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New Developments
Studies have shown that caffeine may have protective properties against Parkinson's disease. Scientists are further studying this relationship between caffeine and Parkinson's disease in menopausal women on hormone replacement therapy.
Researchers from Israel recently reported that mutations in the glucocerebrosidase gene may predispose Jews of Ashkenazi decent to Parkinson's disease. Of the 99 Ashkenazi Jews with Parkinson's disease included in the study, 31 patients were found to have a mutation in the glucocerebrosidase gene. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine Vol. 351(19):1972-1977, November 4, 2004.
Trials of new medications intended to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease are currently underway. Information regarding ongoing clinical studies in your area can be obtained at the Clinical Trials Listing Service at http://www.centerwatch.com
