PDF Newsletter

["J.R. Bruman" <jrbruman@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Some highlights of current newsletter from Parkinson's Disease Foundation,
710 West 168th St., New York NY 10032-9982: (212) 923-4700 or
(800) 437-6676:
-Recent studies focusing on environmental risk factors have turned up some
preliminary confirmation of heavy metals, herbicides, and insecticides,
including casual gardening activity. Familial clusters of PD aren't
necessarily genetic, as families often share similar environment and
lifestyle.
-200 fetal transplants have been done so far, world-wide. Most patients
experience minor to moderate improvement. Some transplants have been
observed by PET scan to survive up to 6 years. Transplants improve on-off
effect, slowness, and rigidity, but not tremor. US govt is funding a
double-blind controlled study of 40 transplant patients, of whom 25 are
so far enrolled. For details and qualifications, send SASE to PDF.
-PDF supports research labs connected with Columbia-Presbyterian Medical
Center in NYC, including a brain tissue bank for research and study of PD.
Many people have willed their body to a medical institution for research,
teaching, or transplantation, and PDF would like PD patients to arrange
for donation of their brain tissue on death. To do so, contact PDF at the
phone number or address above.
-Mount Sinai (NY) is recruiting early-stage patients for study of a new
MAO-B inhibitor (not named) which unlike Eldepryl doesn't produce
amphetamine as a metabolite. For volunteer info contact Edward Olanow,
(212) 241-6061.

Cheers, Joe


J. R. Bruman (818) 789-3694
3527 Cody Road
Sherman Oaks CA 91403