Let’s face it, my husband’s neurologist doesn’t have the time to be following every advancement being made in the struggle to find a cure for PD. I, however, do follow what is happening as much as possible and want to be able to ask her if something comes up that I think might be helpful. I recently heard about a vibrating glove developed by a team at Stanford University that is giving relief to some people with PD. Wearing it just a few hours a day seems to alleviate not only physical but some cognitive challenges as well. This is definitely going on the list for our next appointment. 

Just this month, I learned that a research team using data from the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s PPMI (Parkinson’s Progression Marker Initiative) study have identified a biomarker for Parkinson’s. This breakthrough represents a way to diagnosis Parkinson’s earlier and more specifically by type. Currently patients must undergo a spinal tap, but as the work continues the hope is that it will one day be as simple as a blood draw or skin test. The research team believes that this will lead to better treatment for those already diagnosed because they will be able to suggest differentiated treatments based on the actual amount of biomarker found. It is amazing and another thing to talk with our neurologist about.

I have always supported research with the thought that it won’t help us but may help someone else down the road. These developments have proven me wrong. My hope has been renewed that, while my husband may not see a cure, he may very well see a more personalized treatment that limits the impact of his diagnosis. This is all thanks to research teams and individuals, like my sister, who have come forward to participate in the study. I hope they understand just how much their contribution means to so many of us. They are truly giving us back hope for a life fully lived regardless of a PD diagnosis.

Check this out for more about the vibrating glove Good Vibrations, Can Parkinson’s Symptoms be Stopped? , and for more about the biomarker Assessment of heterogeneity among participants in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative cohort using α-synuclein seed amplification: a cross-sectional study – PubMed (nih.gov) .