The theory that Parkinson's and Influenza were linked

Two medical students at the University of Florida Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration researched the theory proposed by two Harvard neurologist's that Parkinson's disease would disappear as all the flu (influenza) epidemic survivors died off. Read their great paper in this months journal article in Parkinson's Disease. After a lost bet and some cases of scotch the theory was abandoned.

Parkinsons Dis. 2013;2013:167843. doi: 10.1155/2013/167843. Epub 2013 Jun 11.

The Demise of Poskanzer and Schwab's Influenza Theory on the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease.

Estupinan D, Nathoo S, Okun MS.

Source

Department of Neurology, University of Florida Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration, 3450 Hull Road, 4th Floor, Gainesville, FL 32607, USA.

Abstract

In 1961, David C. Poskanzer and Robert S. Schwab presented a paper, "Studies in the epidemiology of Parkinson's disease predicting its disappearance as a major clinical entity by 1980." This paper introduced the hypothesis that Parkinson's disease was derived from a single aetiology, the influenza virus. We review the original Poskanzer and Schwab hypothesis that Parkinson's disease was based on the association between the 1918-19 influenza epidemic and the later observation of Parkinsonism in some influenza sufferers. We also further explore the prediction that Parkinson's disease would totally disappear as an entity once original influenza victims were all deceased. Current research has revealed that there are many potential causes and factors important in the occurrence of Parkinson's disease, postencephalitic Parkinsonism, and encephalitis lethargica. Poskanzer and Schwab presented a novel hypothesis; however, it was proven false by a combination of research and time.

PMID:: 23853734; [PubMed]

Michael OkunJuly 17, 2013

The theory that Parkinson's and Influenza were linked

The Demise of Poskanzer and Schwab's Influenza Theory on the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease.

Source

Abstract

To read more on Indu Subramanian M.D. she does live interviews of experts in Parkinson’s for the PMD Alliance. She is one of the few doctors in the world trained in both Parkinson’s disease neurology and in integrative medicine.

To see more on our blog by artist Jonny Acheson MD check out his website at JonnyAchesonArt.com. Jonny is a physician in the U.K. who also has Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Michael S. Okun

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The theory that Parkinson's and Influenza were linked

The Demise of Poskanzer and Schwab's Influenza Theory on the Pathogenesis of Parkinson's Disease.

Source

Abstract

To read more on Indu Subramanian M.D. she does live interviews of experts in Parkinson’s for the PMD Alliance﻿. She is one of the few doctors in the world trained in both Parkinson’s disease neurology and in integrative medicine.

To see more on our blog by artist Jonny Acheson MD check out his website at JonnyAchesonArt.com. Jonny is a physician in the U.K. who also has Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Michael S. Okun

To read more on Indu Subramanian M.D. she does live interviews of experts in Parkinson’s for the PMD Alliance. She is one of the few doctors in the world trained in both Parkinson’s disease neurology and in integrative medicine.