OHSU Parkinson Center

The Brian Grant Foundation will will have an information and resource table at the West Linn Old Time Fair this weekend, and we would love to see you there!

Why should you join us?
• On the heels of the World Parkinson’s Congress (WPC), we learned we need to continually work to educate our community about Parkinson’s disease.
• We also want to learn what you need to prepare emotionally and physically to get out to door to be with others in the community – to socialize.

West Linn Old Time Fair
Location:
Willamette Park
1100 12th Street
West Linn, OR 97068
BGF Table Hours:
Friday, July 10: 5:00–8:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 11: 11:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 12: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Please stop by the BGF table to say hello, pick up resources, and learn more about this effort. We would also love to hear your ideas about what makes community events easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable for people living with Parkinson’s and their care partners.

Our very own Dr. Lauren Talman received the award for Professionalism from OHSU's Professional Board. This is a high honor and are beyond excited and proud for Dr. Talman

The first video of our Essential Tools series is available in our patient video library! Our very own Dr. Jeff Kraakevik has put together a talk on Parkinson's 101! Review the videos here under the "Essential Tools" category -

Parkinson's Disease: Video Library | Brain Institute | OHSU Watch presentations on a wide variety of Parkinson’s disease topics. OHSU Parkinson Center experts offer insights on relationships, memory, sleep, and mobility

Our Paper of the Month for May is: Genome-wide analysis reveals genes mediating resistance to paraquat neurodegeneration in Drosophila by Ian Martin.

This study examines how genetic differences influence susceptibility to Parkinson’s disease following exposure to the pesticide Paraquat. Using a fruit fly model that mimics delayed-onset dopaminergic neuron loss, the researchers analyzed nearly 200 genetically distinct strains and found that genetic background strongly affects vulnerability to toxin-induced neurodegeneration. Their genome-wide analysis identified two genes, luna and CG32264, that appear to protect against neuronal damage: reduced expression increased neuron loss, while overexpression prevented it. Notably, the mammalian equivalent of CG32264 (Phactr2) has been previously linked to human Parkinson’s risk, suggesting these findings may translate to humans and highlighting the importance of gene–environment interactions in pesticide-related neurodegeneration.

Genome-wide analysis reveals genes mediating resistance to paraquat neurodegeneration in Drosophila Parkinson's disease (PD) is thought to develop through a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Epidemiological studies have linked exposure to certain pesticides such as paraquat with elevated PD risk, although how a person's genetic makeup influences disease risk upon exposure rem...