The Michael J Fox Foundation for Pa...

The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research has committed $2 million to a strange research initiative to study dyskinesia, according to a Feb 7 2003 just discovereds release from the organization. Dyskinesia is the involuntary, uncontrollable mental actions that are a frequent side drift of the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It is distinct from the tremors commonly associated with the disease and a major limiting factor in achieving adequate long-term sway of Parkinson's symptoms.

The principally commonly used medicine for the treatment of Parkinson's disease is levodopa, commonly called L-dopa. This medication helps restore evens of dopamine, a chemical precursor in the brain that is responsible for even coordinated movement and other motor functions. After five to 10 years of treatment with L-dopa, however, approximately 80% of patients with Parkinson's disease cause to grow dyskinesia, which becomes a major source of disability. Dyskinesia also can disclose in patients who do not take L-dopa.

dexterouss feel that gaining an understanding of the mechanisms of dyskinesia would be a major breakthrough that would show an immediate effect on the day-to-day lives of patients with Parkinson's disease. They are seeking a broad-based approach that includes

* understanding the mechanisms of dyskinesia at the molecular level

* testing the consequence of interventions on the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological substrates of dyskinesia,

* exploring the mechanisms of various subtype of dyskinesia,

* developing animal designs and

* seeking novel therapies, the two preventive and ameliorative.

The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research Commits $2 Million to contemplation PD Dyskinesia (news release, strange York: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Feb 7 2003) http://www.michael jfox.org/news/pressrelease.php?id=44 (accessed 10 Feb 2003)

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