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In 2024, the Parkinson's community witnessed several significant developments in addition to the breaking news today out of the EPA. :
National Parkinson's Project Legislation: In 2024, President Biden signed the National Parkinson's Project into law, the first-ever federal legislation dedicated to ending Parkinson's. This monumental bill aims to:
- Dramatically increase federal research funding
- Develop more effective pathways for treatments and cures
- Improve early diagnosis
- Spark new and improved models for patient care
- Address health disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and clinical trial participation
FDA Approval of Vyalev: In October, the FDA approved Vyalev (foscarbidopa/foslevodopa), a 24-hour subcutaneous infusion therapy for adults with advanced Parkinson's. This treatment offers continuous medication delivery, aiming to improve motor function control for those experiencing fluctuations with traditional oral therapies.
Advancements in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, developed adaptive DBS technology that adjusts electrical stimulation based on real-time neural activity. Clinical trials showed that adaptive DBS could reduce motor symptoms by 50% compared to conventional DBS, marking a significant step forward in personalized Parkinson's treatment.
Progress in Disease-Modifying Therapies: Pharmaceutical company Roche reported promising results from trials of prasinezumab, an antibody therapy targeting alpha-synuclein, a protein implicated in Parkinson's pathology. Data indicated that prasinezumab could slow disease progression by at least 40%, offering hope for treatments that address the underlying causes of Parkinson's rather than just managing symptoms.
Innovative Diagnostic Tools: A study introduced a non-invasive method for early Parkinson's detection using webcam recordings to analyze facial expressions, speech, and finger movements. This approach achieved an accuracy rate of 88%, suggesting potential for accessible, at-home screening options that could facilitate earlier diagnosis and intervention.
Legal Developments Regarding Paraquat: As of August 1, 2024, there are 5,757 active cases in the federal multidistrict litigation concerning paraquat. The British Columbia Supreme Court certified a class-action lawsuit against Syngenta, the manufacturer of the herbicide paraquat, on behalf of individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's following exposure to the chemical.
Australian Parkinson's Genetics Study (APGS): Researchers in Australia launched a campaign seeking 7,000 participants without a family history of Parkinson's to provide saliva samples. Funded by Shake It Up Australia and The Michael J. Fox Foundation, the study aims to enhance understanding of the genetic factors contributing to Parkinson's disease.
Bio-markers for Parkinson's Disease: Researchers identified new biological and clinical biomarkers that could improve diagnosis and tracking of Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia. These findings may lead to better identification of patients at different disease stages and more tailored treatment approaches.
Innovative Cell Therapy Trials: Clinical trials commenced for a novel treatment involving the transplantation of lab-grown dopaminergic neuronal progenitor cells into patients' brains. Early results indicated potential in restoring dopamine production, offering hope for disease modification.
Public Figures and Parkinson's Awareness:
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Brett Favre: The former NFL quarterback, renowned for his tenure with the Green Bay Packers, revealed his diagnosis during a congressional testimony in September 2024. Favre, 54, shared that he began experiencing difficulties with his right arm, such as trouble holding a screwdriver and putting on a jacket. He suspects that the numerous concussions sustained throughout his football career may have contributed to the development of the disease.
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John Stapleton: The veteran British broadcaster, known for his work on programs like BBC's "Nationwide" and ITV's "Good Morning Britain," announced his Parkinson's diagnosis in October 2024. At 78, Stapleton discussed experiencing symptoms such as a hand tremor and increased anxiety. He remains determined to maintain his independence and stay active, acknowledging the challenges ahead.
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Ed Begley Jr.: The American actor and environmental activist disclosed his Parkinson's diagnosis in his memoir, published in April 2024. Begley, 74, noted that he had experienced symptoms as early as the 1990s but was officially diagnosed in 2016. He remains optimistic about the future and continues to advocate for environmental causes.
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Justin Currie: Frontman of the Glasgow band Del Amitri, continued to perform despite his Parkinson's diagnosis. Reviews noted that his condition did not affect his stage presence or musical abilities, serving as an inspiration to many.
These developments reflect a year of significant progress in understanding, diagnosing, and treating Parkinson's disease, offering hope to those affected by the condition.
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