Of Mice And Men: Endogenous Alpha-Synuclein Contributes to Mitochondria Inhibition in Parkinson’s

"There is a single light of science, and to brighten it anywhere is to brighten it everywhere." Isaac Asimov "Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."  Lao Tzu Science and Parkinson's:  As a …

A Comparison of Parkinson’s to Alzheimer’s

“So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself …

Immune System and Parkinson’s (Part 1): The Brain and Immune System are Connected

“When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not yet ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back.” Paulo Coelho What causes …

The Alpha-Synuclein Story In Parkinson’s

"The measure of greatness in a scientific idea is the extent to which it stimulates thought and opens up new lines of research.” Paul A.M. Dirac Start of the story: Anyone with Parkinson's is hopeful for a cure in the future. Yet, there is much we still do not understand about this neurodegenerative disorder. Scientists and physicians …

Tremor Tutorial

"No matter how dark the moment, love and hope are always possible."  George Chakiris Start of the Story: Dr. James Parkinson was the first to describe (published in 1817) the condition that now bears his name.  He described Parkinson’s like this: “Involuntary tremulous motion, with lessened muscular power, in parts not in action and even …

Isradipine: Shutting the Door on Calcium Channels to Slow the Progression of Parkinson’s

"The very least you can do in your life is figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance but live right in it, under its roof." Barbara Kingsolver Doors Opening and Closing, an Analogy for Calcium Channels:  Carrie Newcomer sings …

Dopamine: A Symbol of Hope

"As I ate breakfast one morning, I overheard two oncologists conversing. One complained bitterly, 'You know, Bob, I just don't understand it, We used the same schedule and the same dosage, and the same entry criteria. Yet I got a 22 percent response rate and you got a 74 percent. That's unheard of for metastatic …

Parkinson mPower iPhone Application: Tracking Symptoms in Real Time

"Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith." Steve Jobs Parkinson mPower iPhone App: Do you think a smartphone app that measures several symptoms in Parkinson's would be helpful (personally)? Do you want to be part of an international study to monitor symptoms/progression of Parkinson's? Are you willing to give feedback/suggestions …

Cholesterol in Parkinson’s: Do Statins Alter the Yin and Yang Balance in the Brain?

“You cannot separate passion from pathology any more than you can separate a person's spirit from his body.” Richard Selzer What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a lipid (that is, a fat) that exists naturally in all parts of the body, including the brain. Your body needs cholesterol to function properly. You probably already know that if …

I’m Still Here: Life with Parkinson’s

"You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”  Maya Angelou A year ago this week I got the good/bad news from my Neurologist.  The 'good' news was that we can deal/treat/manage my current symptoms.  The 'bad' news was that I had Parkinson's …