It begins with a slight tremor in the hands, legs, jaw and face, a slowness of movement, rigidity and difficulty with balance. Other symptoms may include muffled speech, depression, shuffled walking and memory loss, among others.
The victims are usually 50 or older, although the disease does not discriminate by age and affects men and women in almost equal numbers. It shows no social, ethnic, economic or geographic boundaries.
Parkinson's disease affects more than 1.5 million Americans and an estimated 60,000 new cases are diagnosed yearly, according to the National Parkinson's Foundation.
When a neurological disease attacks the nervous system, it causes healthy cells to die. In the case of Parkinson's disease, certain nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra die or become impaired. Normally, these cells produce a vital chemical known as dopamine that allows for smooth, coordinated function of the body's muscles and movement. When approximately 80 percent of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear.
To date, diagnosis is only symptom-based and unable to detect Parkinson's disease until irreversible damage is done. While there are a few medications available to treat the symptoms and studies are being done to slow the progression, more accurate detection and drug targets are the best hope.
Power3 Medical, a biotechnology company and leader in proteomics research, has developed the NuroPro Test, a neurodegenerative screening test that may provide a solution for early detection of this neurodegenerative disorder as well as several others. When a healthy cell dies, it releases proteins into the bloodstream. By taking a blood serum sample, a profile for a patient can be obtained.
Through their medical proteomic research, the Power3 scientists have been able to identify the proteins associated with specific diseases and use these proteins as the basis for the test.
Although still in the clinical validation stages, Power3 Medical's NuroPro Test is giving both patients and physicians hope. Power3 has the ability, through a simple blood test, to detect and distinguish between a normal individual and patients with ALS, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
During a recent clinical validation trial, this test was able to discriminate between normal individuals and those with neurodegenerative diseases at a level of 86 percent to 99 percent accuracy.
While not much is known about why someone may develop Parkinson's, once contracted, there are things a patient can do to stay as well as possible, for as long as possible. The following tips are guidelines for those battling this disorder:
* Get regular exercise; it is essential to maintaining and improving mobility, flexibility, balance and range of motion.
* Maintain a healthy diet.
* Find a support group. These groups play an important role in the emotional health of both families and patients.
* Visit www.clinicaltrials.gov for information on how you can participate in clinical trials for Parkinson's research.
For more information about Power3 Medical's NuroPro Test, visit www.power3medical.com. - NU |
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