Parkinson’s Disease: New Treatments And Resources (NAPSA)—Morethan one mil- posia, a quarterly newsletter, a science bulletin and a large number of publications. It refers patients and caregivers to local support groups across the United States and neurologists specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s. Website features: “Extensive question-and- lion Americans suffer from the devastating effects of Parkinson’s disease, a journey in which the patient gradually loses control over body movements. Sometimes the degeneration takes many years, sometimesjust a few. Fortunately, new therapies and resources are available to ease the burden for people whoare affected by Parkinson’s disease. Newtherapies One new therapy is the Activa System from Medtronic. Often referred to as a “brain pacemaker,” the system includes two surgically implanted medical devices to deliver electrical stimulation to areas on each side of the brain. The stimulus blocks signals that cause disabling motor symptoms. The FDA approved Activa Parkinson’s control therapy earlier this year. It is intended as a complementary treatment for patients in the advanced stages of the disease whostill respond to the drug levodopa but whose symptoms are not adequately controlled by medication. To find out more about Activa therapy, call 1-800-6645111 extension 1070 or log onto www.newhopeforparkinsons.com. Resources and information Parkinson’s disease can be difficult to live with. Fortunately, you are not alone. Many dedicated organizations are working on behalf of those who are touched by the disease. Contact them or log on for information and support. National Parkinson Foundation (NPF), www.parkinson.org, 1800-327-4545. Established in 1957 as a clinical provider of therapies for Parkinson’s disease, the NPF is best known today for its support of research on Parkinson’s disease and its educational outreach activities. Web site features: answer page featuring patients New therapies and resources are available for people with Parkinson’s disease. Y Questions and answers for patients and caregivers, featuring a physician, dietitian and nurse specialist. Y Questionnaires on the topics of anxiety, insomnia, tremor, depression and memory. American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), www.apda parkinson.com, 1-800-223-2732. Founded in 1961 to ease the burden and find the cure for Parkinson’s disease, the APDA focuses on research, patient services, education, increased public awareness and patient advocacy, and has financially supported research leading to major breakthroughs in the knowledge and treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Website features: Publications and videos for purchase. / Young Parkinson’s Information and Referral Centers, for people who want to know more about early-onset Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF), www.pdf.org, 1-800457-6676. PDF educates professionals and the public about Parkinson’s disease through educational sym- who describe their situation and physicians who offer individualized responses. “ Anumberof newsstories for 2002, and archives of newsstories dating back to 1999. Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN), www.parkinsonsaction.org, 1-703-518-8877. Founded in 1991, PAN’s mis- sion is to provide the Parkinson’s community with action and advocacy to find the causes and a cure for Parkinson’s disease within five years. It educates and interacts with the Parkinson’s community, scientists and policy and opinion leaders for increased funding of Parkinson’s research. Web site features: “Legislative agenda and updates. Advocacy handbook. / Newsreleases. Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, www. michaeljfox.org, 1-800-850-4726. Founded in 2000, the founda- tion promotes the development of a cure for Parkinson’s disease within this decade by aggressively funding all areas of Parkinson’s research. Website features: / Glossary and guide for the newly diagnosed. / Description of “fast-track” research grants in 2001 and 2002, involving the National Institutes of Health and other private Parkinson’s organizations. / Excerpts from Lucky Man, Michael J. Fox’s new memoir.
