Posted May 16, 2009 by LaVonne Goodman M.D.

Those who have signed on at HDTrials.org now number almost 1000.  But we will need many more than 1000 people to complete clinical trials now in progress and those that will be coming. Joining HDTrials.org, learning about clinical trials, and spreading the news are all important and positive steps forward - but they will accomplish little if we don't take the next steps to maximize participation.

Posted February 26, 2009 by LaVonne Veatch Goodman M.D.

The HART clinical trial testing ACR16 in Huntington's began in October 2008 with its first participant. And as is usual, it has taken additional time to open all of the centers needed for this 220 person trial. But now with 17 centers actively recruiting, many participants are still needed to complete enrollment for this important trial. Overall, the HD community response to recruitment has been less than overwhelming. Why aren't we signing up in larger numbers?  Why should we bother?

There is a straightforward answer: There will never be new treatments if we don't join clinical trials.

Posted April 18, 2009 by LaVonne Goodman M.D

Stem Cell therapy has remarkable potential as therapy for Huntington's as well as many other diseases. It brings hope for two types of related treatment: stem cell therapies to repair diseased brain cells and to generate new healthy cells.

But until recently the hope for this type of treatment for Huntington's seemed very far from reality.  Now however, with advances in stem cell science and the improved ability to mass produce the millions of cells necessary for every transplant, stem cell therapy is on the move for Huntington's.

Posted January 5, 2009 by LaVonne Goodman M.D.

It's that time of year again: New Years Resolution time.  How about making a personal vow to get off the couch and into better physical condition?  Physical exercise is important for everyone's general health -- but in Huntington's which is known to cause muscle abnormalities and weakness -- it is especially important for maintaining muscle strength and function.

Over the last few years there have been small studies in Huntington's people showing that physical activity programs give functional benefit and can raise motor scores on measures of motor function. And recently a new study gives evidence that a more active lifestyle (as has been shown in mouse studies too) may slow progression of disease before symptom onset.  For those with premanifest Huntington's, higher levels of physical activity correlated with delay of onset for as much as 4 years.

Yes indeed: the New Year is a perfect time -- for us and our children -- to get off the couch.