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Parkinson's disease is:
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A progressive disorder of the central nervous system.
It occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine malfunction and eventually die. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, that transports signals to parts of the brain that initiate and control movement. A decrease in dopamine levels results in body tremors, rigidity or stiffness of limbs or trunk, slowed movement and impaired balance and coordination. Some symptoms can be controlled with medications; however, no existing treatments provide a cure or reverse damage.
The second most common neurological disorder, and the No. 14 leading cause of death in the U.S.
Studies suggest that the average American has a 1 in 100 risk of developing Parkinson’s over his or her lifetime.
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Success with Stem Cell Neurons
Monday, November 21, 2011
By: Ruth Williams, The Scientist
Light-controlled neurons made from human embryonic stem cells can activate neural circuits in mice.
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New Method for Making Neurons Could Lead to Parkinson's Treatment
Monday, November 7, 2011
By: Technology Review (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
When transplanted into rodents with brain damage similar to Parkinson's, the cells reversed the animals' motor issues.
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Scientists at New York Stem Cell Foundation, Columbia U. Make Advance in Development of Patient-Specific Stem Cells
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
By: New York Stem Cell Foundation
Major Step Toward Cell-Based Therapies for Life-Threatening Diseases
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Researchers Develop Stem Cell-Based Models for Studying Mitochondrial Disorders
Thursday, September 22, 2011
By: Virginia Commonwealth University
Models may be used to better understand neuronal development and treat neurodegenerative disorders
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Before a drug or therapy is made available to the general public, it must be tested for safety and effectiveness. These tests, which are overseen by the National Institutes of Health, rely on volunteer patients and can involve both risks and benefits. Please consult your health-care provider if you are considering whether to participate. For more information, please visit ClinicalTrials.gov.
These clinical trials don't necessarily involve stem cells, but may be worth learning more about:
Missouri clinical trials recruiting Parkinson's patients >>
All clinical trials recruiting Parkinson's patients >>
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Diana L. Gray, M.D.
I, like many other supporters of Missouri Cures, have multiple reasons to advocate for the advancement of stem cell research.
Read More >>
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An estimated 1 million Americans suffer from Parkinson’s disease. One person in 200 will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and one out of 100 individuals over age 65 has the disease. Studies also show that about 10 percent of elderly people who pass away from a non-brain illness have pre-symptomatic Parkinson’s, indicating that there may be an additional five to 10 million people who are unaware that they are developing Parkinson’s.
The frequency of Parkinson’s disease is highest in the 60+ age group, and the number of people who have the disease is expected to increase steadily as the Baby Boom generation ages. In recent years, there has also been an alarming increase of younger Parkinson’s patients.
It is estimated that a Parkinson’s patient spends an average of $2,500 a year for medications. After factoring in office visits, Social Security payments, nursing home expenditures and lost income, the total cost of Parkinson’s in the U.S. is estimated to exceed $5.6 billion annually.
An estimated 12,000+ Missourians suffer from Parkinson's disease, and the number of Parkinson's patients are expected to increase 37 percent by 2025. A recent study estimated that direct health care costs and indirect social costs (lost work time, etc.) associated with Parkinson's costs Missourians more than $60 million per year.
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| If you find this information helpful, please consider taking action below so we at Missouri Cures may continue our education efforts. Thank you! |
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The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
National Parkinson Foundation
Parkinson's Action Network
The Parkinson Alliance
Parkinson's Disease Foundation
Parkinson Foundation of the Heartland
Parkinson's Unity Walk
U.S. National Library of Medicine/National Institutes of Health
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Events
Learn more about the promise of stem cell research -- join us at one of these upcoming events!
2012 Missouri Cures Education Foundation Speakers Series
sponsored by
the Staenberg Family Foundation
in conjunction with THF Realty
& MedStem
Feb. 26, Columbia
Mark Kirk, Ph.D.
March 11, Kansas City
Dawn Cornelison, Ph.D.
April 15, Columbia
John Viator, Ph.D.
April 22, St. Louis
Marie Csete, M.D., Ph.D.
May Fund-raiser, St. Louis
Details TBA
June 10, St. Louis
Bill Miller, M.D.
August (date TBA), Springfield
John Viator, Ph.D.
Aug. 26, Kirksville
Dawn Cornelison, Ph.D.
Sept. 9, Columbia
Russell Swerdlow, M.D.
September, Kansas City
Details TBA
October Fund-raiser, St. Louis
Details TBA
Learn more »
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