Parkinsonics: A Randomized, Blinded, Cross-Over Trial of Group Singing for Motor and Nonmotor Symptoms in Idiopathic Parkinson Disease.

Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) frequently causes communication difficulties due to various voice impairments and there are few treatment options for vocal/communication complaints. We assessed the effects of weekly group singing on PD patients' objective vocal and motoric function, cognition, mood, self-efficacy, and quality of life.

Methods: Thirty-two participants were randomly assigned to either a singing group or a facilitated discussion group weekly over 12 weeks.

Essential tremor & Parkinson disease: Recognizing the differences.

Tremor is a common movement disorder in adults and older adults. There are many different types of tremor and many conditions that present with tremor as a symptom. This article discusses the causes of tremor, and through the use of a case study, helps NPs understand the assessment of tremor and differentiate two common neurologic disorders that can present with tremor: essential tremor and Parkinson disease.

The Cure PSP Care Guide: A Telephonic Nursing Intervention for Individuals and Families Living With Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare, progressive, and terminal neurodegenerative disease characterized by problems with ambulation, balance, mobility, vision, speech, swallowing, and behavior during the 7- to 10-year course of the illness. Substantial evidence in the nursing literature supports the benefits of patient education, self-management, chronic disease management, telehealth, and nurse navigation programs, which enhance patient and caregiver knowledge, improve day-to-day management by developing an awareness of resources, decrease dependence on services, and address caregiver needs. The Cure PSP Care Guide is a targeted telehealth nursing intervention aimed at providing knowledge, guidance, and resources to the vulnerable individuals and families living with PSP; identifying local resources; and building community.

Peripheral Biomarkers of Parkinson's Disease Progression and Pioglitazone Effects.

Pioglitazone, an oral hypoglycemic agent, recently failed to show promise as a disease-modifying agent in a 44-week phase 2 placebo-controlled study in 210 Parkinson's disease (PD) subjects. We analyzed peripheral biomarkers, including leukocyte PGC-1α and target gene expression, plasma interleukin 6 (IL-6) as a marker of inflammation, and urine 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG) as a marker of oxidative DNA damage. Baseline or changes from baseline in biomarker levels were not associated with the rate of progression of PD.

The dying child: should we tell the truth?

Children and young people who are dying after having lived with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition will often be aware of their impending death. Whether that awareness is acknowledged and talked about will depend on the child, the parents and the professionals involved. A review of these three perspectives on truth telling reveals some of the many factors that influence openness, communication and truthfulness.