September 20, 2008

Google co-founder finds he has Parkinson’s disease gene through 23andMe test

BY Dr. Keith J. Kaplan

The New York Times (9/19, C2, Helft) reports that on Thursday, Sergey Brin, a Google co-founder, announced, via his blog, "that he has a gene mutation that increases his likelihood of contracting Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that can impair speech, movement, and other functions." Specifically, "he carries a mutation of the LRRK2 gene, known as G2019S." While most "medical experts said that those who carry that gene mutation are more likely than not to live disease-free," about "30 percent of people with the gene mutation develop the disease," according to Susan B. Bressman, M.D., of New York’s Beth Israel Medical Center.

Notably, "Brin’s revelation came after using the genetic testing service 23andMe, which was co-founded by his wife, Anne Wojcicki, and in which Internet giant Google is an investor," according to the San Francisco Chronicle‘s (9/18, Kopytoff) The Tech Chronicles blog.

In the BBC‘s (9/18) dot.life blog, Darren Waters quoted Brin as saying, "This leaves me in a rather unique position" because "I now have the opportunity to adjust my life to reduce those odds (e.g. there is evidence that exercise may be protective against Parkinson’s)." He added, "I also have the opportunity to perform and support research into this disease long before it may affect me." The Los Angeles Times (9/18, Guynn) also covered the story in its Technology blog, as does the Wall Street Journal (9/19, Vascellaro) in its Business Technology blog.

OR

Comments (1)

  1. Kevin Lockette

    New Breakthrough DVD & Book!
    (www.parkinsonsmoveit.com)
    Written by Kevin Lockette PT
    MOVE IT! is the first publication of it’s kind! It is a complete movement, exercise and resource guide for Parkinson’s Disease. The book includes:
    – Overview of physical symptoms
    – Medication review in easily understandable terms
    – Techniques and tricks for improved mobility including bed mobility, transfers & walking.
    – Anti- freezing techniques that really work!
    – Adaptive Devices for easier everyday living.
    – Assisted Device overview for safer walking.
    – Complete exercise programs specific for Parkinson’s Disease
    – Exercise programs for all physical levels (Beginner, intermediate and advanced)
    – Complete guide and exercise program for flexibility and much more!
    Kevin Lockette PT, author of MOVE IT, with Wally Amos, narrator.
    Available on DVD featuring Wally Amos as the narrator.
    Exercise in conjunction with medication is one of the best things that can be done to counteract the negative physical effects of Parkinson’s Disease. Traditional or conventional exercise programs do not always carry-over well or meet the specific needs of dealing with PD symptoms.
    This DVD includes demonstrations of movement techniques, three levels of exercise programs to simply follow along and much more! PD is a movement disorder that is unique. Due to this fact, the video/DVD format is the best way to illustrate movement techniques and exercise with actual persons with PD. The book includes additional useful information that is best presented with illustrations and text.
    The DVD is available now
    The book is due out in December 2008.
    (Will be shipped immediately after book is available)
    DVD $24.50 + $5.00 shipping and handling
    Book $19.50 + $5.00 shipping and handling
    DVD/BOOK package $40.00 + $10.00 shipping and handling
    (Orders shipped outside of US at additional cost)
    A percentage of Proceeds for each DVD will go back the NPF (National Parkinson Foundation) and Hawaii Parkinsons Association.
    For more information or to purchase the DVD and Book go to http://www.parkinsonsmoveit.com or send check or money order to:
    MOVE IT
    c/o Ohana Pacific Rehab Services
    354 Uluniu Street, Suite 404
    Kailua, HI 96734
    or call us at (808) 262-1118 to place your order. To contact the author: Kevin@ohanapacificrehab.com
    See what experts are saying:
    This exercise Book and DVD is a “must have” addition to any library for persons with Parkinson’s Disease, family members and caregivers. MOVE IT! Is also an excellent resource training tool for health professionals who work with PD patients.
    –Katherine Kim, MPH
    Coordinator
    NPF/Hawaii PD Center of Excellence
    This book/DVD is truly unique in emphasizing the importance of conscious feed back to modify everyday movement. I hope all patients with Parkinson’s disease will utilize this material and incorporate various strategy to their movements, and make exercise their routine.
    –Michiko Kimura Bruno, M.D
    Neurologist, Movement Disorder Specialist
    The DVD organized and developed by Kevin Lockette PT is a real jewel of emphasizing the elements that are truly important to a PD person. It has helped me immeasurably to regain some stability and balance because of my no longer functioning automatic pilot.
    –David Lerps
    Person with Parkinson’s Disease (7+ years)
    Funding for the DVD project was provided by
    * HMSA Foundation
    *General Atlantic Corporation
    * Hawaii Center of Excellence (NPF)

platinum partners

gold partners

Silver Partners

Media Partners