Neurology, said it would be unusual for such a discovery to remain a secret, as promising work in progress is routinely presented and discussed at medical conferences.
"I don't know of anybody anywhere in the world who is close to a cure for Parkinson's disease," said Hermanowicz, who was first asked about Schuller's sermon by a patient on Thursday.
"Usually if something big is about to occur, there's evidence presented at our meetings," he said. "So if somebody has something really big it would be unusual to have no inkling of it in advance."
Schuller told congregants that he learned about the breakthrough while at a recent conference in Toronto for members of Horatio Alger, a nonprofit group that honors community leaders who have achieved success "through honesty, hard work, self-reliance and perseverance over adversity," the group's Web site says.
"One of my friends there is a famed researcher and he whispered to me, 'I've done it,'" Schuller said during the sermon. "I said, 'You have?' I've known him 20 years. He has discovered a cure to Parkinson's disease and he will be with me here in person in a few weeks."
He did not disclose the researcher's name during his sermon, but a spokesman confirmed Friday that the pastor was referring to Dr. Peter J. Jannetta, a professor of neurosurgery and namesake of the Jannetta Center for Cranial Nerve Disorders at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Penn.
The spokesman, Michael Nason, referred questions about the research to Jannetta.
A secretary for Jannetta said he was not available for comment.
"We want to be very cautious at this point on what we say further," Nason said. "We think that this has tremendous, very positive ramifications, and we want to take care that we help the doctor make sure that this is responsibly reported."
In his sermon, Schuller said the research has been "triple-checked" and will appear in the London-based medical journal Lancet. A representative for Lancet declined to comment, saying that the journal's "peer-review process and all correspondence with authors are confidential."
Parkinson's disease is caused by the degeneration of dopamine cells in the brain. Symptoms include tremors, slow speech and a shuffling walk. More than 1.5 million people across the U.S. suffer from the disease, according to the American Parkinson's Disease Association.
There is no known cure, and recent research has primarily focused on finding ways to slow its development, determine its cause and better treat the symptoms, Hermanowicz said.
While he's not aware of Jannetta's expertise in Parkinson's research, Hermanowicz said Jannetta is a known expert for surgeries that stop facial twitching, and that the University of Pittsburgh is home to many well-respected neurologists.
Kendall, who lives in Ashland, Ohio and is on disability because of the disease, first heard about Schuller's announcement Monday, when he was emailed a link to the "Hour of Power" webcast. Ever since, he's been calling the Crystal Cathedral and Allegheny General Hospital for answers.
"Why would someone in his position stand up and say something like that?" Kendall said. "It makes you angry."
Nason acknowledged the Crystal Cathedral has received phone calls about the sermon from viewers suffering from Parkinson's, and cautioned people not "to put a total answer on it without first finding out what the significance of the paper is."
The church is hopeful Jannetta has found a cure, and they're looking forward to him appearing as a guest on the show, Nason said.
Dixie Bullington, a 75-year-old paralegal who has Parkinson's, says she's waiting to see proof.
"I'm not one to jump on something quickly just because somebody says it," said Bullington of La Mirada. "I would want to see the research and talk to the neurologist about it and see where the research came from….You would think there would be some headlines in the paper about it if that were true."
Hermanowicz learned about Schuller's announcement from a patient, and offered some hopeful advice.
"I tell my patients that there is reason for optimism," he said. "It's of intense interest and effort by a lot of very bright people.
"I don't know of a fix for Parkinson's disease that's foreseeable in the immediate future, but there's a lot of effort going on around the world."
By JENNIFER MUIR
GARDEN GROVE — Robert H. Schuller announced Sunday during an internationally televised sermon at the Crystal Cathedral that his friend has discovered a cure for Parkinson's disease, sparking a backlash among those who suffer from the neurological disease and bewilderment among medical professionals.
Schuller was introducing a different guest for his "Hour of Power" sermon when he made the announcement, promising his congregation that the medical researcher would soon fly in from Pittsburgh "to share with us how God helped him to discover a cure — that's the word they use — for Parkinson's disease."
But no one else in the medical community has heard about it.
"This is giving people false hope," said Bob Kendall, 48, who was diagnosed seven years ago. "To me this is really sad. If there was a breakthrough and a cure, it wouldn't be a televangelist announcing it, believe me. There are a lot of people up in arms."
Neurological experts say they're not aware of any breakthrough. Dr. Neal Hermanowicz, director of the movement disorder program in UCI's Department of Neurology, said it would be unusual for such a discovery to remain a secret, as promising work in progress is routinely presented and discussed at medical conferences.
"I don't know of anybody anywhere in the world who is close to a cure for Parkinson's disease," said Hermanowicz, who was first asked about Schuller's sermon by a patient on Thursday.
"Usually if something big is about to occur, there's evidence presented at our meetings," he said. "So if somebody has something really big it would be unusual to have no inkling of it in advance."
Schuller told congregants that he learned about the breakthrough while at a recent conference in Toronto for members of Horatio Alger, a nonprofit group that honors community leaders who have achieved success "through honesty, hard work, self-reliance and perseverance over adversity," the group's Web site says.
"One of my friends there is a famed researcher and he whispered to me, 'I've done it,'" Schuller said during the sermon. "I said, 'You have?' I've known him 20 years. He has discovered a cure to Parkinson's disease and he will be with me here in person in a few weeks."
He did not disclose the researcher's name during his sermon, but a spokesman confirmed Friday that the pastor was referring to Dr. Peter J. Jannetta, a professor of neurosurgery and namesake of the Jannetta Center for Cranial Nerve Disorders at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Penn.
The spokesman, Michael Nason, referred questions about the research to Jannetta.
A secretary for Jannetta said he was not available for comment.
"We want to be very cautious at this point on what we say further," Nason said. "We think that this has tremendous, very positive ramifications, and we want to take care that we help the doctor make sure that this is responsibly reported."
In his sermon, Schuller said the research has been "triple-checked" and will appear in the London-based medical journal Lancet. A representative for Lancet declined to comment, saying that the journal's "peer-review process and all correspondence with authors are confidential."
Parkinson's disease is caused by the degeneration of dopamine cells in the brain. Symptoms include tremors, slow speech and a shuffling walk. More than 1.5 million people across the U.S. suffer from the disease, according to the American Parkinson's Disease Association.
There is no known cure, and recent research has primarily focused on finding ways to slow its development, determine its cause and better treat the symptoms, Hermanowicz said.
While he's not aware of Jannetta's expertise in Parkinson's research, Hermanowicz said Jannetta is a known expert for surgeries that stop facial twitching, and that the University of Pittsburgh is home to many well-respected neurologists.
Kendall, who lives in Ashland, Ohio and is on disability because of the disease, first heard about Schuller's announcement Monday, when he was emailed a link to the "Hour of Power" webcast. Ever since, he's been calling the Crystal Cathedral and Allegheny General Hospital for answers.
"Why would someone in his position stand up and say something like that?" Kendall said. "It makes you angry."
Nason acknowledged the Crystal Cathedral has received phone calls about the sermon from viewers suffering from Parkinson's, and cautioned people not "to put a total answer on it without first finding out what the significance of the paper is."
The church is hopeful Jannetta has found a cure, and they're looking forward to him appearing as a guest on the show, Nason said.
Dixie Bullington, a 75-year-old paralegal who has Parkinson's, says she's waiting to see proof.
"I'm not one to jump on something quickly just because somebody says it," said Bullington of La Mirada. "I would want to see the research and talk to the neurologist about it and see where the research came from….You would think there would be some headlines in the paper about it if that were true."
Hermanowicz learned about Schuller's announcement from a patient, and offered some hopeful advice.
"I tell my patients that there is reason for optimism," he said. "It's of intense interest and effort by a lot of very bright people.
"I don't know of a fix for Parkinson's disease that's foreseeable in the immediate future, but there's a lot of effort going on around the world."
Living With Parkinson's
Courtny Gerrish
RACINE - Imagine being diagnosed with an incurable, progressive disease at the prime of your life.
When a Kenosha woman was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, she knew it would be tough, but she's battling it head-on.
Exercise isn't easy for any of us. For Cindy Grueter...it's especially a challenge.
"You have to look at what you can, not what you can't do," Cindy explains.
Cindy has Parkinson's disease, a brain disorder that leads to shaking and difficulty moving.
"My hand tremors started in my right hand, but they've progressed to my legs, which when your legs shake, your whole body shakes," Cindy says.
Cindy was diagnosed six years ago at age 43. Most cases don't develop until after age 50.
"You look at it and think, 'Where am I gonna be in 10 years?'" she admits.
The diagnosis came right at the peak of Cindy's career. She also had two kids in high school. Her daughter Dana recalls that difficult time.
"My mom was very depressed for a long time, and our family kind of went into chaos, crisis mode," she says.
Cindy's husband John adds, "Once in awhile I'll see where she can't do something, and that'll upset me."
Cindy decided it was time for a change...and that's where Razor Sharp Fitness and personal trainer Ernie Zuberbuehler came in.
"She was a go-getter. She wanted to do everything, jumps right to it," Zuberbuehler says.
Cindy takes several medications a day, but nothing works as well as exercise.
"The exercise helps a lot. I feel better. I look better," Cindy notes.
There's even research to back up the benefits of exercise in Parkinson's patients. Dr. Karen Blindauer is a neurologist at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
"There's some theories that the increase in blood flow to the brain when we exercise, or even just circulating endorphins that just make us feel good when we exercise, that might even help to preserve the dying nerve cells in Parkinson's," Dr. Blindauer says.
Cindy has another coping mechanism besides exercise: Her new red sports car!
"Cindy hit me with the 'I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to drive, and I'd really like to have it, and we could afford it,’ so yeah, she got her little red sports car," John says.
While Cindy has improved...it's still not easy for the family.
"The things that upset me most now...she has a very hard time smiling. I miss seeing my mom smile," Dana admits.
Cindy's condition will eventually worsen. But for now, she's hitting the gym, and beating the odds!
"I think the bottom line is, is you can't look for a Utopia, cuz it's not coming. You gotta learn to live with this disease, and all the little things it does to you," Cindy explains.
The Medical College and Froedtert Hospital offers treatment and advice for patients and their families.
There's no cure for Parkinson's, but medicine and surgeries like Deep Brain Stimulation can help control the symptoms.
RACINE - Imagine being diagnosed with an incurable, progressive disease at the prime of your life.
When a Kenosha woman was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, she knew it would be tough, but she's battling it head-on.
Exercise isn't easy for any of us. For Cindy Grueter...it's especially a challenge.
"You have to look at what you can, not what you can't do," Cindy explains.
Cindy has Parkinson's disease, a brain disorder that leads to shaking and difficulty moving.
"My hand tremors started in my right hand, but they've progressed to my legs, which when your legs shake, your whole body shakes," Cindy says.
Cindy was diagnosed six years ago at age 43. Most cases don't develop until after age 50.
"You look at it and think, 'Where am I gonna be in 10 years?'" she admits.
The diagnosis came right at the peak of Cindy's career. She also had two kids in high school. Her daughter Dana recalls that difficult time.
"My mom was very depressed for a long time, and our family kind of went into chaos, crisis mode," she says.
Cindy's husband John adds, "Once in awhile I'll see where she can't do something, and that'll upset me."
Cindy decided it was time for a change...and that's where Razor Sharp Fitness and personal trainer Ernie Zuberbuehler came in.
"She was a go-getter. She wanted to do everything, jumps right to it," Zuberbuehler says.
Cindy takes several medications a day, but nothing works as well as exercise.
"The exercise helps a lot. I feel better. I look better," Cindy notes.
There's even research to back up the benefits of exercise in Parkinson's patients. Dr. Karen Blindauer is a neurologist at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
"There's some theories that the increase in blood flow to the brain when we exercise, or even just circulating endorphins that just make us feel good when we exercise, that might even help to preserve the dying nerve cells in Parkinson's," Dr. Blindauer says.
Cindy has another coping mechanism besides exercise: Her new red sports car!
"Cindy hit me with the 'I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to drive, and I'd really like to have it, and we could afford it,’ so yeah, she got her little red sports car," John says.
While Cindy has improved...it's still not easy for the family.
"The things that upset me most now...she has a very hard time smiling. I miss seeing my mom smile," Dana admits.
Cindy's condition will eventually worsen. But for now, she's hitting the gym, and beating the odds!
"I think the bottom line is, is you can't look for a Utopia, cuz it's not coming. You gotta learn to live with this disease, and all the little things it does to you," Cindy explains.
The Medical College and Froedtert Hospital offers treatment and advice for patients and their families.
There's no cure for Parkinson's, but medicine and surgeries like Deep Brain Stimulation can help control the symptoms.
Also on the ballot: Assisted suicide measure
Jordan Lite
There's renewed energy behind the right-to-die movement: A voter initiative on the Washington State ballot would allow doctors to prescribe lethal drugs to dying patients.
If residents approve the measure, known as Initiative 1000 or the "Washington Death with Dignity Initiative," the state would become only the second in the country to allow the terminally ill to die with the help of a doctor. Oregon approved its own law in 1994.
Washington State voters rejected physician-assisted suicide in 1991, as have those in California, Michigan and Maine, the Associated Press notes. But unlike the first, failed initiative in Washington State, this one—sponsored by a coalition led by former Washington State Gov. Booth Gardner, who has Parkinson's disease—wouldn't let doctors administer lethal medicines to patients who can't take them on their own. Only the patients themselves would be able to use them to commit suicide.
Here are the parameters of the proposed law, according to the Yes on I-1000 Web site: Patients would have to be state residents who are 18 or older, be diagnosed with a terminal illness that gives them six months or less to live, and be mentally competent. They'd have to make three requests for medication — two verbal, and one in writing — with a 15-day waiting period between the first verbal request and the written one. There would be another 48-hour wait between the written request and the writing of the actual prescription.
Two people would have to witness the signing of the written request.
Since Oregon's law went into effect in 1997, 340 people have taken their lives, the AP says. That law, as well as the proposed Washington State measure, stop short of allowing euthanasia as it works in the Netherlands, the Seattle Times notes. There, doctors can administer lethal drugs.
There's renewed energy behind the right-to-die movement: A voter initiative on the Washington State ballot would allow doctors to prescribe lethal drugs to dying patients.
If residents approve the measure, known as Initiative 1000 or the "Washington Death with Dignity Initiative," the state would become only the second in the country to allow the terminally ill to die with the help of a doctor. Oregon approved its own law in 1994.
Washington State voters rejected physician-assisted suicide in 1991, as have those in California, Michigan and Maine, the Associated Press notes. But unlike the first, failed initiative in Washington State, this one—sponsored by a coalition led by former Washington State Gov. Booth Gardner, who has Parkinson's disease—wouldn't let doctors administer lethal medicines to patients who can't take them on their own. Only the patients themselves would be able to use them to commit suicide.
Here are the parameters of the proposed law, according to the Yes on I-1000 Web site: Patients would have to be state residents who are 18 or older, be diagnosed with a terminal illness that gives them six months or less to live, and be mentally competent. They'd have to make three requests for medication — two verbal, and one in writing — with a 15-day waiting period between the first verbal request and the written one. There would be another 48-hour wait between the written request and the writing of the actual prescription.
Two people would have to witness the signing of the written request.
Since Oregon's law went into effect in 1997, 340 people have taken their lives, the AP says. That law, as well as the proposed Washington State measure, stop short of allowing euthanasia as it works in the Netherlands, the Seattle Times notes. There, doctors can administer lethal drugs.
Henry Ford Awarded $1 Million for Parkinson Research
The Department of Neurology at Henry Ford Hospital has been awarded a $1 million endowment by the late William T. Gossett to advance research in Parkinson’s disease, a devastating neurological disorder.
Jay M. Gorell, M.D., division head of Movement Disorders and director of Gossett Parkinson’s Disease Center, has been named the first holder of the William T. Gossett Chair in Neurology.
The $1 million gift will be placed into an account, and the interest generated will be overseen by Gorell to support research in Parkinson’s disease. Gossett, a prominent Detroit attorney, was former president of the American Bar Association. He died last year.
"This endowed chair will allow Dr. Gorell and his team of researchers to continue to make a real difference in the treatment and understanding of Parkinson’s disease," said Gail Warden, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health System.
In recent years, Gorell and his research team have found:
* Evidence that chronic occupational exposure to several metals such as copper, manganese lead and iron is associated with the disease;
* An association of Parkinson’s disease with occupational exposure to herbicides and insecticides;
* In the first population-based case control study of the relationship between smoking and Parkinson’s disease, that current heavy smokers were more protected than ex-smokers or non-smokers;
* Evidence that dietary intake of total fat and cholesterol, as well as a high intake of iron, were risk factors for the disease;
* Evidence that Lutein, a dietary antioxidant, was highly associated with Parkinson’s disease, possibly acting in a protective role; and
* A significant risk for Parkinson’s disease among first- and second-degree relatives of patients with the disease compared with those without the condition. These findings have provided a basis for continued study of the underlying mechanisms for Parkinson’s disease.
Jay M. Gorell, M.D., division head of Movement Disorders and director of Gossett Parkinson’s Disease Center, has been named the first holder of the William T. Gossett Chair in Neurology.
The $1 million gift will be placed into an account, and the interest generated will be overseen by Gorell to support research in Parkinson’s disease. Gossett, a prominent Detroit attorney, was former president of the American Bar Association. He died last year.
"This endowed chair will allow Dr. Gorell and his team of researchers to continue to make a real difference in the treatment and understanding of Parkinson’s disease," said Gail Warden, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health System.
In recent years, Gorell and his research team have found:
* Evidence that chronic occupational exposure to several metals such as copper, manganese lead and iron is associated with the disease;
* An association of Parkinson’s disease with occupational exposure to herbicides and insecticides;
* In the first population-based case control study of the relationship between smoking and Parkinson’s disease, that current heavy smokers were more protected than ex-smokers or non-smokers;
* Evidence that dietary intake of total fat and cholesterol, as well as a high intake of iron, were risk factors for the disease;
* Evidence that Lutein, a dietary antioxidant, was highly associated with Parkinson’s disease, possibly acting in a protective role; and
* A significant risk for Parkinson’s disease among first- and second-degree relatives of patients with the disease compared with those without the condition. These findings have provided a basis for continued study of the underlying mechanisms for Parkinson’s disease.
Stanford gets $75 million for stem cell center
Demian Bulwa, Chronicle Staff Writer
Atherton philanthropist and Business Wire founder Lorry Lokey is donating $75 million to the Stanford University School of Medicine to help build what may be the nation's largest center for stem cell research, school officials will announce today.
More Bay Area News
Lokey, who at age 81 has become one of the country's most generous givers, promised to give at least $33 million to the center in February 2007. At the time, the pledge was the largest in the medical school's history.
With today's announcement, Lokey more than doubles his commitment. School officials say he is the lead contributor for a $200 million stem cell research building that will break ground Oct. 27 and be finished in the summer of 2010.
In a statement released by the medical school, Lokey said stem cells would be "as significant as the silicon chip that created Silicon Valley," producing treatments for disease and saving lives.
He said he was driven to fund research after President Bush, in August 2001, forbid the use of federal funds for stem cell research that involved the destruction of human embryos.
"It's very narrow-minded," Lokey said of the position. "This is about lives being saved."
Stem cells have the potential to morph into virtually any of the specialized cells and tissues of the body. Researchers believe they may deliver therapies for diseases and medical problems such as cancer, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often called Lou Gehrig's disease.
Some 350 scientists will work in the 200,000-square-foot Lorry I. Lokey Stem Cell Research Building, the school said.
The center is also getting a $43.6 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The institute, the state's $3 billion stem cell funding unit, was created by a 2004 state initiative from research advocates opposed to Bush's restrictions.
The remainder of the building's cost will be covered by other private contributors and the university.
The medical school hopes the new center will bring more top scientists to Stanford's faculty and lead to collaborations with others. Plans call for 60 laboratory benches for visiting researchers.
"This is an extraordinary, wonderful gift," the medical school's dean, Philip Pizzo, said in an interview.
He said Lokey is "an individual of remarkable intelligence, integrity and commitment. He has become deeply interested in the stem cell research efforts going on not only at Stanford but internationally, and is eager to do whatever he can to push the discipline forward.
"This is a new area of science and it requires a critical mass of incredibly intelligent scientists and innovators," Pizzo said.
Lokey, a 1949 graduate of Stanford and a veteran journalist, started the Business Wire press-release service in 1961 in San Francisco. In 2006, he sold the company, which was valued at more than $500 million, to Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway. He stayed on with the company initially before retiring this year.
Lokey has now given more than $500 million in personal donations, primarily to educational institutions, the medical school said.
According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Lokey was the nation's 23rd most generous giver last year, with $93.5 million in gifts. In 2006, he gave $163 million, ranking him 11th among donors.
Lokey gave $20 million to Stanford in 2000 to help build a research laboratory for the university's biological science and chemistry departments. He has given to Mills College in Oakland, the University of Oregon, several schools in Israel, and his own grammar school.
Education, Lokey said in a recent online chat with Chronicle of Philanthropy readers, is "the basis of civilization and the key to humankind's future welfare."
Atherton philanthropist and Business Wire founder Lorry Lokey is donating $75 million to the Stanford University School of Medicine to help build what may be the nation's largest center for stem cell research, school officials will announce today.
More Bay Area News
Lokey, who at age 81 has become one of the country's most generous givers, promised to give at least $33 million to the center in February 2007. At the time, the pledge was the largest in the medical school's history.
With today's announcement, Lokey more than doubles his commitment. School officials say he is the lead contributor for a $200 million stem cell research building that will break ground Oct. 27 and be finished in the summer of 2010.
In a statement released by the medical school, Lokey said stem cells would be "as significant as the silicon chip that created Silicon Valley," producing treatments for disease and saving lives.
He said he was driven to fund research after President Bush, in August 2001, forbid the use of federal funds for stem cell research that involved the destruction of human embryos.
"It's very narrow-minded," Lokey said of the position. "This is about lives being saved."
Stem cells have the potential to morph into virtually any of the specialized cells and tissues of the body. Researchers believe they may deliver therapies for diseases and medical problems such as cancer, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, spinal cord injuries and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often called Lou Gehrig's disease.
Some 350 scientists will work in the 200,000-square-foot Lorry I. Lokey Stem Cell Research Building, the school said.
The center is also getting a $43.6 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The institute, the state's $3 billion stem cell funding unit, was created by a 2004 state initiative from research advocates opposed to Bush's restrictions.
The remainder of the building's cost will be covered by other private contributors and the university.
The medical school hopes the new center will bring more top scientists to Stanford's faculty and lead to collaborations with others. Plans call for 60 laboratory benches for visiting researchers.
"This is an extraordinary, wonderful gift," the medical school's dean, Philip Pizzo, said in an interview.
He said Lokey is "an individual of remarkable intelligence, integrity and commitment. He has become deeply interested in the stem cell research efforts going on not only at Stanford but internationally, and is eager to do whatever he can to push the discipline forward.
"This is a new area of science and it requires a critical mass of incredibly intelligent scientists and innovators," Pizzo said.
Lokey, a 1949 graduate of Stanford and a veteran journalist, started the Business Wire press-release service in 1961 in San Francisco. In 2006, he sold the company, which was valued at more than $500 million, to Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway. He stayed on with the company initially before retiring this year.
Lokey has now given more than $500 million in personal donations, primarily to educational institutions, the medical school said.
According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Lokey was the nation's 23rd most generous giver last year, with $93.5 million in gifts. In 2006, he gave $163 million, ranking him 11th among donors.
Lokey gave $20 million to Stanford in 2000 to help build a research laboratory for the university's biological science and chemistry departments. He has given to Mills College in Oakland, the University of Oregon, several schools in Israel, and his own grammar school.
Education, Lokey said in a recent online chat with Chronicle of Philanthropy readers, is "the basis of civilization and the key to humankind's future welfare."
Forecast Insight - Parkinson's Disease - Market upgrade following evidence of disease slowing with Azilect - Companies and Markets adds new report
Introduction
Stimulated by evidence of disease slowing with Teva/Lundbeck´s Azilect (rasagiline), and successful reformulation of leading dopamine agonists, the Parkinson´s disease market value is set to grow by an compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% over the next 5 years (20072013), peaking at $3.1 billion in 2013.
Scope
*This report gives a strategic analysis of the likely impact that recent events will have on the future Parkinson´s disease market.
*Includes Parkinson´s disease-specific sales forecasts for the key brands and pipeline agents in the seven major markets to 2017
*Provides a global market snapshot by including Parkinson´s disease-specific sales analysis for leading brands outside the seven major markets
*Key conclusions are supported by key opinion leader comment
Highlights
Datamonitor has upgraded its forecasts of Teva/Lundbeck´s Azilect (rasagiline) following clinical evidence of disease slowing. Over the next 5 years Azilect is expected to become a standard first-line therapy, with sales peaking in 2013, making it the leading market Parkinson´s disease drug at this time.
GlaxoSmithKline´s Requip XL (ropinirole extended-release) is set to become the market leading dopamine agonist in 2009. The convenience of once-daily dosing, supported by the theoretical clinical advantage of smoother dopamine receptor agonism, will drive switching from the parent compound and Boehringer Ingelheim´s Mirapex (pramipexole).
Datamonitor has downgraded its sales forecasts of UCB´s Neupro (rotigotine patch) as problems with crystallization of the active ingredient have led to supply issues at a critical phase in its lifecycle. Prescribers are now likely to switch to Requip XL, which arrived on the market at just the right time to take advantage of UCB´s misfortune.
Reasons to Purchase
*Understand the impact of recent and anticipated events on the Parkinson´s disease market during the forecast period 2008 to 2017
*Quantify the current size of the seven major markets and the trends in the rest of the world
*Assess the impact of events, such as patent expiries and new product launches, on the Parkinson´s disease-specific sales of key brands
Stimulated by evidence of disease slowing with Teva/Lundbeck´s Azilect (rasagiline), and successful reformulation of leading dopamine agonists, the Parkinson´s disease market value is set to grow by an compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% over the next 5 years (20072013), peaking at $3.1 billion in 2013.
Scope
*This report gives a strategic analysis of the likely impact that recent events will have on the future Parkinson´s disease market.
*Includes Parkinson´s disease-specific sales forecasts for the key brands and pipeline agents in the seven major markets to 2017
*Provides a global market snapshot by including Parkinson´s disease-specific sales analysis for leading brands outside the seven major markets
*Key conclusions are supported by key opinion leader comment
Highlights
Datamonitor has upgraded its forecasts of Teva/Lundbeck´s Azilect (rasagiline) following clinical evidence of disease slowing. Over the next 5 years Azilect is expected to become a standard first-line therapy, with sales peaking in 2013, making it the leading market Parkinson´s disease drug at this time.
GlaxoSmithKline´s Requip XL (ropinirole extended-release) is set to become the market leading dopamine agonist in 2009. The convenience of once-daily dosing, supported by the theoretical clinical advantage of smoother dopamine receptor agonism, will drive switching from the parent compound and Boehringer Ingelheim´s Mirapex (pramipexole).
Datamonitor has downgraded its sales forecasts of UCB´s Neupro (rotigotine patch) as problems with crystallization of the active ingredient have led to supply issues at a critical phase in its lifecycle. Prescribers are now likely to switch to Requip XL, which arrived on the market at just the right time to take advantage of UCB´s misfortune.
Reasons to Purchase
*Understand the impact of recent and anticipated events on the Parkinson´s disease market during the forecast period 2008 to 2017
*Quantify the current size of the seven major markets and the trends in the rest of the world
*Assess the impact of events, such as patent expiries and new product launches, on the Parkinson´s disease-specific sales of key brands
PRF Announces new Parkinson Center of Excellence at USF
Larry Hoffheimer, Chairman of the Parkinson Research Foundation has announced that PRF has agreed to fund a new Parkinson’s disease Center of Excellence on the main campus of the University of South Florida. The $50,000 grant will support programs and services offered by USF to Parkinson patients and their caregivers primarily in the Tampa Bay area.
The PRF Center of Excellence is to expand clinical services, conduct clinical trials and support basic research in Parkinson’s disease. In addition, the PRF grant will support the establishment of a PRF Chapter serving the Tampa Bay region. The primary goal of the PRF Chapter will be to deliver the best care and information about Parkinson’s disease. Anticipated services of the PRF Tampa Chapter will include the presentation of patient conferences focusing on medical management and therapeutic interventions that improve the daily lives of patients. These include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, exercise, nutrition, etc.
The PRF Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Sanchez-Ramos to serve as Medical Director of the PRF Center of Excellence and Dr. Theresa Zesiewicz to serve as Director of Clinical Research. Together they will co-direct a Tampa Bay PD Chapter.
The PRF will also establish a post-doctoral fellowship to train future generations of experts in Parkinson’s disease. Training will include the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of movement disorders, with emphasis on Parkinson’s disease. The candidate will have the chance to work with both Dr. Sanchez-Ramos and Dr. Theresa Zesiewicz and to collaborate with neurosurgery in treating patients who require deep brain stimulation. In addition, the candidate will have the opportunity to work at least 2 days a week in basic research in the laboratory of Dr. Sanchez-Ramos, with a focus on stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. The training program will be tailored to the unique goals of the candidate; however, those individuals who want to publish both basic and clinical research papers are most likely to benefit from this program. The Parkinson Research Foundation Fellowship is geared for the individual who plans an academic career.
Dr. Juan Sanchez-Ramos, PhD, MD is Professor of Neurology at the University of South Florida in Tampa where he holds the Helen Ellis Endowed Chair for Parkinson’s disease Research. He earned a PhD degree in Pharmacology & Physiology from the University of Chicago and a medical degree from the University of Illinois. He is board certified in Neurology and fellowship-trained in Movement Disorders. In addition to attending patients with Parkinson’s Disease and related movement disorders, he directs a basic research laboratory with active projects in neurodegeneration, neurotoxicology and adult stem cell biology. Dr. Sanchez-Ramos also serves as Editor for PD Update and is Medical Director of the PRF.
Dr. Theresa Zesiewicz is a Professor of Neurology at USF and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. She is the Director of Clinical Research for the PRF COE, and has 15 years experience as a movement disorders specialist. She is a fellowship-trained expert in Movement Disorders. She has a busy clinical practice in PD and related movement disorders on the North Campus at USF. A native of the New York metropolitan area, Dr. Zesiewicz earned her medical degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She completed her residency and chief residency at State University of New York, in Brooklyn NY, followed by a 2-year fellowship in Parkinson's disease and movement disorders at USF in Tampa. Dr. Zesiewicz has written 6 books and numerous peer-reviewed articles in Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders. She is a member of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology, and a reviewer for the National Medical Board in Neurology. Her professional interests include therapeutics for movement disorders including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, ataxia, and dystonia.
Lise' earned her Bachelors Degree in Nursing for University of Tampa, and her Masters in Nursing at the University of South Florida. She has spent her entire career in the care of patients with neurological injuries and illness. The majority of her career has been in the area of neurorehabilitation, caring for patients with a wide variety of neurologic disorders such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke and Parkinson’s disease. She joined Department of Neurology at the University of South Florida in 2006 as nurse practitioner in the multiple sclerosis clinic. She has recently joined Dr. Theresa Zesiewicz and Dr. Juan Sanchez-Ramos in the Parkinson’s Research Foundation Center of Excellence at USF. Lise’ is board certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner, and is a multiple sclerosis certified nurse. She has lectured both locally and nationally and is active in her community. She has authored several publications and had been sub-investigator on several clinical trials. She has received several honors such as Nurse of the Year at Tampa General Hospital, Physician’s Medical Staff Award, Outstanding Contribution to Spinal Cord Injury Nursing, and the "Catch the Spirit" Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The Parkinson Research Foundation is a national organization with more than 60,000 contributors from nearly all fifty states. It was founded five years ago and has become a major contributor to providing greater understanding about Parkinson's disease by patients and physician alike.
The PRF Center of Excellence is to expand clinical services, conduct clinical trials and support basic research in Parkinson’s disease. In addition, the PRF grant will support the establishment of a PRF Chapter serving the Tampa Bay region. The primary goal of the PRF Chapter will be to deliver the best care and information about Parkinson’s disease. Anticipated services of the PRF Tampa Chapter will include the presentation of patient conferences focusing on medical management and therapeutic interventions that improve the daily lives of patients. These include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, exercise, nutrition, etc.
The PRF Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Sanchez-Ramos to serve as Medical Director of the PRF Center of Excellence and Dr. Theresa Zesiewicz to serve as Director of Clinical Research. Together they will co-direct a Tampa Bay PD Chapter.
The PRF will also establish a post-doctoral fellowship to train future generations of experts in Parkinson’s disease. Training will include the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of movement disorders, with emphasis on Parkinson’s disease. The candidate will have the chance to work with both Dr. Sanchez-Ramos and Dr. Theresa Zesiewicz and to collaborate with neurosurgery in treating patients who require deep brain stimulation. In addition, the candidate will have the opportunity to work at least 2 days a week in basic research in the laboratory of Dr. Sanchez-Ramos, with a focus on stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. The training program will be tailored to the unique goals of the candidate; however, those individuals who want to publish both basic and clinical research papers are most likely to benefit from this program. The Parkinson Research Foundation Fellowship is geared for the individual who plans an academic career.
Dr. Juan Sanchez-Ramos, PhD, MD is Professor of Neurology at the University of South Florida in Tampa where he holds the Helen Ellis Endowed Chair for Parkinson’s disease Research. He earned a PhD degree in Pharmacology & Physiology from the University of Chicago and a medical degree from the University of Illinois. He is board certified in Neurology and fellowship-trained in Movement Disorders. In addition to attending patients with Parkinson’s Disease and related movement disorders, he directs a basic research laboratory with active projects in neurodegeneration, neurotoxicology and adult stem cell biology. Dr. Sanchez-Ramos also serves as Editor for PD Update and is Medical Director of the PRF.
Dr. Theresa Zesiewicz is a Professor of Neurology at USF and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology. She is the Director of Clinical Research for the PRF COE, and has 15 years experience as a movement disorders specialist. She is a fellowship-trained expert in Movement Disorders. She has a busy clinical practice in PD and related movement disorders on the North Campus at USF. A native of the New York metropolitan area, Dr. Zesiewicz earned her medical degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. She completed her residency and chief residency at State University of New York, in Brooklyn NY, followed by a 2-year fellowship in Parkinson's disease and movement disorders at USF in Tampa. Dr. Zesiewicz has written 6 books and numerous peer-reviewed articles in Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders. She is a member of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology, and a reviewer for the National Medical Board in Neurology. Her professional interests include therapeutics for movement disorders including Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, ataxia, and dystonia.
Lise' earned her Bachelors Degree in Nursing for University of Tampa, and her Masters in Nursing at the University of South Florida. She has spent her entire career in the care of patients with neurological injuries and illness. The majority of her career has been in the area of neurorehabilitation, caring for patients with a wide variety of neurologic disorders such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke and Parkinson’s disease. She joined Department of Neurology at the University of South Florida in 2006 as nurse practitioner in the multiple sclerosis clinic. She has recently joined Dr. Theresa Zesiewicz and Dr. Juan Sanchez-Ramos in the Parkinson’s Research Foundation Center of Excellence at USF. Lise’ is board certified as an Adult Nurse Practitioner, and is a multiple sclerosis certified nurse. She has lectured both locally and nationally and is active in her community. She has authored several publications and had been sub-investigator on several clinical trials. She has received several honors such as Nurse of the Year at Tampa General Hospital, Physician’s Medical Staff Award, Outstanding Contribution to Spinal Cord Injury Nursing, and the "Catch the Spirit" Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
The Parkinson Research Foundation is a national organization with more than 60,000 contributors from nearly all fifty states. It was founded five years ago and has become a major contributor to providing greater understanding about Parkinson's disease by patients and physician alike.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
A long road
Bryn Williams was apprehensive when he first told his work colleagues he had Parkinson's disease last month. But their positive reaction has filled him with optimism for the future
When my consultant phoned me to tell me I had Parkinson's disease, the first question I asked was: "How long do I have?". Not "How long do I have ... to live?" or "How long do I have ... to wait for a second opinion?" but "How long do I have left at work?". My immediate concern was how I was going to foot the bills of the next 20 years. It was September 2007, I was 36, I had two daughters aged five and three, and I had just doubled my mortgage to refurbish our - now beautiful - home. My fears were financial, not physical.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder in which the brain cells that produce a chemical called dopamine die for unknown reasons. When one part of the brain decides that a particular movement would be a good idea, it is dopamine that carries that message to another part of the brain and activates the motion. As the dopamine-producing cells die, dopamine levels drop and the message can't reach its destination. The intention to walk, for example, remains an intention and the person "freezes". Losing a few billion dopamine-producing cells doesn't actually kill you - but freezing in the path of an oncoming bus will.
If not being able to move out of the way of oncoming traffic isn't inconvenient enough, a multitude of unwanted signals still reach the limbs. Unchecked by the brain because there isn't enough dopamine to carry the "please don't do that" message you lose the ability to sit at rest and your limbs tremble, twitch, shake and shudder.
I am in the early days of my Parkinson's journey and my physical problems revolve around my right arm, which is particularly irritating as I am right-handed. The arm, particularly the hand, trembles which makes using a mouse frustrating. A twitch combined with an inadvertent button press has sent a few paragraphs to the recycle bin, a place I often feel like visiting myself. There is also slowness of movement, the forerunner of freezing. Slowness makes the co-ordination of my fingers tricky; my ability to write is depleted and my screen is littered with typos.
It is at work when I notice the physical aspects of my Parkinson's most. I am a patent attorney and most days I am at my desk drafting legal documents, writing letters or answering emails. I have to adopt a different way of working: I dictate more, I use my mouse left-handed and I make periodic bouts of attempting to write left-handed. As such, I no longer comment on the quality of my children's handwriting. "Show us how it's done, dad," they say. Little darlings.
Away from work the physical symptoms of my Parkinson's are less noticeable and with luck the problems will diminish once the medication kicks in, for a few years at least. I am currently building up to a therapeutic dose of a dopamine agonist, a chemical which mimics the action of dopamine in the brain.
Overwhelmingly, the issues I deal with at the moment are psychological. Questions constantly run through my mind about the condition's rate of progression. Every ache and pain is dissected; things ignored in the days before diagnosis are analysed to see if it is a sign of the dreaded progression. As I have said my problems are all right-sided, and my life will be much easier as long as they stay there. I live in daily fear of the condition spreading and the slightest twitch or wobble in my left hand causes a level of scrutiny of which Hercule Poirot would be proud.
Just this week my left arm started to shake when I was at my desk. I sat and watched my hand tremble for a couple of minutes, while taking deep breaths and telling myself this wasn't the end of the world. I then realised I was using my desk fan for the first time this year and, in fact, my entire desk was showing signs of depleted dopamine levels. Generally speaking, in contrast to the physical symptoms, my work provides relief from this constant round of self-interrogation and analysis, and it is very easy to immerse myself in the detail of my job and escape the shadow that stalks me.
One of the biggest battles that people with Parkinson's face is against depression. When I first realised I had Parkinson's I didn't know what it meant. The journey from ignorant to informed takes in a lot of pretty depressing websites. But I believe the way to avoid depression is to retain hope and retaining hope is the key to living with Parkinson's.
My brother and I made a decision a few months after my diagnosis to raise awareness of Parkinson's disease and provide a website that offers this hope to sufferers (wobblywilliams.com). To achieve the maximum impact, this decision meant laying myself bare to the public; a message carries much more weight if it is expressed by the person holding the short straw.
As I was in possession of the short straw, I decided to tell my work colleagues and my clients prior to promoting the website and publicising my condition. This was difficult. I had already been through a couple of rounds when informing my family and friends. By far the worst way of breaking the news is telling people to their face. The combination of shock, sympathy and confusion does strange things to a person's expression, a bit like a new parent changing their first nappy.
I told the managing partner the day I was diagnosed back in September, but the majority of my colleagues just assumed I had been drinking too much. Last month I broke the news to them in an email, setting out the facts and confirming that, as long as I avoided crossing roads, I wasn't in mortal danger. I took a similar approach with my clients.
The reaction of people has varied from ignoring the email was ever sent and never commenting on it (which is fine with me) to seeking me out to envelope me in a rib-breaking hug (punctured lungs is another cause of Parkinson's-related death). My colleagues have taken on board what I am trying to achieve through the website and have signed up to take part in the Great Scottish Run and walk the last day of the inaugural Wobbly Williams Walk in September. The walk is over the 93-mile West Highland Way and has the goals of raising awareness of Parkinson's and to raise funds to find the elusive cure (what do you mean, vested interest?).
My colleagues have been very positive and they fill me with optimism for the future. A letter of unequivocal support from the management board helped alleviate the fear which accompanied my diagnosis. I received this letter two weeks after diagnosis and its value in helping me retain hope, at a time when I could have drowned in self-pity, was immeasurable.
My employer and my colleagues play a major role in my life and their reaction to my predicament has eased my journey. I have always laughed and, with the support of my colleagues, family and friends, I still can. After all, laughter is the best medicine.
When my consultant phoned me to tell me I had Parkinson's disease, the first question I asked was: "How long do I have?". Not "How long do I have ... to live?" or "How long do I have ... to wait for a second opinion?" but "How long do I have left at work?". My immediate concern was how I was going to foot the bills of the next 20 years. It was September 2007, I was 36, I had two daughters aged five and three, and I had just doubled my mortgage to refurbish our - now beautiful - home. My fears were financial, not physical.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder in which the brain cells that produce a chemical called dopamine die for unknown reasons. When one part of the brain decides that a particular movement would be a good idea, it is dopamine that carries that message to another part of the brain and activates the motion. As the dopamine-producing cells die, dopamine levels drop and the message can't reach its destination. The intention to walk, for example, remains an intention and the person "freezes". Losing a few billion dopamine-producing cells doesn't actually kill you - but freezing in the path of an oncoming bus will.
If not being able to move out of the way of oncoming traffic isn't inconvenient enough, a multitude of unwanted signals still reach the limbs. Unchecked by the brain because there isn't enough dopamine to carry the "please don't do that" message you lose the ability to sit at rest and your limbs tremble, twitch, shake and shudder.
I am in the early days of my Parkinson's journey and my physical problems revolve around my right arm, which is particularly irritating as I am right-handed. The arm, particularly the hand, trembles which makes using a mouse frustrating. A twitch combined with an inadvertent button press has sent a few paragraphs to the recycle bin, a place I often feel like visiting myself. There is also slowness of movement, the forerunner of freezing. Slowness makes the co-ordination of my fingers tricky; my ability to write is depleted and my screen is littered with typos.
It is at work when I notice the physical aspects of my Parkinson's most. I am a patent attorney and most days I am at my desk drafting legal documents, writing letters or answering emails. I have to adopt a different way of working: I dictate more, I use my mouse left-handed and I make periodic bouts of attempting to write left-handed. As such, I no longer comment on the quality of my children's handwriting. "Show us how it's done, dad," they say. Little darlings.
Away from work the physical symptoms of my Parkinson's are less noticeable and with luck the problems will diminish once the medication kicks in, for a few years at least. I am currently building up to a therapeutic dose of a dopamine agonist, a chemical which mimics the action of dopamine in the brain.
Overwhelmingly, the issues I deal with at the moment are psychological. Questions constantly run through my mind about the condition's rate of progression. Every ache and pain is dissected; things ignored in the days before diagnosis are analysed to see if it is a sign of the dreaded progression. As I have said my problems are all right-sided, and my life will be much easier as long as they stay there. I live in daily fear of the condition spreading and the slightest twitch or wobble in my left hand causes a level of scrutiny of which Hercule Poirot would be proud.
Just this week my left arm started to shake when I was at my desk. I sat and watched my hand tremble for a couple of minutes, while taking deep breaths and telling myself this wasn't the end of the world. I then realised I was using my desk fan for the first time this year and, in fact, my entire desk was showing signs of depleted dopamine levels. Generally speaking, in contrast to the physical symptoms, my work provides relief from this constant round of self-interrogation and analysis, and it is very easy to immerse myself in the detail of my job and escape the shadow that stalks me.
One of the biggest battles that people with Parkinson's face is against depression. When I first realised I had Parkinson's I didn't know what it meant. The journey from ignorant to informed takes in a lot of pretty depressing websites. But I believe the way to avoid depression is to retain hope and retaining hope is the key to living with Parkinson's.
My brother and I made a decision a few months after my diagnosis to raise awareness of Parkinson's disease and provide a website that offers this hope to sufferers (wobblywilliams.com). To achieve the maximum impact, this decision meant laying myself bare to the public; a message carries much more weight if it is expressed by the person holding the short straw.
As I was in possession of the short straw, I decided to tell my work colleagues and my clients prior to promoting the website and publicising my condition. This was difficult. I had already been through a couple of rounds when informing my family and friends. By far the worst way of breaking the news is telling people to their face. The combination of shock, sympathy and confusion does strange things to a person's expression, a bit like a new parent changing their first nappy.
I told the managing partner the day I was diagnosed back in September, but the majority of my colleagues just assumed I had been drinking too much. Last month I broke the news to them in an email, setting out the facts and confirming that, as long as I avoided crossing roads, I wasn't in mortal danger. I took a similar approach with my clients.
The reaction of people has varied from ignoring the email was ever sent and never commenting on it (which is fine with me) to seeking me out to envelope me in a rib-breaking hug (punctured lungs is another cause of Parkinson's-related death). My colleagues have taken on board what I am trying to achieve through the website and have signed up to take part in the Great Scottish Run and walk the last day of the inaugural Wobbly Williams Walk in September. The walk is over the 93-mile West Highland Way and has the goals of raising awareness of Parkinson's and to raise funds to find the elusive cure (what do you mean, vested interest?).
My colleagues have been very positive and they fill me with optimism for the future. A letter of unequivocal support from the management board helped alleviate the fear which accompanied my diagnosis. I received this letter two weeks after diagnosis and its value in helping me retain hope, at a time when I could have drowned in self-pity, was immeasurable.
My employer and my colleagues play a major role in my life and their reaction to my predicament has eased my journey. I have always laughed and, with the support of my colleagues, family and friends, I still can. After all, laughter is the best medicine.
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