It looks like someone has finally come up with a way to clinically diagnose Parkinson's Disease while the patient is still alive. The FDA has approved "DaTscan", an imaging technique which can show abnormalities in the brain which are indicative of Parkinson's Disease. The article came from the Michael J Fox Foundation web site (see link on the right side of the page).
Why is this important? For one thing, the clinical trials and studies for Parkinson's research will be a lot more fruitful. Right now, no one can be absolutely sure that the patient in question actually has PD and not some other disorder. Now, the data collected will be of a much higher quality. Also, of course, patients will get appropriate treatment sooner.
Aside from all that, I don't know about anyone else, but I think that one of the worst things is not knowing. You know there's something wrong, but not what it is, or how to go about treating it. Now we'll know. I think this is a very good thing.
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About Me
- Marian
- I'm a lucky lady. I have a wonderful husband of 27 years, a fantastic 25 year old son (I'm so proud of him!) a loving and supportive family, the best friends in the world, a job that I love, and... Parkinson's Disease. I was diagnosed in September 2006. That was a jolt, but I'm learning to deal with it.
7 comments:
Hello Marian,
I was hoping to contact you but could not find an email address. I am working with a team of Parkinson's advocates to create a documentary about the day-to-day fight against Parkinson's disease.
We are looking to reach out to the Parkinson's community for support and help spreading the word.
If you have several moments you can view the film here: ridewithlarrymovie.com
If you would can contact me (ridewithlarrymovie@gmail.com), we would appreciate any help in sharing this project as we are in need of some support from the Parkinson's community. We are already endorsed by the Davis Phinney Foundation and the National Parkinson Foundation.
Thank you in advance and for the wonderful stories and experiences that you share on your blog.
Sincerely,
Team Ride with Larry
Thanks, Team! I just sent you an email; would love to hear more about your new project!
Hello Marian,
I just tried emailing you back but it said the email failed permanently... do you have another email address you can email me from?
I will respond to that instead.
Best,
Andrew from Team Ride with Larry
Sorry about that; we're having email problems. I will try again from another account!
Marian
Hello Marian
I just found your blog and read right through it from newest to oldest entries. I haven't seen the neurologist yet for a diagnosis, but I haven't the slightest doubt it will be Parkinson's. Reading about your journey has really helped me with understanding what's likely to be ahead. Thank you! I love your poetry, too, by the way. I lost my chocolate lab, Maizie, a few months ago, so Just-a-Dog made me cry a little bit.
Hi Sharon,
Welcome to the "tribe" as Davis Phinney would say. Don't be surprised if the neurologist won't give you a firm diagnosis right away; they don't like to commit too soon. Neurological disasters (oops! Freudian slip: I meant "disorders" :)) are so hard to diagnose. Thank you so much for the nice comment, and the encouragement. It means a lot to me! I'm sorry to hear that you lost a dog this year, too. You know I feel your pain. I never knew I could get so attached to a pet!
Marian
Marian
i was diagnosed of parkinson disease 5 years ago,i started azilect then mirapex as the disease progressed in frebuary last year,and i started on parkinson disease herbal treatment from Ultimate Life Clinic,few months into the treatment i made a significant recovery,almost all my symptoms are gone,great improvement with my movement and belance,it been a year and life has been so good for me,contact them through there website www.ultimatelifeclinic.com
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