Electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus is an established treatment for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease with pharmacologically unresponsive fluctuations. Compared with pharmacological treatment, subthalamic neurostimulation significantly improves motor symptoms, particularly during the phases of poor response to drug treatment, and reduces the severity of dyskinesias. Importantly, it also significantly improves quality of life and other integral measures of disease severity. The treatment response can last for more than 10 years, although there is no evidence that levodopa-resistant symptoms are delayed by subthalamic neurostimulation. At present, the mean disease duration for patients at the time of implantation is 12 years. In a recent study (EARLYSTIM) in patients with a disease duration of 75 years and fluctuations for 15 years, similar improvements in clinical outcomes were reported. These findings suggest that neurostimulation of the subthalamic nucleus could be used earlier in the disease course for carefully selected patients if the benefits of the treatment are weighed against the surgical risks and the lifelong need for specialised care by an experienced team. As mobility is consistently improved during the times with poor mobility by reducing fluctuations and delaying levodopa-sensitive complications, we propose that this treatment changes the disease course. Original post: Subthalamic … Continue reading →

The 70-year-old star, who rose to fame on the Scottish folk music scene, will continue to work in TV and on stage. His spokeswoman said: "Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer. The operation was a total success, and Billy is fully recovered. "In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment. "Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as well as undertaking an extensive theatrical tour of New Zealand in the new year." The Glasgow-born star, affectionately known as the Big Yin, began his working life in the Clyde shipyards but soon moved into entertainment with folk singing and comedy performances. A string of appearances on Michael Parkinson's chatshow made him a household name and helped launch a career that saw him perform sell-out stand-up shows around the world, present a series of documentaries and become an in-demand character actor. He is married to New Zealand-born actress and psychologist … Continue reading →

Topics: billy connolly, cancer, celebrity, editors picks, parkinsons disease, prostate cancer BILLY Connolly is receiving treatment for Parkinson's disease after being diagnosed with the degenerative nerve disorder. The 70-year-old actor recently won his battle with prostate cancer after the disease was caught early, but he has now been told he is showing symptoms of the initial stages of the degenerative nerve disorder - which can include shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement and difficulty with walking. His spokeswomen said: "Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer. The operation was a total success, and Billy is fully recovered. "In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease." 'Brave' star Billy - who is married to psychologist Pamela Stephenson - is currently being treated for his Parkinson's disease, which is commonly tackled through the use of levodopa, a chemical that the body converts into dopamine, an organic chemical used by the brain as a neurotransmitter. His spokeswoman added: "He is receiving the appropriate treatment [for Parkinson's disease]." Presently, the disease will not hinder the comic-and-actor's career and he will be able to continue to work. Billy's … Continue reading →

Comic and actor Billy Connolly has undergone surgery for prostate cancer, a spokeswoman for the star has confirmed. He is also being treated for the "initial symptoms" of Parkinson's disease it has been revealed. The 70-year-old star, who rose to fame on the Scottish folk music scene, will continue to work in TV and on stage. His spokeswoman said: "Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer. The operation was a total success, and Billy is fully recovered. "In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment. "Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as well as undertaking an extensive theatrical tour of New Zealand in the new year." The Glasgow-born star, affectionately known as the Big Yin, began his working life in the Clyde shipyards but soon moved into entertainment with folk singing and comedy performances. A string of appearances on Michael Parkinson's chatshow made him a household name and … Continue reading →

Billy Connolly is to undergo treatment for Parkinson's disease. Comedian and actor Billy Connolly, a British treasure, has undergone successful surgery for prostate cancer though has now been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The 70-year-old, who famously began his working life as a welder in the Glasgow shipyards before quitting to become a folk singer, will now begin treatment for the degenerative disease. "Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer," his spokeswoman told BBC News, "In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment." After gaining early success as a musician, Billy turned to stand-up and became one of the best loved Scottish stand-ups of all time. He has also starred in numerous movies, including the Oscar-nominated Mrs Brown, the Oscar-winning Brave and Dustin Hoffman's hugely well-received directorial debut Quartet. Connolly's spokesman confirmed that the star would continue to work throughout the treatment. "Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as … Continue reading →

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The first time many of us heard of Parkinson's disease was when Michael J Fox announced he had the condition, back in 1999. Now it is back again in the spotlight after Billy Connolly revealed he also has it. Like diabetes, there is no cure for Parkinson's, and scientists do not know what exactly causes the disease. Around 127,000 people in the UK have Parkinson's disease, and it is caused by a loss of brain cells that produce a chemical messenger called dopamine. Symptoms tend to get worse the longer a person has the disease because it is a progressive neurological disorder. It differs from case to case but often include a tremor or fine shake while the person is at rest, rigidity of muscles, slowness of movement and unsteady balance. Tremor (shaking) Slowness of movement Rigidity (stiffness) Physical and other symptoms of Parkinson's Bladder and bowel problems Eye problems Falls and dizziness Freezing Pain Restless legs syndrome Skin, scalp and sweating problems Sleep problems Speech and communication problems Swallowing problems Anxiety Dementia Depression Hallucinations and delusions Memory problems Source: Parkinson's UK Other possible symptoms can include memory loss and earlier this year, Connolly admitted he had started to forget … Continue reading →

Billy Connolly will continue to perform on stage and screen despite undergoing surgery for prostate cancer and being treated for the "initial symptoms" of Parkinson's disease. The 70-year-old star, affectionately known as the Big Yin, started his showbusiness career as a folk singer before developing the stand-up act that made him famous and led to a career in television and film. His spokeswoman said: "Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer. The operation was a total success, and Billy is fully recovered. In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment. Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as well as undertaking an extensive theatrical tour of New Zealand in the new year." The Glasgow-born star, who began his working life in the Clyde shipyards, became a household name with a string of appearances on Michael Parkinson's chatshow. He went on to perform sell-out stand-up shows around the world, present … Continue reading →

Comic and actor Billy Connolly has undergone surgery for prostate cancer, a spokeswoman for the star has confirmed. He is also being treated for the 'initial symptoms' of Parkinson's disease it has been revealed. The 70-year-old star, who rose to fame on the Scottish folk music scene, will continue to work in TV and on stage. His spokeswoman said: 'Billy Connolly recently underwent minor surgery in America after being diagnosed with the very early stages of prostate cancer. The operation was a total success, and Billy is fully recovered. 'In addition, Billy has been assessed as having the initial symptoms of Parkinson's disease, for which he is receiving the appropriate treatment. 'Billy has been assured by experts that the findings will in no way inhibit or affect his ability to work, and he will start filming a TV series in the near future, as well as undertaking an extensive theatrical tour of New Zealand in the new year.' The Glasgow-born star, affectionately known as the Big Yin, began his working life in the Clyde shipyards but soon moved into entertainment with folk singing and comedy performances. A string of appearances on Michael Parkinson's chatshow made him a household name and … Continue reading →