by Clyde Annach

Created on: December 08, 2006   Last Updated: May 02, 2007

The fast approaching of the mid term elections bring all the special interest champions out into the limelight. Advocates for special interests ranging from the environment to animal rights all view the political process as a means to advance their causes. Chief among these media darlings dedicated to a social agenda is Michael J. Fox.

Mr. Fox has enabled scientists to carry out some incredible research in regards to Parkinson's disease (PD). The Michael J. Fox Foundation has awarded more the seventy million dollars in scientific grants involving more than two hundred research projects in eighteen countries.

Among the wide array of projects supported by the Fox Foundation is a gene therapy that injects a virus with a gene produced by the team of Dr. Raymond Bartus into the brain. The theory behind this study is that seeding the malfunctioning area of the brain will cause it to start producing Dopamine. Dopamine is a hormone like neurotransmitter.

The Cleveland Clinics: Glossary of Parkinson's disease Terms defines Dopamine as;

A chemical produced by the brain; it assists in the effective transmission of messages from one nerve cell to the next. People with Parkinson's have decreased amounts of the chemical in the basal ganglia and substantia nigra, two structures located deep in the brain. Dopamine coordinates the actions of movement, balance, and walking.

Another study at the University of Florida supported by the Fox Foundation is led by Dr. Christine Sapienza. This group of scientist are working on curing a symptom of PD, that of difficulty swallowing. This may seem trivial at first blush until you learn that the leading cause of death in a PWP (Person with Parkinson's) is aspiration pneumonia. Water leaking into the airway causing infection, pneumonia and death.

In Beijing China compounds found in green tea are being study in the event that they may slow the progression of PD. Again supported financially by the Fox Foundation.

Parkinson's disease is a very highly misunderstood disease. There are an estimated one and a half million people in the United States suffering from PD. It is a degenerative neurological disorder that affects the Dopamine producing area of the brain. This loss of Dopamine can cause at rest tremors, a slowness of movement, rigidity of trunk and limbs and impaired balance. These are only the main symptoms of PD with dozens of secondary symptoms. PD is a quietly devastating disease.

Mr. Fox has joined the political process to promote Stem Cell

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• Next Page >>