APDA CENTER AT BRIGHAM AND WOMEN’S HOSPITAL REPORTS EXCITING CORRELATION BETWEEN GLUCOCEREBROSIDASE ACTIVITY AND PARKINSON’S DISEASE Posted on July 24, 2020July 24, 2020 by Phil Franchina In an exciting new study, researchers at the APDA-funded Center studied the relationship between the activity of the glucocerebrosidase (GBA) enzyme and the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). This insight may help shed light on possible future treatments. The glucocerebrosidase (GBA) enzyme, encoded by the GBA gene, is a protein used by the body to […] Read More
New Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Technology Now Available Posted on July 6, 2020July 6, 2020 by Phil Franchina Medtronic announces introduction of Percept PC Neurostimulator with Brainsense Technology On June 26, 2020 Medtronic announced the introduction of an upgraded deep brain stimulation (DBS) system known as PerceptTM PC Neurostimulator with BrainsenseTM Technology. The technology in the new system is the first to not only deliver electrical stimulation to the brain, with the goal […] Read More
A statement from APDA in this time of unrest Posted on June 2, 2020 by Phil Franchina All of us at the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) support equality for all and reject racism. Our programs are open to everyone and we foster a safe and welcoming place for all to join us, whether virtually or in person. Disparities and injustice exist on many levels, including within the healthcare system. At APDA, […] Read More
New medication approved by FDA for OFF symptoms Posted on May 22, 2020 by Phil Franchina Kynmobi Sunovion Pharmaceuticals announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Kynmobi® (apomorphine hydrochloride), a new sublingual medication for fast relief of OFF symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Apomorphine acts as a dopamine agonist, mimicking the effects of dopamine in the brain. It was previously only available as Apokyn, an injectable medication that provides […] Read More
New drug approved for OFF episodes Posted on April 27, 2020 by Phil Franchina Today, Neurocrine Biosciences announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ONGENTYS ® (opicapone), a new medication for treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Opicapone is a catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor to be used once-daily as an add-on treatment to levodopa for patients who are experiencing OFF time with their current medication regimen. Opicapone is in […] Read More
CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 AND THE PD COMMUNITY Posted on March 20, 2020January 29, 2021 by Phil Franchina APDA COVID-19 INFORMATION & RESOURCES: The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) continues to monitor the COVID-19 situation, particularly as it relates to our Parkinson’s disease (PD) community. Vaccines: Recently, the first two COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use in the United States, one manufactured by Pfizer/BioNTech and one manufactured by Moderna. Other vaccines […] Read More
The 26th Annual Parkinson’s Unity Walk Posted on January 13, 2020January 13, 2020 by Phil Franchina The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is a proud partner of the 26th Annual Parkinson’s Unity Walk taking place on Saturday, April 25, 2020 in Central Park, New York City. 100% of donations raised by the event will go to research funded by the leading PD foundations, including APDA. In addition to raising awareness and funds […] Read More
The FDA approves F-Dopa PET imaging to aid in early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease Posted on January 8, 2020January 8, 2020 by Dr. Rebecca Gilbert The FDA approves F-Dopa PET imaging to aid in early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease The FDA recently approved Flourodopa F18 (F-Dopa), a radioactive tracer for positron emission tomography (PET) that can help visualize the nerve endings of dopaminergic neurons. It can be used to help in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other parkinsonian […] Read More
Deep brain stimulation and swimming Posted on December 4, 2019December 4, 2019 by Phil Franchina Deep brain stimulation and swimming Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment for Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms in which small wires are inserted deep into the brain to deliver electrical current that allows for maintenance of more normal movement. DBS is particularly helpful for those with medication-resistant tremors as well as for those who […] Read More
Promising results from the University of Pittsburgh APDA Center for Advanced Research Posted on October 24, 2019December 12, 2019 by Phil Franchina Promising results from the University of Pittsburgh APDA Center for Advanced Research Building off of pivotal APDA-funded work highlighted here, Dr. J. Timothy Greenamyre and his team, published a new study investigating the role of Leucine-rich Repeat Kinase (LRRK2) in the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD). LRRK2 is known to be mutated in a small […] Read More
