Living with Parkinson ’ s
BANDING TOGETHER TO LIFT THE FOG ON DEMENTIA
Research across brain diseases offers insights and benefits
by RACHEL DOLHUN , MD
Photo by Sam Ogden
RESEARCH IS AN EVOLVING FIELD . Scientists ask questions , reach an answer and then ask more informed questions to get the next answer . That ’ s how research moves forward and our knowledge of disease changes over time . Long ago , for example , many thought Parkinson ’ s disease ( PD ) caused only movement problems , but today doctors and researchers recognize the various non-movement symptoms involved .
Scientists have a growing interest in one particular non-movement symptom : dementia , or significant memory or thinking changes ( such as difficulty paying attention or multitasking ) that affect daily activities .
Many people in later stages of PD can experience dementia as a symptom of disease . But dementia occurs with other diseases , too . The most common is Alzheimer ’ s disease . Some people experience dementia with Lewy bodies — a condition that shares the movement symptoms of Parkinson ’ s , but shows dementia in the early years with disease .
Among these dementia-causing diseases , research is uncovering common symptoms , genetic risks and brain changes . This means that research focused on one disease can provide insights and potential benefit in another . Much
12 The Fox Focus
Parkinson ’ s work aims to understand and target alpha-synuclein protein clumps ( Lewy bodies ) — the hallmark brain changes of PD . Because Lewy bodies also play a role in Parkinson ’ s dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies , these efforts also could pay off for people living with dementia .
Comparing and contrasting diseases reveals similarities and differences , which can lead to better understanding of causes , ways to diagnose and treatments to slow progression . The Biomarkers Across Neurodegenerative Diseases ( BAND ) program , a collaboration between MJFF and three leading brain research organizations , is offering $ 2 million in global funding to find what unites and separates Parkinson ’ s and related diseases . Launched in 2014 , the initiative has supported $ 3 million toward these objectives ; work continues to broaden knowledge and answer outstanding questions .
While funding research on dementia and Parkinson ’ s , MJFF also is developing educational resources for patients and families . Dementia can be a tough topic to talk about , but as MJFF Patient Council co-chair Bret Parker says , “ When we live in silence , we perpetuate a stigma that doesn ’ t belong .”