Making Strides for Walking and Balance Problems

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We don’t typically think much about walking or keeping balance unless we have trouble with these activities. That’s because we don’t have to think about them, it’s automatic. Parkinson’s can interrupt these automatic connections and cause walking and balance problems, especially in people who live with the disease for many years.
Placebo and Parkinson

Ask the MD: Placebo and Parkinson’s

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Many clinical trials use a placebo comparison to evaluate the effect of a new drug or therapy. Some people get the active intervention and some get an inactive “fake” treatment that looks the same as the real thing. What is a placebo? Is it a good thing? Can a placebo make you feel worse? From Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research website.
Study Results Placebo Parkinson

Trophic Factor Study Results: Placebo Effect?

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Results are in from a study of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a “brain fertilizer” that some scientists believe may help protect dopamine cells and improve Parkinson’s symptoms. Many news reports are citing the findings as miraculous, but the response could be due to placebo effect.

Ask the MD: Gene Therapy for Parkinson’s

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Gene therapy is a hot topic in Parkinson’s disease. Researchers are now testing this novel approach in clinical trials of people with mid- to late-stage Parkinson’s. These therapies are intended to treat movement symptoms, lessen levodopa needs and, in turn, limit possible medication complications.