Category: Brandpoint Health

2022-04-05T08:31:00

(BPT) – Sponsored by Alkermes, Inc.

If someone you know is living with Bipolar I Disorder (BD-I), you probably have a lot of questions about what they’re experiencing and how you might be able to support them. A BD-I diagnosis can be overwhelming. Having information might be able to help you support the person with this diagnosis and possibly be a better ally.

BD-I is a brain disorder that is marked by changes in a person’s mood, from extreme highs (mania) to extreme lows (depression), and changes in energy and ability to function.^[1] It affects approximately 1% of the adult population in the United States.^[2]

A national survey has unveiled insights into the lives of individuals with BD-I.^[3] The results of the survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Alkermes, Inc. in collaboration with the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), reveal that many people with BD-I face challenges ranging from feeling misunderstood to difficulties finding the right treatment option.

The mental health treatment journey also can be confusing for people who want to be an ally, but better understanding the experience of people living with BD-I might help. These points from the survey highlight some of these experiences:

1. Living with BD-I can be isolating

An overwhelming 81% of survey respondents reported feeling like no one understands what they’re going through, and 77% said that living with BD-I makes them feel isolated and alone. While many feel that BD-I has negatively impacted their life (87%), and that it takes up a lot of their mental and physical energy (91% and 83%, respectively), most also acknowledge that they have made a lot of progress in learning to manage their disorder (85%) and have accepted that it will always be part of their life (91%).

By offering comfort, support, and a safe space to be open about their diagnosis and experience, you may be able to help someone with BD-I feel less alone.

2. Finding the right medication can be a long and difficult process

In the study, 70% of respondents said that finding a BD-I medication that works well for them has proven difficult and 78% agreed that it took them a very long time to feel like their BD-I medication regimen worked. If someone you know is living with BD-I, try to be open and empathetic during their treatment journey. Asking them how their treatment may be working and encouraging them to communicate honestly with their healthcare provider(s) about their experience may also be important in helping them advocate for themselves.

3. Side effects of medication can impact quality of life

Survey results showed that 52% of survey respondents experienced weight gain and anxiety, and 49% of respondents experienced drowsiness as a side effect of their medication. Ninety-five percent of respondents say these side effects have negatively impacted some aspect of their life; more specifically, 41% of respondents said their motivation and energy to do things they enjoy and 34% of respondents said that their sleep quality were affected.

For people living with a mental health condition, allyship is important. In this survey, 38% of respondents shared that they feel the need to hide their BD-I diagnosis from their colleagues or classmates. If a person you know with BD-I shared their mental health experience with you, it’s a great opportunity for you to be a source of support and connection for them. As the data reveal, the realities of living with BD-I can be challenging, but allies can be a critical support system. For more information on where to find supportive resources for allyship, visit the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) website. On their website, you’ll find:

• Support groups — DBSA offers online and local support groups for peers, friends, and family to help you access support virtually or near you.
• Information on treatment — If your friend or family member is facing treatment challenges, the person needs your support and patience more than ever. Education can help you both find options that are available and decide whether a second opinion is needed.
• Becoming a peer support specialist — To offer help beyond the people in your life; DBSA’s peer support network is an opportunity to become trained and certified to help others as they move forward in their mental health recovery.

This is intended as informational only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical and/or mental health condition.

[1] American Psychiatric Association. What Is Bipolar Disorder? Retrieved March 23, 2022, from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/bipolar-disorders/what-are-bipolar-disorders

[2] Merikangas et al. Lifetime and 12-Month Prevalence of Bipolar Spectrum Disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Arch Gen Psychiatry, 2007 May; 64(5): 543-552. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1931566/

[3] The Harris Poll conducted these online surveys on behalf of Alkermes and in consultation with DBSA among 305 people living with BD-I in the U.S. In order to qualify for participation, subjects had to be aged 18-45+, must have taken BD-I medication at the time of the survey or in the year prior to the survey, and could not have been managing/receiving treatment for schizophrenia at the time of the survey. Data were collected between August 3 and August 26, 2021, and raw data were not weighted and are therefore only representative of those who completed the survey. The results of this survey do not necessarily represent the experiences of the broader population of people living with BD-I.

For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, or for any additional questions regarding the survey, please send requests to mediainfo@alkermes.com.

ALKERMES® is a registered trademark of Alkermes, Inc. ©2022 Alkermes, Inc. All rights reserved.

UNB-003368

2022-04-01T15:01:00

(BPT) – Your body’s alarm system triggers uncomfortable symptoms to alert you when something isn’t right. When it comes to persistent bloating and other gastrointestinal symptoms, answers about the underlying cause may actually be found in your breath. Data from your breath can help your doctor develop a specific treatment plan for you so that you can start to feel better as quickly as possible.

Symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation over an extended period of time can indicate that you have a serious GI condition. You may have heard about a condition called SIBO, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, that occurs in the gut microbiome, the ecosystem of bacteria that live in your gut.

SIBO is defined as the presence of excessive numbers, or overgrowth, of bacteria in the small intestine, leading to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms. SIBO is a complex result of slowed transit in the gut. It can be caused by various medications, surgeries and conditions such as diabetes, IBS, celiac, Crohn’s disease and other gastrointestinal complications.

Bacteria in your gut are fed by the food you consume, and when bacteria eat, they release specific kinds of gases. When there is bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine, there are more bacteria consuming your food and subsequently releasing more gas, which causes the symptoms of SIBO. Bloating is the most prominent symptom reported. This overgrowth of bacteria will result in abnormally elevated levels of gases, only detectable with a breath test.

Breath testing is an easy way to measure the gases found in your gut microbiome. To conduct a breath test, you drink a sugar solution, which is then consumed by the bacteria in your gut. The bacteria release gases that are measurable in your breath. You then collect multiple samples by breathing into a device designed to securely capture your breath, and the levels of each gas found in your samples are recorded and analyzed at a lab.

Properly identifying your GI condition with a breath test helps your doctor develop a personalized treatment plan. There are specialized antibiotics and medications available to treat the overgrowth of bacteria, as well as diets specially designed to prevent the recurrence of overgrowth.

It’s important to know that there are three variations of SIBO, each indicated by one of three different gases: hydrogen, methane and hydrogen sulfide. If any of these gases are abnormally high, certain GI conditions can be determined; abnormal hydrogen is indicative of SIBO, abnormal methane is indicative of IMO (intestinal methanogenic overgrowth), and abnormal hydrogen sulfide is indicative of excess hydrogen sulfide.

IMO is the result of the overgrowth of archaea — organisms similar to bacteria — in the large intestine. The levels of methane associated with IMO correlate with the severity of constipation you may be experiencing.

Excess hydrogen sulfide is a condition associated with diarrhea and is defined as the overgrowth of hydrogen sulfide-producing organisms. The levels of hydrogen sulfide correlate with the severity of diarrhea. Hydrogen sulfide was previously undetectable by breath testing until recent technological breakthroughs.

Because there are three types of detectable gases in the microbiome that correlate with three separate GI conditions, it’s important to get the whole picture by using a three-gas breath test. Older breath tests only measure two out of the three key gases, hydrogen and methane, and because of the missing data, can’t ensure the correct path of treatment for your symptoms.

“Hydrogen is produced by bacteria but is also consumed by other organisms, resulting in the production of other gases, including methane and hydrogen sulfide,” said Dr. Mark Pimentel, a global leader in SIBO research. “There is a balance-counterbalance effect between methane and hydrogen sulfide. These findings are important, because they suggest limitations when measuring only one or two gases. Only by measuring all three gases, including hydrogen sulfide, can you get a more complete picture of your gut health.”

The only three-gas breath test available is called trio-smart. trio-smart is a mail-in breath test, with a simple at-home collection system, that you can order online by working with a telehealth provider.

You can understand your gut microbiome better by testing your breath with a three-gas breath test. It is the first step to finding a treatment plan tailored to you so that you can start feeling better.

2022-03-31T10:01:00

(BPT) – At the age of 40, Jon Rotenberry was working full-time as an air traffic controller, and as a proud U.S. Navy veteran, he considered himself young and healthy. His wife, Jennifer, was pregnant with their first child when a surprise changed everything: Jon was diagnosed with chronic heart failure.

An unexpected battle

In January 2020, while on a trip to Seattle, Jon started to feel ill. Like many other men, Jon wanted to “tough it out.” But after his symptoms – including nausea, fatigue and a severe cough – got worse, Jon visited a convenient care center, where he was initially diagnosed and treated for pneumonia.

After returning home to Colorado, Jon’s condition did not improve, so he visited his primary care provider who ran some tests, including a chest X-ray. The results showed that Jon’s heart was larger than it was supposed to be, and his lungs were filled with fluid – a sign that his heart was not functioning properly. Jon’s doctor immediately advised him to visit the emergency room for more tests because he was afraid that Jon might not make it through the night.

After visiting the ER, Jon was transferred to an intensive care unit and later to a hospital specializing in cardiology. It was only after several days and numerous tests that Jon received his heart failure diagnosis.

With no family history of heart disease and given his active lifestyle, the news came as a shock. And during his nearly three weeks in the hospital, Jon recalls being scared for his future, saying “I didn’t know if I would ever be able to hold my new baby or return to work.” Everything felt uncertain.

Stocking his arsenal

Toward the end of Jon’s hospitalization, he was prescribed a medication called Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) as part of his treatment plan. Entresto is a medicine prescribed by most cardiologists to treat adults with long­-lasting, or chronic, HF to help reduce the risk of death and hospitalization. Entresto works better when the heart cannot pump a normal amount of blood to the body. He also learned it was the first and only FDA-approved medicine of its kind. See below for Important Safety Information.

Jon was grateful to have finally received a correct diagnosis so he could start a treatment plan to manage his condition. While everyone’s experience is different, Jon has not been hospitalized since. He has been able to return to his job and spend meaningful time with his family, including his daughter who was born 6 months following his diagnosis.

Since Jon’s hospitalization, he has continued to work with his doctor to develop a management plan that works for him, which includes taking his medications and maintaining a heart-healthy, low-salt diet. Jon also ensures some moderate cardio-focused physical activity is a part of his regular routine. He’s even taken up jiu-jitsu after working closely with his doctor on a physical activity plan.

Jon’s journey continues

Jon never expected to be diagnosed with chronic heart failure. If he had ignored his symptoms or not asked for help, he might not be here today for all the people who count on him. He encourages others who might be experiencing heart failure symptoms to get them checked out.

To learn more about Entresto for heart failure patients, go to ENTRESTO.com.

What is ENTRESTO?
ENTRESTO is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with long-lasting (chronic) heart failure to help reduce the risk of death and hospitalization. ENTRESTO works better when the heart cannot pump a normal amount of blood to the body.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about ENTRESTO?
ENTRESTO can harm or cause death to your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about other ways to treat heart failure if you plan to become pregnant. If you get pregnant during treatment with ENTRESTO, tell your doctor right away.

Do not take ENTRESTO if you:

• are allergic to any of the ingredients in ENTRESTO
• have had an allergic reaction including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, throat (angioedema) or trouble breathing while taking a type of medicine called an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB)
• take an ACE inhibitor medicine. Do not take ENTRESTO for at least 36 hours before or after you take an ACE inhibitor medicine. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking ENTRESTO if you are not sure if you take an ACE inhibitor medicine
• have diabetes and take a medicine that contains aliskiren

Before taking ENTRESTO tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have a history of hereditary angioedema
• have kidney or liver problems
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant; are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should either take ENTRESTO or breastfeed. You should not do both

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take potassium supplements or a salt substitute; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); lithium; or other medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems such as an ACE inhibitor, ARB, or aliskiren.

What are the possible side effects of ENTRESTO?

ENTRESTO may cause serious side effects including:

• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue and throat (angioedema) that may cause trouble breathing and death. Get emergency medical help right away if you have symptoms of angioedema or trouble breathing. Do not take ENTRESTO again if you have had angioedema while taking ENTRESTO
• People who are Black or who have had angioedema and take ENTRESTO may have a higher risk of having angioedema
• low blood pressure (hypotension), which may become more common if you take water pills. Call your doctor if you become dizzy or lightheaded, or if you develop extreme fatigue
• kidney problems
• increased amount of potassium in your blood (hyperkalemia)

The most common side effects were low blood pressure, high potassium, cough, dizziness, and kidney problems.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

This information is not comprehensive. Please see full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING, and Patient Prescribing Information.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
East Hanover, New Jersey 07936-1080	©2022 Novartis	3/22 195139

2022-03-29T17:09:00

(BPT) – The past few years have reinforced the importance of overall health, particularly respiratory health. For those living with a chronic lung illness, such as Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease, taking precautions against respiratory illnesses is nothing new. However, for those living with MAC lung disease, the pandemic has reinforced how critical it is to make every effort to protect lung health, including being vigilant about doctor’s visits and tracking any potential signs the condition is worsening.

MAC lung disease is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium avium complex, which may also be referred to as NTM lung disease. MAC bacteria are usually found in soil and water and can be breathed in during daily activities, such as showering or gardening. While most people who encounter MAC do not develop an infection because their lungs are healthy enough to clear the bacteria, people with lung conditions that can cause damage, including bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or asthma, are more likely to develop MAC lung disease.

Management of MAC Lung Disease

MAC lung disease is a serious and progressive condition that can get worse if not treated which might lead to lung damage and worsening symptoms. However, Dr. Deborah Levine, a pulmonologist at UT Health Science Center in San Antonio, says there are ways MAC lung disease patients can help manage their condition and protect their health. She recommends patients consult their doctor about starting treatment, discuss making lifestyle changes and ensure they keep in touch with their doctors to monitor progress.

Many newly diagnosed MAC patients are initially prescribed a multidrug regimen which typically includes a combination of various antibiotics. Patients may remain on this regimen for months until they test negative for MAC lung disease, which is determined by a sputum test. A sputum test is a routine procedure for those living with the condition and it allows physicians to analyze a patient’s mucus for MAC bacteria.

For patients, a large part of managing MAC includes staying in touch with their care team, whether that’s during appointments or in-between them. When speaking with their care team, Dr. Levine encourages patients to ask questions including what to expect during their doctor visits, about their test results and CT scans, and also about what to expect during their treatment regimen. With today’s technology, there are several ways for patients to safely meet with their care team and ask questions. Dr. Levine shared her top tips for how patients can best stay in touch with their care team:

• In-person appointments: When a MAC patient has an in-person doctor visit, it will be important to check with their doctor’s office to understand what safety measures are currently in place. Many offices may require patients wear masks and complete health screenings to ensure all patients coming in are not putting others at risk. Furthermore, patients should ask if a family member or caregiver can attend the appointment with them. This can be especially important for newly diagnosed patients who may be learning about MAC or their treatment plan for the first time. In-person visits are beneficial for patients with MAC to help track their progress via sputum tests and CT scans and address any concerns they have with their treatment, including side effects and worsening symptoms from the condition.
• In-between appointments: For concerns that may come up in-between appointments, patients should know who to contact on their care team and how to best contact them for a quick response. It’s important patients reach out with any concerns, no matter how minor they seem, so their care team can help address them early and better manage their MAC. Patients can work with their team to find strategies that work best for them, but this is how I’ve been successful with staying in touch with my patients between visits.
• Virtual appointments: Virtual appointments are another great option for when patients may need more time with their doctor between in-person appointments that a call or message can’t cover. For these appointments, I encourage patients to treat it as an in-person appointment. Come to the appointment prepared with any questions, their medication list and have a pen and paper on hand to take notes. Patients can also have a family member or caregiver present to help take notes or be another ear to listen. It also helps to make sure the computer they’re using is fully charged, and the camera and speakers are working properly.

The Role of ARIKAYCE in MAC Lung Disease

Taking an antibiotic regimen, regular check-ins and other management strategies can help patients manage their MAC lung disease. However, some people taking an antibiotic regimen can continue to test positive for MAC bacteria after six months on the regimen.

That’s where ARIKAYCE^® (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension) comes in. ARIKAYCE is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for MAC lung disease in adults who still test MAC-positive after 6 months on an initial multidrug regimen. “In a clinical study, adding ARIKAYCE to their multidrug regimen helped patients test MAC-negative for 12 months, and continue to test negative even after completing treatment,” says Dr. Levine. “Adding ARIKAYCE also helped more patients test MAC-negative – compared to those taking a multidrug regimen alone.”

This product was approved by the FDA using the Limited Population pathway. This means the FDA has approved this drug for a limited and specific patient population, and studies on the drug may have only answered focused questions about its safety and effectiveness.

Adding ARIKAYCE can help people test MAC-negative and Dr. Levine notes that it’s important for patients to understand what they may experience while taking ARIKAYCE, “When starting a medication, it’s important for any patient to understand the treatment goals and long-term plan while taking it, and ARIKAYCE is no different. When a patient understands why they are taking ARIKAYCE and how we will measure progress, they are better prepared for and committed to the journey ahead.”

In addition to staying in touch with their physician and care team, ARIKAYCE patients can also enroll in a program that provides additional information and support. Dr. Levine shared, “Once a patient is prescribed ARIKAYCE, the Arikares Patient Support Program can provide information on how to navigate insurance coverage, help coordinate medication shipments and offer voluntary training on how to take ARIKAYCE.”

Understanding the Possible Side Effects

Everyone responds to treatment differently, so it’s important patients let their care team know how they are feeling throughout treatment. Dr. Levine stressed the importance of patients and their doctors discussing possible side effects, along with what to do about them: “For patients starting ARIKAYCE, I aim to educate them on the potential side effects of the treatment and how they may manage them while encouraging them to share their experiences with me, whether that’s via telehealth or an in-person visit. This helps create an open line of communication between us and ensures we can best manage their time on ARIKAYCE.”

ARIKAYCE can cause serious side effects, including:

• allergic inflammation of the lungs. These respiratory problems may be symptoms of allergic inflammation of the lungs and often come with fever, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and fast breathing
• coughing up of blood (hemoptysis). Coughing up blood is a serious and common side effect of ARIKAYCE
• severe breathing problems. Severe breathing problems can be symptoms of bronchospasm. Bronchospasm is a serious and common side effect of ARIKAYCE. Bronchospasm symptoms include shortness of breath, difficult or labored breathing, wheezing, and coughing or chest tightness
• worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This is a serious and common side effect of ARIKAYCE
• serious allergic reactions. Serious allergic reactions that may lead to death have happened to people who take ARIKAYCE. Stop taking ARIKAYCE right away and get emergency medical help if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: hives, itching, redness or blushing of the skin (flushing), swollen lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or wheezing, shortness of breath, noisy high-pitched breathing (stridor), cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, feel cramps in your stomach area, fast heart rate, feeling light headed, feeling faint, loss of control of the bowels or bladder (incontinence), and dizziness

While using ARIKAYCE, these side effects may become serious enough that treatment in a hospital is needed. Call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you have any of these serious side effects while taking ARIKAYCE. Your healthcare provider may ask you to stop using ARIKAYCE for a short period of time or completely stop using ARIKAYCE.

Do not use ARIKAYCE if you are allergic to any aminoglycoside, or any of the ingredients in ARIKAYCE.

Before using ARIKAYCE, tell your healthcare provider about all medical conditions, including if you:

• have asthma, COPD, shortness of breath, or wheezing (bronchospasm)
• have been told you have poor lung function
• have hearing problems, such as ringing in your ears or hearing loss
• have dizziness or a sense of the room spinning
• have kidney problems
• have neuromuscular disease, such as myasthenia gravis
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ARIKAYCE can harm your unborn baby. ARIKAYCE is in a class of medicines that may be connected with complete deafness in babies at birth. The deafness affects both ears and cannot be changed
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if the medicine in ARIKAYCE passes into your breast milk and if it can harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby during treatment with ARIKAYCE

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

ARIKAYCE may cause serious side effects, including:

• hearing loss or ringing in the ears (ototoxicity). Ototoxicity is a serious and common side effect of ARIKAYCE. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have hearing loss or you hear noises in your ears, such as ringing or hissing. Tell your healthcare provider if you start having problems with balance or dizziness (vertigo)
• worsening kidney problems (nephrotoxicity). ARIKAYCE is in a class of medicines which may cause worsening kidney problems. Your healthcare provider may do a blood test to check how well your kidneys are working during your treatment with ARIKAYCE
• worsening muscle weakness (neuromuscular blockade). ARIKAYCE is in a class of medicines which can cause muscle weakness to get worse in people who already have problems with muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis)

The most common side effects of ARIKAYCE include: changes in voice and hoarseness (dysphonia), sore throat, diarrhea, muscle pain, nausea, tiredness (fatigue), fever, vomiting, headache, decreased weight, increased sputum, rash, chest discomfort, or cough during or after a dose of ARIKAYCE, especially in the first month after starting treatment.

These are not all of the possible side effects of ARIKAYCE. Call your doctor or pharmacist for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see full Prescribing Information at ARIKAYCE.com.

These past few years have been challenging for many and required them to take extra precautions to protect their health. No matter where a patient is on their treatment journey, Dr. Levine wants to encourage patients living with MAC lung disease to talk with their doctor about how they can best manage the condition. Staying connected to their care team and communicating how they are feeling are two ways to best monitor progress and find new strategies to manage the condition. For important questions to ask about ARIKAYCE and tips on how to make the most of a doctor’s appointment, see here for a discussion guide. You can also find the study results and more information at ARIKAYCE.com.

Sponsored by Insmed Incorporated.

2022-03-28T11:01:00

(BPT) – By Dr. Greg Mattingly, Physician and Principal Investigator in clinical trials for Midwest Research Group

This article is sponsored by Intra-Cellular Therapies. Dr. Mattingly provides paid consulting services to Intra-Cellular Therapies.

The Current State of Bipolar Depression

Bipolar disorder (bipolar I and II) is a common mental health condition that causes unusual changes in mood and behavior. It affects about 11 million adults in the United States. Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood episodes where patients experience both lows (depression) and highs (mania).

Patients with bipolar I or II disorder are reported to spend 70-81% of their illness in depressive episodes. The depressive episodes (the lows) with bipolar disorder are known as bipolar depression. It is more common for people living with bipolar II to experience longer depressive episodes in comparison to those living with bipolar I.

During bipolar depression, patients may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. Depressive episodes can be very debilitating to everyday functioning and typically occur more frequently than manic episodes.

Research shows that two out of three patients with bipolar disorder are initially misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder.

Finding a Path Forward

“The first step in treating bipolar depression is having an open conversation with your healthcare provider to explore how your symptoms have developed over time. This helps to establish an accurate diagnosis and ultimately, an appropriate treatment plan, which helps build a mutual understanding and partnership between patient and doctor in addressing the best path forward,” said Dr. Greg Mattingly, Associate Clinical Professor at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO and a partner at St. Charles Psychiatric Associates, Midwest Research Group in St. Charles, MO.

That said, bipolar depression can be difficult for doctors to identify. The major challenge to an accurate diagnosis is differentiating bipolar depression from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). The challenge arises, as there is often a lack of information about patient history, including previous highs (mania) or lows (depression), or the family psychiatric history. Because bipolar depression is so often misdiagnosed as Major Depressive Disorder, it can take up to 5 years to properly diagnose a patient with bipolar I and up to 10 years to properly diagnose someone with bipolar II. It is important that patients are honest and open when speaking with their care provider, so their physician can help identify the right treatment options available for them.

Identifying a Treatment Plan

“There continues to remain a significantly, underserved medical need for people struggling with bipolar depression, with only a few FDA-approved treatment options available. There remains a need for more treatments that are effective and tolerable,” said Dr. Mattingly.

CAPLYTA^® (lumateperone) is the newest FDA-approved option to treat bipolar depression. CAPLYTA is a prescription medicine used to treat the depressive episodes in adults with bipolar I or II, that can be taken alone or with lithium or valproate.

“While there remains a stigma attached to mental illness that causes many patients to keep their symptoms a secret, it is important for patients to know they are not alone. Finding the right treatment can be a long road, but fortunately, effective therapies, specific for bipolar depression are available. It’s all about working together with your healthcare provider to reach a proper diagnosis and find a treatment that works for you,” said Dr. Mattingly.

Important Safety Information

Medicines like CAPLYTA can raise the risk of death in elderly people who have lost touch with reality (psychosis) due to confusion and memory loss (dementia). CAPLYTA is not approved for treating people with dementia-related psychosis.

CAPLYTA and antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts and actions in some children, adolescents, and young adults especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. Patients and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when CAPLYTA or an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed. Report any change in these symptoms to your doctor immediately.

Do not take CAPLYTA if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Get emergency medical help if you are having an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching, hives, swelling of the tongue, lip, face, or throat).

CAPLYTA may cause serious side effects, including:

• Stroke (cerebrovascular problems) in elderly people with dementia-related psychosis that can lead to death.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): high fever, confusion, changes in your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, stiff muscles, and increased sweating; these may be symptoms of a rare but potentially fatal condition. Contact your doctor or go to the emergency room if you experience signs and symptoms of NMS.
• Uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia, TD) in your face, tongue, or other body parts. TD may not go away, even if you stop taking CAPLYTA. It may also occur after you stop taking your medication.
• Problems with your metabolism including high blood sugar, diabetes, increased fat (cholesterol and triglyceride) levels in your blood and weight gain. Your doctor should check your blood sugar, fat levels and weight before you start and during your treatment with CAPLYTA. Extremely high blood sugar levels can lead to coma or death. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms of high blood sugar, which include feeling very thirsty, hungry, sick to your stomach, weak/tired or needing to urinate more than usual.
• Low white blood cell count. Your doctor may do blood tests during the first few months of treatment with CAPLYTA.
• Decreased blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension). You may feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when you rise too quickly from a sitting or lying position.
• Falls. CAPLYTA may make you sleepy or dizzy, may cause a decrease in your blood pressure when changing position (orthostatic hypotension), and can slow your thinking and motor skills which may lead to falls that can cause broken bones or other injuries.
• Seizures (convulsions).
• Sleepiness, drowsiness, feeling tired, difficulty thinking and doing normal activities. Until you know how CAPLYTA affects you, do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities.
• Problems controlling your body temperature so that you feel too warm. Avoid getting overheated or dehydrated while taking CAPLYTA.
• Difficulty swallowing that can cause food or liquid to get into the lungs.

The most common side effects of CAPLYTA include sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, and dry mouth.

These are not all the possible side effects of CAPLYTA. Tell your doctor if you have or have had heart problems or a stroke, high or low blood pressure, diabetes, or high blood sugar, problems with cholesterol, have or have had seizures (convulsions), kidney or liver problems, or a low white blood cell count. CAPLYTA may cause fertility problems in females and males. You should notify your doctor if you become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking CAPLYTA. CAPLYTA may cause abnormal involuntary movements and/or withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies exposed to CAPLYTA during the third trimester. When taking CAPLYTA, you should not breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you’re taking. CAPLYTA may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how CAPLYTA works, causing possible serious side effects. Do not start or stop any medicines while taking CAPLYTA without talking to your healthcare provider. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs. Contact Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. at 1-888-611-4824 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see Medication Guide, including Boxed Warnings.

CAPLYTA is available in 42 mg capsules.

If you’re affected by bipolar depression, have a conversation with your doctor about CAPLYTA today.

CAPLYTA is a registered trademark of Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc.

©2022 Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. All rights reserved.

US-CAP-2200031
3/22

References:

1. NIMH Bipolar Disorder. 2020. From: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/bipolar-disorder.shtml. Accessed: January 2021.
2. United States Census. Population estimates by age (18+): July 2019. From: https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2010s-national-detail.html Accessed: January 2021.
3. Forte et al. Journal of Affective Disorders. 2015; 178:71–78.
4. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
5. Hirschfeld MA, et al. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2003; Feb;64(2):161-174.
6. Swartz HA, Suppes T. Bipolar II Disorder: Recognition, Understanding, and Treatment. DC: APA Publishing; 2019.

2022-03-28T08:01:00

(BPT) – All viruses mutate over time, and this is especially common in RNA viruses like influenza and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These changes help the virus to survive by exploiting mechanisms of genetic variation. Multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2, such as Alpha and Omicron, have emerged throughout the pandemic, and while many have no impact, some may affect transmissibility, risk of reinfection or even the severity of illness, making surveillance an important pandemic countermeasure.

2022-03-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and unpredictable disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and is thought to be an immune-mediated disorder, in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue in the CNS.

Erika, who works in Government and Public Affairs, was diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RMS) six years ago. All forms of MS, including RMS, can be difficult to diagnose since, when assessed individually, there are no specific symptoms, physical findings or laboratory tests that determine if a person has MS. Making it even more difficult to diagnose, MS has heterogeneous clinical and imaging manifestations, which not only differ between patients, but also vary in individual patients over time. In Erika’s case, her RMS was identified quickly after initial symptoms appeared and was later confirmed through a diagnosis of optic neuritis, followed by an MRI, which showed old and active brain lesions, suggesting she had been living with RMS for quite some time, without her being aware.

The landscape for people living with MS has changed significantly over the last two decades, offering hope that may not have been previously present. Today, more than 20 MS treatments are approved in the U.S., allowing patients and their physicians the option to consider individual patient circumstances when establishing a treatment plan and strategy that addresses clinical needs.

Choosing the Appropriate RMS Treatment

Erika has had a strong relationship with her neurologists. In fact, the neurologist who confirmed her RMS helped her to feel optimistic about her diagnosis, especially given the number of approved treatment options available.

Erika notes, “This may sound strange, but I remember feeling a sense of hope when I was diagnosed because of the treatments available at that time and that so many more were being investigated.”

After her diagnosis, Erika’s neurologist referred her to MS specialist Heidi Crayton, MD. Over the years, Erika tried several medications, but in 2019 after experiencing side effects and new disease activity, she and Dr. Crayton discussed trying a disease-modifying therapy (DMT) that was approved and became available at that time – MAVENCLAD^® (cladribine) tablets 10 mg.

MAVENCLAD is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of MS, to include relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease in adults. Because of its safety profile, MAVENCLAD is generally used in people who have tried another MS medicine that they could not tolerate or that has not worked well enough. MAVENCLAD is not recommended for use in people with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS).

MAVENCLAD may cause serious side effects including the risk of cancer (malignancies) and birth defects if used during pregnancy. Females must not be pregnant when they start treatment with MAVENCLAD or become pregnant during MAVENCLAD dosing and within six months after the last dose of each yearly treatment course. Additional side effects can include low blood cell counts, serious infections such as TB, hepatitis B or C, shingles, or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), liver problems, allergic reactions and heart failure. The most common side effects of MAVENCLAD include upper respiratory infection, headache, and low white blood cell count.

“When I share more information about MAVENCLAD with my patients they are intrigued,” states Dr. Crayton. “Part of this is due to the dosing schedule of MAVENCLAD where it is taken no more than 10 days a year over a two-year period. In addition, patients find comfort in the fact that MAVENCLAD was approved after 10 years of safety follow up.”

Upon completing the initial screening and education component, including the use of effective contraception and the need for ongoing monitoring and doctor visits, Erika began her MAVENCLAD treatment. “Learning about MAVENCLAD was really important. The dosing schedule really worked for me, though this is my own personal experience and could vary for others,” says Erika. “I completed my final dose in 2021, and now that I am not taking DMT pills every day of the year, I find that I am not thinking about my RMS as much as I was during my previous therapies. I continue to touch base with my neurologist, as needed, and schedule my routine exams.”

The Importance of Working with Your Doctor

For Erika, it was important to work closely with her neurologist while continuing to manage her RMS, from initial diagnosis through treatment selection and every step along the way.

“This is my body and my RMS, so I was very involved when it came to treatment choice. I respected and trusted my neurologist to provide the best options,” notes Erika. “We had many candid conversations. I had a lot of questions and received solid responses that made me feel comfortable with MAVENCLAD.”

As someone who was immunocompromised, having a strong relationship with her neurologist proved even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MAVENCLAD works by depleting certain cells of the immune system, so ongoing discussions and trust in her neurologist made her feel armed with the appropriate information to make decisions during the pandemic.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I received a lot of questions from my MS patients about their treatments, as many thought that all DMTs were the same,” said Dr. Crayton. “As they are not all the same, I believe it’s important to share more information about the proposed mechanism of action for their respective treatments to better understand how their immune system may be affected, and further discuss vaccination considerations along with safety tips.”

When it comes to those newly diagnosed with MS, Erika has several pieces of advice:

• Make sure you feel comfortable with your neurologist as well as the nurses and front desk personnel because they all are part of your MS multidisciplinary treatment team.
• Keep track of symptoms and be prepared to discuss them at your appointment. Track everything in your calendar – no symptom is too small and may or may not be related to MS – so it is important for your doctor to be aware.
• We live in an era where we have all of the information in the world readily available to us. Please do yourself a favor and keep it simple: when it comes to your MS and your treatment, the best resource for information is your neurologist.

MAVENCLAD^® Indication and Important Safety Information

What is MAVENCLAD?

MAVENCLAD is a prescription medicine used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS), to include relapsing-remitting disease and active secondary progressive disease, in adults. Because of its safety profile, MAVENCLAD is generally used in people who have tried another MS medicine that they could not tolerate or that has not worked well enough. MAVENCLAD is not recommended for use in people with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS). It is not known if MAVENCLAD is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age and is therefore not recommended.

MAVENCLAD may cause serious side effects, including:

• Risk of cancer (malignancies). You should follow healthcare provider instructions about screening for cancer.
• MAVENCLAD may cause birth defects if used during pregnancy. Females must not be pregnant when they start treatment with MAVENCLAD or become pregnant during MAVENCLAD dosing and within 6 months after the last dose of each yearly treatment course. You should stop treatment with MAVENCLAD and contact your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant during treatment with MAVENCLAD.
• For females who are able to become pregnant:
  • Your healthcare provider should order a pregnancy test before you begin your first and second yearly treatment course of MAVENCLAD to make sure that you are not pregnant.
  • Use effective birth control (contraception) on the days on which you take MAVENCLAD and for at least 6 months after the last dose of each yearly treatment course.
  • Talk to your healthcare provider if you use oral contraceptives (the “pill”).
  • You should use a second method of birth control on the days on which you take MAVENCLAD and for at least 4 weeks after your last dose of each yearly treatment course.

• For males with female partners who are able to become pregnant:
  • Use effective birth control (contraception) during the days on which you take MAVENCLAD and for at least 6 months after the last dose of each yearly treatment course.

Do not take MAVENCLAD if you:

• have cancer (malignancy).
• are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are a woman of childbearing age or a man able to father a child and you are not using birth control.
• are breastfeeding.
• are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive.
• have active infections, including tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B or C.
• are allergic to cladribine.

Before you take MAVENCLAD, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• think you have an infection.
• have taken, take, or plan to take medicines that affect your immune system or blood cells, or other treatments for MS. Certain medicines can increase your risk of getting an infection.
• have had a recent vaccination or are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should not receive live or live-attenuated vaccines within the 4 to 6 weeks preceding treatment with MAVENCLAD or receive these types of vaccines during your treatment with MAVENCLAD and unless directed by your healthcare provider.
• have heart failure.
• have or have had cancer.
• have liver or kidney problems.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if MAVENCLAD passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed on the days on which you take MAVENCLAD, and for 10 days after the last dose.

How should I take MAVENCLAD?

• MAVENCLAD is given as two yearly treatment courses.
• Each yearly treatment course consists of 2 treatment weeks (also called cycles) that will be about a month apart.
• Take MAVENCLAD with water and swallow whole without chewing. MAVENCLAD can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow MAVENCLAD right away after opening the blister pack.
• Your hands must be dry when handling MAVENCLAD and washed well with water afterwards.
• Limit contact with your skin. Avoid touching your nose, eyes and other parts of the body. If you get MAVENCLAD on your skin or on any surface, wash it right away with water.
• Take MAVENCLAD at least 3 hours apart from other medicines taken by mouth during the 4- to 5-day MAVENCLAD treatment week.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. If the whole day passes before you remember, take your missed dose the next day. Do not take 2 doses at the same time. Instead, you will extend the number of days in that treatment week.

Your healthcare provider will continue to monitor your health during the 2 yearly treatment courses, and for at least another 2 years during which you do not need to take MAVENCLAD. It is not known if MAVENCLAD is safe and effective in people who restart MAVENCLAD treatment more than 2 years after completing 2 yearly treatment courses.

MAVENCLAD can cause serious side effects. If you have any of these symptoms listed below, call your healthcare provider right away:

• low blood cell counts have happened and can increase your risk of infections during treatment with MAVENCLAD. Blood tests are needed before you start treatment with MAVENCLAD, during your treatment with MAVENCLAD, and afterward, as needed.
• serious infections such as:
• TB, hepatitis B or C, and shingles (herpes zoster). Fatal cases of TB and hepatitis have happened with cladribine during clinical studies. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get any symptoms of the following infection related problems or if any of the symptoms get worse, including: fever, aching painful muscles, headache, feeling of being generally unwell, loss of appetite, burning, tingling, numbness or itchiness of the skin in the affected area, skin blotches, blistered rash, or severe pain.
• progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). PML is a rare brain infection that usually leads to death or severe disability. Although PML has not been seen in MS patients taking MAVENCLAD, it may happen in people with weakened immune systems. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or worsening neurologic signs or symptoms. These may include: weakness on 1 side of your body, loss of coordination in your arms and legs, decreased strength, problems with balance, changes in your vision, changes in your thinking or memory, confusion, or changes in your personality.
• liver problems. Blood tests should be performed to check your liver before you start taking MAVENCLAD. Symptoms of liver problems may include: nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, or your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow.
• allergic reactions (hypersensitivities). You should stop treatment and seek immediate medical attention if any signs or symptoms of allergic reactions occur. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include: skin rash, swelling or itching of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing.
• heart failure. MAVENCLAD may cause heart failure, which means your heart may not pump as well as it should. Call your healthcare provider or go to the closest emergency room for medical help right away if you have any signs or symptoms such as shortness of breath, a fast or irregular heart beat, or unusual swelling in your body.

The most common side effects of MAVENCLAD include: upper respiratory infection, headache, and low white blood cell counts.

These are not all the possible side effects of MAVENCLAD. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Prescribing Information/Medication Guide, including serious side effects, for additional Important Safety Information.

Erika and Dr. Crayton are sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc.

US-MAV-01485 February 2022 Intended for US only

2022-03-23T06:01:00

(BPT) – These days, everyone is seeking the best gadgets and products to help them savor their own home-brewed coffee, looking to enhance the flavor and even turn coffee making into a soothing daily ritual. Fortunately, there are many ways to enjoy your cup of joe that don’t require more work — but will make your experience more blissful, luxurious and delicious.

If you are one of the many coffee lovers out there looking to make the most of your morning java, here are some tips to help you rival the best barista in town.

1. Explore a new world of coffee possibilities

Widen your taste options by discovering what else is out there. Try small samples of different types of beans — from light roast to dark, and everything in between. Try beans from different parts of the world with their own unique flavors, or you could even combine a selection of beans you like to create your own one-of-a-kind blend. Do check the roast date on the label before you buy, which tells you how fresh the beans are.

2. Select the best creamer — for optimal taste and for your well-being

Adding a delightfully creamy touch to your coffee can turn an ordinary day into something truly special. But don’t settle for just any creamer. Organic Valley has created new premium organic Creamers in French Vanilla and Sweet Cream flavors that have 40% less sugar than the leading national brand, no artificial ingredients and are lactose free. They’re also ethically made with real organic milk and cream from pasture-raised cows on small family farms — so you can feel good about your choice.

Now through April 13, coffee lovers can swap out their old creamer for the chance to win the new Organic Valley Flavored Creamers through the Organic Valley Creamer Trade Up Sweepstakes. Lucky winners will receive the new Flavored Creamers delivered to their doorsteps. *See official sweepstakes rules here: https://www.organicvalley.coop/contest-rules/online-contest-rules.

3. Dress up your coffee

Now that you’ve found your favorite blend and premium creamer, it’s fun to “dress up” your coffee for a truly customized experience. You can froth your creamer, and/or sprinkle a tasty dusting of cinnamon, nutmeg or cocoa on top. Make it look as good as it tastes by watching a few YouTube videos to learn how to create a whimsical foam design in your cup.

4. Find the perfect bites to go with your java

Coffee tastes even more delightful when you pair it with just the right breakfast bite, mid-morning treat or after-dinner dessert. Exploring flavor combinations can be a fun way to enhance your coffee experience with everything from donuts to egg bakes, and crepes to cookies. Whether you’re looking for savory or sweet recipes using organic ingredients to pair with your cup of coffee, you can find a world of great ideas at OrganicValley.coop/recipes/.

5. Choose a special cup

To transform your morning coffee into a magical ritual, find a cup that you love — not just for how it looks, but how it feels in your hands. You know you’ve found your perfect coffee mug when it feels comforting just taking your first sip each morning.

Make every morning a special treat by following these tips — and you just may become your own favorite barista.

2022-03-17T14:27:00

(BPT) – The COVID-19 pandemic has made us all reconsider things we used to take for granted — like in-school learning, eating out, blowing out birthday candles and … less exciting … lung health.

The American Lung Association estimates that there may be as many as 24 million American adults living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As the long-term health impacts of COVID-19 become more understood, experts fear these numbers will increase.

Yoga has been scientifically proven to strengthen our immune systems and improve respiratory functioning. A regular practice can reduce respiratory rates and increase the strength of respiratory muscles.

In fact, slow, abdominal, yogic breathing helps the lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide efficiently and effectively.

Some people with lung health challenges might think that yoga is “not for them.” In fact, Kundalini Yoga is a terrific, low-impact tool to increase lung health.

3HO, an organization that promotes Kundalini Yoga worldwide, has instructions for simple pranayamas — or breathing exercises — that are practiced to achieve a specific outcome such as improved lung function.

The best part? You don’t have to turn your body into a pretzel. And almost anyone can practice them at any time.

All you need is a chair, a nose and two fingers.

Here’s how it works.

Alternate nostril breathing:

Sit up straight in a comfortable position.

Use your thumb to close one nostril. Inhale deeply through the other nostril. At the end of the inhale, close the open nostril with your index finger and exhale through the open nostril under your thumb. Inhale through your open nostril. Then close the nostril with your thumb and exhale through your open nostril under your index finger.

Repeat. As slowly as possible but still with comfort.

Back and forth.

Continue for 3-5 minutes.

Interested in more information on Kundalini Yoga and other breathing exercises? Visit 3HO.org.

2022-03-15T06:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know, whether you have Parkinson’s or not, you can make a difference in the future of brain health? Michael J. Fox, award-winning actor, author and founder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), who himself has lived with the disease since 1991 at age 29, has issued a call to action — seeking 100,000 individuals both with and without Parkinson’s to participate in the expansion of an unprecedented scientific study.

The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), first launched by MJFF in 2010, aims to rewrite the future of Parkinson’s disease, and brain health in general. And the more people who take part in the study, the better: More data gathered from over 100,000 volunteers globally will help improve researchers’ ability to predict who’s at risk for Parkinson’s, who gets the disease, who doesn’t and why. This seismic expansion of the study will accelerate the kind of breakthroughs that can lead to a cure — and you can be part of it.

The growing prevalence of Parkinson’s disease

Today there are an estimated six million people worldwide living with Parkinson’s disease, including one million in the U.S., and that number is expected to double by 2040. If you know anyone who has Parkinson’s, or other brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, you may be aware how devastating the effects can be.

While monetary donations toward MJFF’s aggressively funded and highly targeted research programs are always appreciated, donating your time to this study — regardless of whether you have a connection to Parkinson’s — has the potential to more directly contribute to the “holy grail” of medical research: developing a cure.

PPMI: The study that could change everything scientists know about brain disease

So far, PPMI scientists have studied the test results and brain scans of 1,400 people with and without Parkinson’s disease at more than 50 clinical sites across 12 countries to discover patterns related to the development of the disease. Study participants have contributed so much data already — from online questionnaires, clinical exams, to wearable tools — that if the PPMI data were printed, it would reach to the moon and back (over 225,000 miles!).

“The large-scale expansion of PPMI promises to change our understanding of Parkinson’s and enable the development of new therapeutics,” said PPMI’s principal investigator Ken Marek, MD, scientific advisor to The Michael J. Fox Foundation and president and senior scientist of the Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders. “PPMI data will provide researchers tools to uncover key biological and clinical changes that occur both once Parkinson’s disease has begun, and more importantly even before symptoms arise, with the ultimate goal of disease prevention.”

Who can participate?

Anyone over age 18 in the U.S. can participate through the study’s online platform, and some volunteers will be invited to enroll in person at a site near them. The valuable data collected online (with multiple measures in place to safeguard your data and keep your identity private) will complement the rich data and biological samples contributed at in-clinic visits.

While anyone can participate, researchers are looking for volunteers who:

• Have a close family member with Parkinson’s (parents, brother or sister, or child with Parkinson’s) and are over age 60
• Act out your dreams while asleep
• Have a known genetic mutation linked to Parkinson’s disease (especially in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent)
• Are a veteran
• Are a man over 60 years old — men are especially needed to join PPMI, as historically Parkinson’s skews more male

Even if you have no known history of brain disease, you can still contribute by participating as a control volunteer.

Your participation will make a difference

With your help, PPMI has the power to bring the research field one step closer to finding a cure, living out the vision Michael J. Fox hoped for when starting the Michael J. Fox Foundation: a future without Parkinson’s disease.

“When the Foundation started in 2000, we set out to change the game on how Parkinson’s research gets done,” said Michael J. Fox. “Two decades later, I’m proud that we have continued to meet this challenge and have become more than just a research organization, but a space where patients bring their wisdom and energy. PPMI’s expansion is about getting this done, curing Parkinson’s, boiling down to a biomarker that we can identify early on and prevent the disease from ever impacting another family.”

Find out how you can get involved in helping researchers develop a cure for Parkinson’s disease by visiting PPMIOnline.org.