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Parkinson’s Disease – What is It?

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disease of the brain. It affects parts of the brain that are associated with normal movement and balance. The disease is caused when nerve cells or neurons in an area of the brain die or become impaired by the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine.

Dopamine enables smooth, coordinated movements.  The classic symptoms of this condition are a tremor or shaking of the hand or other limbs while at rest.  

When actor Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with the disease, the illness as well as its effects on humans became headline news. But how can we combat it? First, we need to understand what Parkinson’s Disease does to the body.

In addition to motor symptoms such as slowness of movement, tremors, and stiffness, most people develop other health problems related to Parkinson’s. These symptoms are known as non-motor symptoms.

Non-motor symptoms include:

    • Mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and irritability
    • Cognitive changes such as problems with focused attention and planning, slowing of thought, language and memory difficulties, personality changes, dementia
    • Hallucinations and delusions
    • Drop in blood pressure when standing, or light-headedness
    • Constipation and a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts
    • Pain
    • Fatigue
    • Vision problems
    • Excessive sweating
    • Increase in dandruff or oily skin
    • Urinary urgency, and frequency
    • Loss of sense of smell
    • Weight gain
    • Impulsive control issues

How is it Acquired?

About 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year affecting about 50 percent more men than women.  No one is sure why people get the disease. Exactly what causes Parkinson’s disease is unclear. Most experts think that a combination of genetic and environmental factors is responsible. The average age of diagnosis is 60 years old, however, 5 to 10 percent of people with Parkinson’s disease have “early-onset” disease that begins before the age of 50. Early-onset forms of the disease are often inherited, though not always. People with one or more close relatives who have Parkinson’s disease have an increased risk of developing the disease themselves.

What are the Signs of Parkinson’s Disease?

Early signs of the condition include:

    • Constipation
    • Sleepiness or drowsiness
    • Difficulty swallowing
    • Decreased sense of smell
    • REM behavior disorder  (In this the individuals act upon their dreams by kicking, hitting, or talking during a dream or REM sleep).

Parkinson’s disease is not a fatal illness, it is a progressive illness. At early years most patients with adequate response to medications can lead a normal or near-normal life with normal life expectancy.  However, it’s a degenerative disorder that usually progresses until it leaves its patients completely debilitated. The condition usually worsens over an average of 15 years. Once a patient is diagnosed with Parkinson’s, there are many things that they may do to maintain their quality of life and live with Parkinson’s.  They may learn about nutrition; daily living changes; sexual health; freezing (when a body part is unable to move); and safety at home.

The National Parkinson Foundation has programs to support Parkinson’s patients as well as caregivers.  The Foundation has made great strides in Parkinson’s care, research, and community outreach. Donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation go directly to support and develop treatments for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Your gift can help make life better for people with Parkinson’s. Go to Parkinsons.org to donate.                

The NINDS and the National Institute of Mental Health jointly support two national brain specimen banks. These banks supply research scientists around the world with nervous system tissue from patients with neurological and psychiatric disorders. They need tissue from patients with Parkinson’s disease so that scientists can study and understand the disorder. Those who may be interested in donating should contact: Rashed M. Nagra, Ph.D., Director or contact the Human Brain and Spinal Fluid Resource Center at Neurology Research (127A) W. Los Angeles Healthcare Center.

Muhammad Ali and Parkinson’s Disease

Doctors think the head trauma Muhammad Ali suffered during his boxing career might have contributed to his Parkinson’s disease. Approximately 1.5 million Americans have Parkinson’s disease and 60,000 more are diagnosed with it each year. Boxing may have influenced Ali’s disease, but the data are far from conclusive. His family has suggested that his disease was due to the exposure to pesticides he had experienced earlier in life. But the truth is that we may never know what caused his Parkinson’s—or that of the vast majority of those diagnosed.

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disorder in which cells in a part of the brain that controls movement begin to die. As a result, patients slow down, lose coordination, and tremble.

Ali referred to his condition as a “trial” from God and spoke of preparing for death. He said he thought about it during each of his five daily prayers, but he did not give the impression it prayed on his mind. If anything he seemed at peace with the idea.

He would say that speaking in public was something he had to strive to overcome: “I realize my pride would make me say no, but it scares me to think I’m too proud to appear in public  because of my condition.”

Ali never complained. He would wake, shower and sit in his arm chair watching old boxing reels.  There were no complaints.  No time blaming others for his fate. “He would always say to his family, ‘These are the cards I was dealt, so don’t be sad.”  

How did Ali stay so positive? “He would say, ‘I’ve got the best-known face on the planet. I’m the three-time heavyweight champion of the world. I’ve got no reason to be down.”

Ali will be remembered as more than just “the greatest”.  He was a powerful force on humanitarian missions. He spoke out against racism, war and religious intolerance, while projecting an unshakable confidence that became a model for African-Americans at the height of the civil rights era and beyond.

Ali was known to be a friend of the Jewish people.  Although he railed against Jewish promoters at times and slammed ‘Zionist control of the world’, he also attended his grandson’s bar-mitzvah and appealed to Muslim extremists to release Jewish journalist Daniel Pearl. In an article in USA Today, written by Ali’s good friend, Billy Crystal, boycotted a country club after being told they did not allow Jews.  Ali never attended that club again.

Through expert care, research and grants, it is the goal of the Parkinson’s Foundation and patients everywhere to make the world a better place for people suffering with Parkinson’s until there is a tomorrow without this dreadful disease.

Olympics Danger – Journalists and Athletes Concerned About Zika

SZika Mosquitoince the World Health Organization declared the Zika virus outbreak a public health emergency, there has been a lot of international concern. This summer, Rio de Janeiro in Brazil is hosting the Summer Olympics, but unfortunately, Rio lies in a Zika virus-affected area. Some Rio officials are saying that the Zika risk at the Rio Olympics is low and “close to zero”.

However, recent reports show that the estimated rate of virus infections in Rio is 157 per 100,000 people, which is more than triple the national average of Brazil. Within the first three months of this year, there were close to 26,000 reported cases of Zika in Rio.

It is understandable that both athletes participating in the Olympics, as well as journalists, are starting to back out. NBC’s Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie recently announced she will not be covering the Rio Olympics because she is pregnant. NBC will be sending 2,000 employees to cover the Olympics but stated that no one will be required to travel if they think their health could be at risk.

Cyclist Tejay van Garderen also announced he is pulling out of the games due to the fear of catching Zika and passing it to his currently pregnant wife. Aussie golfer Marc Leishman also announced he will not be competing in Rio due to fear of contracting Zika due to his immune-compromised wife.

Even though Rio de Janeiro Olympic officials are deeming the games safe, experts (who aren’t concerned about monetary loss) are worried that game officials are overlooking the risks amid fears of losing profits.

Harvard Public Health Review recently published an article that half a million visitors to Rio for the Olympics pose a risk of spreading the virus once they return to their home countries. The study’s lead author Amir Attran said, “Zika infection is more dangerous, and Brazil’s outbreak more extensive than scientists reckoned a short time ago. Which leads to a bitter truth: the 2016 Olympics and Paralympic Games must be postponed, moved, or both, as a precautionary concession.”

Depression and Diabetes

A recent study shows that a diabetic is twice as likely to be suffering from depression compared to those suffering from depression without diabetes. This new link is making doctors change their treatment into something more “holistic and very patient-centered,” said Dr. Sherita Golden, professor at Johns Hopkins University of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland.

Golden is a diabetes management expert that learned early in her career about the dangerous diabetes-depression connection. Golden recalls a very distressed patient that struggled with diabetes for such a long time to the point of wanting to commit suicide. Golden agrees that treating both mental and physical aspects of diabetes together is incredibly important. Golden’s patients have seen an evaluated blood sugar during stressful times in their lives.

Studies are currently being conducted at Johns Hopkins in order to understand the depression-diabetes link. Golden states that “20% of our clinic population with Type 2 diabetes screens positive for depressive symptoms.” More research needs to be done in order to understand whether diabetes causes depression and depressive symptoms or if depression and its symptoms impact blood sugar levels to the point of possibly worsening diabetic symptoms.

Golden and other diabetes experts agree that most of their diabetic patients do best when treated not only in a familiar setting but also in conjunction with mental health services in a clinic or office where they get their primary care. On the American Diabetes Associations website one can find tips for spotting depression and those that have several of the symptoms for two weeks or more are urged to seek professional help.

Predicting Local Transmission of Zika in the United States

A study has determined that while weather conditions may be suitable for the mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus throughout the the United States, typically we see the Aedes (Ae.) aegypti mosquito during summer months (July-September). The highest concentration of these mosquitoes will occur in the Southeast and South Texas.

The researchers who published their work in PLOS Current Outbreaks, analyzed 50 US cities in or near the range where the specific type of mosquito, Ae. aegypti, carries and transmits the Zika virus is known to appear. They note that socioeconomic factors will likely influence contact with mosquitoes that carry the virus with impoverished communities at a higher risk due to elevated risk factors, such as lower use of air conditioning, poorer housing infrastructure, and decreased access to safe water and sanitation.

While the abundance of the mosquitoes was zero or near zero in the United States in January, with the exception of Southern Florida and Texas, the authors expect that to change as the weather warms. For example, by mid-summer, cities like Denver, Albuquerque and Louisville, which are not always in the range for Ae. aegypti, will see a potential abundance of the infected mosquitos.

However, the summer months are not the only times of risk. Conditions for the Ae. aegypti will remain suitable through November for southern and western states. Then, by December, most of the country will be unsuitable again with the exceptions of Southern Florida and Texas.

Furthermore, introduction of the virus into local populations of Ae. aegypti is more likely seen in cities that have high volumes of people arriving from areas where there is already transmission of the Zika virus going on, such as Houston, Texas; Miami, Florida and Orlando, Florida, as well as towns along the US-Mexico border.

However, one limitation of the study is that it only included the contiguous United States, so states and territories where risk of transmission of Ae. aegypti-transmitted viruses is already high, such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico and areas in the South Pacific were excluded.

“Despite the limitations, our analysis is a step towards simultaneously mapping the geographic and seasonal suitability of the vector mosquito Ae. aegypti in the contiguous United States,” the authors concluded. “There is a need for enhanced, long-term, nationally-coordinated, local-level surveillance of both Aedes mosquitoes and Aedes-transmitted viruses, particularly in areas where simulations indicate Ae. aegypti populations may be high and coincide with more frequent travel between the U.S. and countries where Zika is circulating.”

What Is Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorder?

April is National Autism Month!
Learn About Autism and Donate to an Autism Charity Today!

Unlike many health conditions, autism, a disorder that involves abnormal development and function of the brain, is unique in that it is considered a spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) results in difficulties in social interaction and in verbal and nonverbal communication. ASD is also characterized by the presence of repetitive movements, such as hand flapping or body rocking, an insistence on sameness, and a resistance to change. In some cases, people with ASD show behaviors of aggression or self-injury.

Brief History

Prior to 2013, autism disorders were recognized as distinct subtypes, such as autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and Asperger syndrome. However, in 2013, the DSM-5 diagnostic manual merged all of these disorders under the umbrella diagnosis of ASD.

Major Brain Structure Implicated in Autism
Major Brain Structure in Autism

ASD is associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination, and attention and physical health issues. However, some people with ASD do excel in specific areas, such as music, math or art. Not all individuals with autism have cognitive impairments and some have typical or even above average IQs.

While signs of ASD don’t emerge until between ages 2 and 3, the roots of ASD appear to be in early brain development. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported that around 1 in 68 children in the United States are identified as being on the autism spectrum. Autism was first characterized in 1943 by Leo Kanner. At the time, the prevalence of autism was thought to be 1 out of every 2,000 children.

Source of Autism

While the prevalence of autism has increased in the US, there is no established explanation for the rise in ASD, but improved diagnosis and awareness may be one explanation, according to Autism Speaks. The popular theory that vaccines cause autism has been disproven by numerous studies conducted worldwide, confirmed the Autism Science Foundation.

While the cause of autism is unknown, researchers have determined that autism is a strongly inherited disorder. For example, scientists have found that if one identical twin has autism then there is an 80% to 90% chance that the other twin will be diagnosed with ASD. Among non-identical twins, the chance drops drastically to just 3% to 10% that both twins will develop ASD. The chance that siblings will both be effects is also around 3% to 10%.

157 Pregnant Women in the US Being Monitored for Zika Virus Infections

The number of pregnant women in the US with the Zika virus is going up as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reevaluates how it reports cases.

Previously, pregnant women with an asymptomatic Zika virus infection who do not have known pregnancy complications were not reportable. However, the CDC established new surveillance systems to monitor pregnancies and congenital outcomes among women with laboratory evidence of Zika infections but no symptoms.

As of May 12, 157 pregnant women in US states and 122 pregnant women in US territories were being monitored for evidence of possible Zika virus infection. These systems are monitoring clinical presentation of the infection, all prenatal testing, and adverse consequences of the virus during pregnancy in order to better understand the risk for congenital infection and the spectrum of adverse congenital outcomes.

“These data will improve clinical guidance, inform counseling messages for pregnant women, and facilitate planning for clinical and public health services for affected families,” according to the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The criteria for the Zika virus among asymptomatic or symptomatic pregnant women include the presence of fever, rash, arthralgia, or conjunctivitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or an adverse pregnancy outcome, such as fetal loss or in utero findings of microcephaly. The clinical criteria for Zika virus congenital infection in infants include microcephaly, intracranial calcifications, or other central nervous system abnormalities.

Among the 157 women in the states being monitored, only 49% reported clinical symptoms consistent with Zika virus and among the 122 pregnant women in the US territories, 66% reported clinical symptoms.

“Limiting surveillance to symptomatic women with confirmed or probable Zika virus disease or to women already affected by an adverse pregnancy outcome excludes a substantial proportion of women with asymptomatic and possible Zika virus infection during pregnancy,” according to the report.

However, the expanded definition being used can also overestimate Zika virus infection among pregnant women being screened because of crossreactivity with dengue and other, similar viruses.

“Findings from these U.S. surveillance systems are expected to improve understanding of Zika virus infection during pregnancy, enhance risk assessment and counseling of pregnant women and families, advance clinical care, and assist states and territories to anticipate and plan needed resources and increase prevention efforts,” the report concluded.

Senate Clears Procedural Hurdle On Zika $1.1 Billion Funding Bill

CBS Evening News has reported that the Senate moved closer to approving the $1.1 billion in new funding that will help fight the spread of the Zika virus, “but that’s only about half” of what President Obama asked for.

The House, meanwhile, “wants even less: $622 million.” Health officials are cautioning that the mosquito borne illness will become more prominent in the US soon. There are already more than 100 cases in Florida. With the coming summer months just around the corner, there is no doubt that this will be the case.

Dr. Jon LaPook who is  the chief medical correspondent for CBS News and is Professor of Medicine at the NYU School of Medicine quoted CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden as stating that the lack of funding is “mind-boggling. This is no way to fight an epidemic. We’re basically nickeling and diming the response when we know there are urgent needs that aren’t getting met.” LaPook added, “I’m hearing similar sentiments at every level of public government.” LaPook concluded by saying, “you have to ask yourself, as public health officials are asking, do we really need to wait for” Zika to spread locally “before springing into action and mounting a full court press that is so desperately needed.”

The Washington Post reported that the “House Republicans are balking at the proposal, as they plan to move their own aid bill later this week.” By a 68-29 vote, the Senate “cleared a key procedural step that will now allow senators to adopt a bipartisan spending amendment…that beat out two competing proposals.” It is unclear, however, how soon Senate leaders will be able to “settle their differences with House Republicans, who are reluctant to approve new funds unless they are offset with cuts elsewhere in the budget.”

Gene Mutations and Cancer Risk

Image of woman holding her chest with pink banner next to her
Pixabay

Since Angelina Jolie opened up about her BRCA1 gene mutation, more awareness about this mutation is spreading. Due to her announcement, public awareness skyrocketed and more women were getting tested. So much so that it became a phenomenon known as the Angla Joli Effect.

What Are the Chances of Getting Breast Cancer if You Have the BRCA1 Gene?

Those who test positive for an abnormal BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 gene are learning their chance for breast cancer is higher than that of the average woman. An average woman without the mutation only has a 12% chance of getting breast cancer in her lifetime according to the  National Cancer Institute, whereas a woman with BRCA1 or BRCA2 has up to an 85% chance of getting breast cancer in her lifetime. The chance for ovarian cancer also increases with the gene mutations to about 16-44% chance compared to just under 2% for the average woman without the mutation. Women with BRCA1 are also more likely to develop estrogen-negative cancers, meaning that a cancer’s growth is not caused by the hormone estrogen. Anti-estrogen hormone therapy is not a viable treatment option and since these cancers tend to be more aggressive it’s important they are caught early. BRCA2 mutation-caused cancers however can benefit from hormonal therapy according to the American Cancer Society.

BRCA1, BRCA2 Prevention

This information is incredibly important because it gives women a chance to lower their risk through a variety of methods starting with an annual breast MRI at age 25. This is of great significance as BRCA1 and BRCA2 cancers tend to be aggressive and it is important to catch them early. Other risk-lowering methods include prophylactic surgery such as a double mastectomy and oophorectomy.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 not only affect women, but men are also at risk. Men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have an increased chance of developing prostate cancer and a higher lifetime risk of developing male breast cancer. Both women and men with the mutation are also at an elevated risk of developing pancreatic cancer. Those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer should consider being tested for these mutations. Those with  Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry are also more likely to have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.  

The PALB2 gene mutation increases the chance of breast cancer to about 58% percent. Research about this gene is ongoing to find out how it affects the likelihood of developing other cancers such as ovarian and pancreatic.  

 

Physician Group Recommends CBT-I as First Choice to Treat Chronic Insomnia

Man-having-trouble-sleeping-squeezes-a-pillow-around-his-earsInsomnia is a sleep disorder whereby people have difficulty falling and/or staying asleep.

This differs from sleep apnea, which is a disorder that affects your breathing and subsequently, causes your breathing to stop and start. Dr. Robert Gaerlick, a sleep apnea specialist in Long Island, NY provides a very good explanation of the disorder if you’d like to learn more.

People with insomnia have one or more of the following symptoms:

    • Difficulty falling asleep
    • Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
    • Waking up too early in the morning
    • Feeling tired when waking up

While there are many methods available to combat insomnia, a recent study points to one specific recommendation.

A recent AP report cited new guidelines issued by the American College of Physicians in the Annals of Internal Medicine stating “… the first choice to treat chronic insomnia should be cognitive behavioral therapy [CBT].”

The group “said Monday the method known as CBT can be effective and doesn’t carry the side effects of medication, a recommendation intended to spur primary care” physicians to prescribe the therapy. They stated that if CBT is not effective for any particular individual, then physicians could consider prescribing medication.

The CBT recommended for people with insomnia is called CBT-I, “which blends talk therapy and sleep tutorials, and has been shown to help a majority of patients recover some normalcy in their sleep quality and duration.” The therapy “requires a trained clinician,” however, “of which there are few in even the country’s biggest cities.”

The NBC News website reported that in putting together the guidelines, “a team at the organization looked at research on insomnia and at an evidence review by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.”

There are also some foods you should eat and others you should not eat if you have sleep apnea. Fruits and vegetables and whole grains are recommended. For a more complete list of foods for/against sleep apnea, click here.