Expert Panel Opinions: Parkinsons Disease Multiple Sclerosis And Cmv Driver Safety
Expert Panel Opinions: Parkinsons Disease, Multiple Sclerosis and CMV Driver Safety
Matthew Rizzo, M.D.
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Pool Therapy For Alzheimers Patients
Although its a condition that is not as understood as sufferers and their loved ones would like, Alzheimers disease is becoming clearer year after year. Characterized by a progressive inability to remember even the simplest items , Alzheimers most noticeable symptom is an unusual level of forgetfulness. The disease is the most common form of dementia, and according to the Alzheimers Association, it is also the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
Along with the mental impairments associated with Alzheimers, patients may become fearful as they start to lose a connection with their past, present and future, they may even turn angry toward caregivers. When everyday tasks cease to be easy, the patient may lose confidence in his or her abilities this can and often does include walking or enjoying exercise. As the disease worsens, the patient will likely have difficulty walking, too. Its a heartbreaking condition, and there isnt a cure.
Testing For Parkinsons Disease
There is no lab or imaging test that is recommended or definitive for Parkinsons disease. However, in 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved an imaging scan called the DaTscan. This technique allows doctors to see detailed pictures of the brains dopamine system.
A DaTscan involves an injection of a small amount of a radioactive drug and a machine called a single-photon emission computed tomography scanner, similar to an MRI.
The drug binds to dopamine transmitters in the brain, showing where in the brain dopaminergic neurons are.
The results of a DaTscan cant show that you have Parkinsons, but they can help your doctor confirm a diagnosis or rule out a Parkinsons mimic.
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Is There A Cure For Parkinsons
Theres currently no cure for Parkinsons, a disease that is chronic and worsens over time. More than 50,000 new cases are reported in the United States each year. But there may be even more, since Parkinsons is often misdiagnosed.
Its reported that Parkinsons complications was the
Complications from Parkinsons can greatly reduce quality of life and prognosis. For example, individuals with Parkinsons can experience dangerous falls, as well as blood clots in the lungs and legs. These complications can be fatal.
Proper treatment improves your prognosis, and it increases life expectancy.
It may not be possible to slow the progression of Parkinsons, but you can work to overcome the obstacles and complications to have a better quality of life for as long as possible.
Parkinsons disease is not fatal. However, Parkinsons-related complications can shorten the lifespan of people diagnosed with the disease.
Having Parkinsons increases a persons risk for potentially life threatening complications, like experiencing:
Parkinsons often causes problems with daily activities. But very simple exercises and stretches may help you move around and walk more safely.
Hsct And Secondary Progressive Ms
Why is a treatment like HSCT important for people with secondary progressive MS?
Medical News Today spoke with Prof. Matilde Inglese, professor of neurology at the University of Genoa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino in Genoa, Italy, and lead author of this study.
Unfortunately, most of the available disease-modifying treatments are efficacious in relapsing-remitting MS but not in secondary progressive MS characterized by less inflammatory activity and more severe neurodegeneration, Pro. Inglese explained. can help by ceasing inflammation and delaying the accrual of clinical disability.
For this study, Prof. Inglese and her team examined the data of 79 people with active secondary progressive MS who received autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplants . They compared that data to information from almost 2,000 people with active secondary progressive MS treated with MS drugs.
Each participants disability level was measured using the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Scores range from no symptoms up to death due to MS . Researchers assessed participants scores at various stages over 10 years.
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Vitamin C And Vitamin E
Vitamin C is found in fruit, vegetables, and the livers of animals. Vitamin E is an antioxidant found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, bell peppers, and avocados.
An 18-year study followed 41,058 subjects in Sweden. Within that population, there were 465 cases of Parkinsons disease. Researchers evaluated vitamin C and E to determine whether antioxidants and total non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity were linked to a lower risk of Parkinsons disease.
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So What Is It Is It Parkinsons Disease Or Is It Something Else
The answer is not easy, but many who feel they have more than Parkinsons may in fact have multiple system atrophy .MSA is a very rare disorder that has similarities and features of Parkinsonism.However, it is so rare that many physicians are unfamiliar with it and so the diagnosis is not considered. As a result, a likely diagnosis of MSA might be delayed by years and even missed all together. Whats more, due to many symptoms that could possibly be attributed to other conditions diagnosing MSA can be challenging, even to the most experienced doctors. This can be very frustrating to those who know it is more than PD.
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Summary Parkinsons Vs Myasthenia Gravis
Parkinsons and myasthenia gravis are neurological disorders that have a very deteriorating impact on the quality of life of the patient. The main difference between Parkinsons and myasthenia gravis is their autoimmune component.
Reference:
1. Kumar, Parveen J., and Michael L. Clark. Kumar & Clark clinical medicine. Edinburgh: W.B. Saunders, 2009.
Image courtesy:
1. Sir William Richard Gowers Parkinson Disease sketch 1886 2 By Sir_William_Richard_Gowers_Parkinson_Disease_sketch_1886.jpg:derivative work: Malyszkz Sir_William_Richard_Gowers_Parkinson_Disease_sketch_1886.jpg via Commons Wikimedia2. DiplopiaMG1 By James Heilman, MD Own work via Commons Wikimedia
Combination Of Stp With Statistical And Dynamic Properties Of Saccades
Next, we explored whether taking into account the frequency distribution of saccades and their dynamic properties as a function of direction in combination with STP obtained from the saccadic pursuit condition, would allow for a better characterization of the oculomotor disorders. The results for the left and right eye are displayed separately.
Figures 5, 6 show the results for MS and PD groups, respectively. At a group level, MS patients showed impaired STP , no significant difference in the saccadic frequency distribution and significantly different amplitude and velocity , primarily along the horizontal axis. Still at the group level, PD patients showed impaired STP , significantly reduced saccadic frequency along the vertical axis , and significantly different amplitude and velocity . Overall the PD group showed more significant deviations from controls compared to the MS group.
Figure 5. MS and PD group analysis of normalized spatio-temporal properties. Normalized saccadic frequency distribution as a function of direction. Normalized saccadic amplitude as a function of direction. Normalized saccadic peak velocity as a function of direction. The results of the saccadic dynamics are stratified per quartile. An asterisk indicates a significant difference between normative values obtained from the control group.
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Onset Of Als And Parkinsons
There are several different variants of ALS but it generally affects people between the age of 40 and 70. Juvenile onset ALS, however, can start in childhood or typically before the age of 25, although this form of ALS is particularly rare. The onset of ALS is estimated to be 20% more common in men compared with women and in 10% of cases there is likely to be a genetic component.
Parkinsons disease is usually diagnosed in people over the age of 60, though a small percentage exhibit the symptoms before the age of 50.
Once again, men are more likely to develop Parkinsons than women.
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New Discovery Provides Hope For Lou Gehrigs Disease
Lou Gehrigs disease, also known as ALS , is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder for which there is no official treatment. However, in 2009 researchers reported on a group of patients with ALS and how they responded to being treated with stem cells. The majority of them did unbelievably well. And now, another study is again showing promise with stem cells.
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Cerebral Palsy Vs Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is a nervous system disorder that affects a persons movement. It occurs when certain nerve cells in the brain break down or die. Parkinsons is a progressive condition wherein symptoms start mild and worsen over time.
Symptoms of Parkinsons disease vary greatly based on age and severity. They often affect one side of the body more than the other. These symptoms include :
- Muscle stiffness
- Delayed movements
Like CP, Parkinsons does not have a cure. As for causes, cerebral palsy can often be linked to a specific birth injury, while many cases of Parkinsons are of unknown origin. Both genetic and environmental factors may play a role in the development of Parkinsons . Additionally, the onset of Parkinsons usually occurs later in life, with most people developing the disease at 60 years of age or older. CP is most commonly diagnosed during childhood.
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Pool Therapy For Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Multiple Sclerosis is a condition that weakens muscles and movements over time. Thus, strength training early and often is one of the key ways to keeping the muscles from weakening. However, this can be understandably difficult for someone who has difficulty walking, picking up a fork to eat or simply waving hello. For Multiple Sclerosis sufferers, the HydroWorx therapy pool can be a place for them to more easily build lean muscle mass than would ever be possible on land. Even if they cannot walk down the street comfortably or safely, they can walk on a treadmill in the water without fear. Not only are they protected by the innate buoyancy of the water, but they are given a psychological boost because they arent afraid to fall.
In a case study that was recently done in Great Britain, a woman with Multiple Sclerosis was treated in the HydroWorx pool. She had complained of progressive weakness in her upper and lower left limbs during a two-year period. She had to walk with a cane, and tended to favor one of her legs over the other. This was causing serious gait problems.
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Neurological Conditions: Ms Parkinsons Disease Als
Neurological conditions like MS, Parkinsons and ALS can all, more or less, cause reduced ability to use the faces and mouths functions like being able to eat, chew, swallow, speak and smile.
In this section we briefly describe MS, Parkinsons, ALS and the usual symptoms for their diagnosis. MS, Parkinsons and ALS differ symptom-wise but have similar problems and requirements for treatment.
Later, we will show how exercise with IQoro can function as a complement to traditional physiotherapy to maintain the health of the bodys, faces and mouths functions as long as possible. IQoro is a new and unique neuromuscular treatment method that requires just 30 seconds exercise, three times per day.
Neurological sicknesses affect the central nervous system: both the brain and the spine and also those nerves out in the body the peripheral nerve system which sends, for example, signals to and from our fingers and the central nervous system.
Also affected are those nerves that control our inner organs, the autonomic nerve system, which cannot be controlled voluntarily. In summary, all of these nerve systems can be affected to different degrees depending upon which neurological condition is present.
In all of these neurological sickness groups there will exist symptoms of dysphagia, eating-, chewing- and swallowing difficulties to different degrees depending upon the exact condition and its severity.
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What Makes Them Different
MS and Parkinsonâs have different causes. They usually start to affect you at different ages, too.
MS often affects people between ages 20 and 50, but children get it, too. Parkinsonâs usually starts at age 60 or older, but some younger adults get it.
MS is an autoimmune disease. That means your bodyâs immune system goes haywire for some reason. It attacks and destroys myelin. As myelin breaks down, your nerves and nerve fibers get frayed.
In Parkinsonâs, certain brain cells start to die off. Your brain makes less and less of a chemical called dopamine that helps control your movement. As your levels dip, you lose more of this control.
Some genes may put you at risk for Parkinsonâs, especially as you age. Thereâs a small chance that people who are exposed to toxic chemicals like pesticides or weed killers can get it, too.
These symptoms are more common if you have MS. They are not usually found in Parkinsonâs:
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Learn More About Parkinsons Disease And Multiple Sclerosis At Brooks Rehabilitation
Brooks Rehabilitation provides the best diagnosis and treatment options available for MS and PD. We can help you manage your disease through evidence-based treatments, expert physicians, state-of-the-art technology, and our Adaptive Wellness Program. We provide individualized care to help each patient handle specific triggers and learn to manage their care in the best way possible.
Get in touch with us today and learn more about the services available each of our Florida locations.
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Treatment For Multiple Sclerosis
Many patients with mild types of multiple sclerosis do well without treatment. Among the treatment possibilities are the following:
- Corticosteroids: Although corticosteroids are used to treat inflammation, they do not delay disease development.
- The interchange of plasma: If your symptoms are severe and do not improve with steroids, your doctor may advise you to undergo a plasma exchange. This procedure involves removing plasma cells from your blood, combining them with a solution, and reinjecting them back into your body.
- Medications that alter illness progression: The Food and Drug Administration has authorized a variety of medications to prevent relapses or progression of multiple sclerosis. Learn more about the drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis.
- Other medicines: Other drugs, such as those for tiredness, muscular stiffness, or pain, may be administered.
- Physical therapy: To increase your strength, balance, and mobility, a physical therapist may help you stretch and strengthen your muscles.
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Autism: No Link To Lyme Disease
In 2013, scientists analyzed serum samples of 120 children, including 70 with autism and 50 without autism. None of the 120 children tested positive for anti-bodies to Lyme using well established two-tier testing.
The scientists concluded:
The studys sample size is large enough to effectively rule out the suggested high rates of Lyme disease or associated seroprevalence among affected children.
NIH scientists performed a similar study by looking at 183 children: 104 with autism, 24 with developmental delays, and 55 neurotypical controls. All 183 children tested negative for Lyme antibodies and had no history of Lyme disease.
The NIH scientists concluded:
There was no evidence of an association between Lyme disease and autism.
Thankfully, the Lyme-Induced Autism Foundation is now defunct. Sadly, many of the doctors who spoke at Lyme-Induced Autism conferences are still practicing.
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Researchers Explore Efficacy Of Methylphenidate For Mental Fatigue In Multiple Sclerosis
A team of researchers at Kessler Foundation studied the effects of methylphenidate on mental fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis . This is the first study to examine the psychostimulants effects on state vs trait mental fatigue in MS. The article, Methylphenidate may improve mental fatigue in individual with multiple sclerosis: A pilot clinical trial, was published online on September 20, 2021, by Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.
The majority of individuals with MS experience physical and mental fatigue, a symptom that adversely affects their quality of life and contributes to disability. Mental fatigue, which is attributed to dopamine imbalance, may occur over time or at a defined moment . Methylphenidate, a psychostimulant that blocks catecholamine reuptake, including dopamine, alleviates fatigue in traumatic brain injury, Parkinson disease, and other neurological conditions. Evidence for the efficacy of psychostimulants for MS-related fatigue is inconclusive.
To assess the efficacy of methylphenidate for MS-related mental fatigue, Foundation researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover randomized control trial. Twelve participants with self-reported mental fatigue were tested for trait and state fatigue at baseline, after 4 weeks of methylphenidate, and after 4 weeks of placebo.
Explore further
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Multiple Sclerosis Vs Parkinsons Disease: Treatment And Therapies
Treatment for multiple sclerosis is lifelong, and although it cannot cure the condition, it aims to minimize symptoms and allow the patients to live as normal of a life as possible. Some treatment methods include corticosteroids and plasma exchange, beta interferons, Glatiramer acetate, Dimethyl fumarate, Fingolimod, Teriflunomide, Natalizumab, Alemtuzumab, and Mitoxantrone, which all help to reduce the likelihood of relapses.
Other treatment methods include physical therapy to improve mobility, muscle relaxants, medications to reduce fatigue, and other medications like antidepressants, medications to control the bowels and bladder, and medications to improve sexual function.
Exercise, meditation, yoga, and acupuncture are also recommended as a means to reduce stress and improve overall mental and physical well-being.
There is no cure for Parkinsons disease as well, but treatments are available to manage the symptoms and slow down the disease progression as much as possible. Alongside traditional treatments, supportive therapies are also used to improve different aspects of a persons health.
Common medications prescribed in Parkinsons disease include dopamine replacement therapy, dopamine agonists, anticholinergics, amantadine, monomine oxidase type B inhibitors, and catechol-o-methyl transferase inhibitors.
You can work closely with your doctor to create a specific treatment plan for you.