The Summer 2015 edition of Viewpoints focuses on critical issues for the Parkinson’s community. It highlights medication management for Parkinson’s disease, emphasizing the importance of tailored treatments and addressing common concerns such as side effects and the impact of diet on medication efficacy. Dr. Martin McKeown, a clinical neurologist, answers questions on the role of medications like levodopa and newer treatments.
It also features updates on ongoing research into cognitive function and myelin’s role in Parkinson’s disease, with a particular focus on the work of Dr. Alex MacKay at the University of British Columbia. His research aims to understand how myelin breakdown may contribute to cognitive decline in people with Parkinson’s. Personal stories and advocacy are at the forefront, with features on Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) recipients and the ongoing efforts to secure more funding for DBS surgeries.