Parkinson’s diagnosis
Ali is diagnosed with Parkinson’s, after suffering from tremors, slurred speech and slowed body movements for three years. Doctors prescribe drugs which alleviate the worst of his symptoms.
Parkinson’s diagnosis
Reno is diagnosed with Parkinson’s two years into her term, after realizing something might be wrong with her left hand.
I noticed a tremor in my early-morning walks around the Capitol. At first it was just a faint twitch, but it got progressively worse, and so I went to the doctor. He asked me some questions, examined me, and told me that I had Parkinson’s and that I’d be fine for 20 years…I went to the bookstore and got as many books as I could find. I read, and then after talking with my family and friends, I told my doctor that I wanted to make a full statement about it and have him available to answer questions….I made sure that I told the President [Bill Clinton] and everyone else that they should be honest with me if they thought I wasn’t able to serve. He was very supportive. Then I just moved ahead. I made a decision to continue doing my job.
FDA approves DBS
The Federal Food and Drug Administration approves deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease (PD). According to NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke:
DBS is a surgical procedure used to treat disabling motor symptoms of PD, such as tremor, rigidity, stiffness, slowed movement and walking problems. The DBS system consists of the lead, the extension, and the IPG. The lead—a thin, insulated wire also called an electrode—is inserted through a small opening in the skull and implanted in the brain. The tip of the electrode is positioned within a specific brain area. The implantable pulse generator (IPG)—similar to a heart pacemaker—delivers electrical stimulation to specific areas in the brain that control movement. Once the system is in place, electrical impulses are sent from the IPG up along the extension wire and the lead and into the brain. These impulses block abnormal electrical signals and alleviate PD motor symptoms.
FDA appoval
Novartis announces that the FDA has approved Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) tablets for patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) who experience signs and symptoms
of end-of-dose “wearing off.” Stalevo contains levodopa, the most widely used agent for Parkinson’s disease, plus carbidopa and entacapone. While carbidopa reduces the side effects of levodopa, entacapone extends its benefits, permitting Parkinson’s disease patients to have an improved ability to perform everyday tasks and a reduction in symptoms associated with the disease.
Levodopa is recognized as the cornerstone of Parkinson’s disease therapy, but its long-term use is limited by its reduced ability to fully control Parkinson’s disease symptoms. By blocking the enzymatic breakdown of levodopa, Stalevo provides more levodopa to the brain for a longer period of time. Potential patient benefits include more “on” time during which Parkinson’s symptoms are well-controlled and daily activities are improved, and simpler, more convenient dosing.
FDA approves Azilect
The FDA approves Azilect (rasagiline), a new molecular entity, for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The drug is a monoamine oxidase type-B (MAO-B) inhibitor that blocks the breakdown of dopamine, a chemical that sends information to the parts of the brain that control movement and coordination. Dr. Steven Galson, Director of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, says:
This is a welcome development for the more than 50,000 Americans who are each year diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a relentless disease with limited treatment options, and each new therapy is an important addition to the physicians’ treatment options.
Parkinson’s patch approved
The FDA approves Neupro, the first skin patch designed to treat symptoms of early Parkinson’s disease. Neupro patches, which are changed daily, deliver a drug called rotigotine through the skin. Rotigotine is a member of a class of drugs called dopamine agonists, which mimic dopamine’s effects.
FDA approval
The FDA announces the approval of Neupro, the first skin patch designed to treat symptoms of early Parkinson’s disease. Neupro patches, which are changed daily, deliver rotigotine through the skin. Rotigotine is a member of a class of drugs called dopamine agonists, which mimic dopamine’s effects.
Founding
Lynn B. Schramek creates the Parkinson Cafe to provide social, cultural and intellectual interaction for people with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners.
When my husband Brad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease we started recreating our lives and finding activities that we ‘can do.’ Less became more. Stress-free became a major goal. I decided to create a new program that met Brad’s needs. That’s how the Parkinson Cafe concept was born.
Monthly events running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. take place at three locations in upstate New York. Art, music and dance therapists provide stimulating interactive programming at Lifetime Care on the first Wednesday, at Home Care of Rochester on the second Thursday and at the Pittsford Library on the third Thursday October 2009 through April 2010.
Parkinson’s diagnosis
After struggling with symptoms of the disease for nearly eight years Ronstadt is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. She says the disease has stopped her singing:
I can’t sing a note. I knew it was mechanical. I knew it had to do with the muscles, but I thought it might have also had something to do with the tick disease that I had. And it didn’t occur to me to go to a neurologist…In fact, I couldn’t sing for the last five or six years I appeared on stage, but I kept trying. I kept thinking, ‘What if I tried singing upside down? Or standing on my head? Or while juggling? [Laughs] Maybe I’d be able to sing better then.’ So I didn’t know why I couldn’t sing — all I knew was that it was muscular, or mechanical. Then, when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I was finally given the reason.
FDA clears Neuroderm clinical trials
The FDA clears Israeli pharmaceutical firm NeuroDerm’s U.S. clinical studies to proceed in the second half of this year.
Having lifted the clinical hold in the first half of 2015 means that our U.S. clinical development program of ND0612H and ND0612L is proceeding on track. Parkinson’s patients have been hoping for a less invasive, non-surgical alternative that can deliver levodopa continuously. We remain committed to the execution of our plan to bring these product candidates to the market as soon as possible, and to make a significant impact on the lives of Parkinson’s patients.
Everybody has a Window and Aisle Seat
McLendon, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 19 years ago, publishes Everybody has a Window and Aisle Seat: Choosing a Positive Approach to Parkinson’s Disease. McLendon’s book encourages readers to” laugh loud and often, shun pity, shed ‘downer’ friends, and always refuse to give up or play a passive role”. She credits the support of her family and friends for helping her maintain her attitude.
We all have a choice. We can either choose to take an aisle seat and its limited view, withdraw and only look inward at ourselves and thus have a ‘Why me?’ attitude, or we can choose the window seat, focus outward at the opportunities and say ‘Why not me?’