A drug is any chemical substance, other than a food or device, that affects the function of living things. Technically, vitamin E, oxygen, and cocaine are all examples of drugs. Various drugs can be used to treat illness, or they can be used recreationally to alter behavior and perception.

The definition is somewhat fuzzy, because many substances which are not typically considered drugs are indeed active substances (ex. caffiene, nicotine, and even chocolate). Additionally, there are thousands of substances in foods and "nutritional supplements" which affect the function of living things. Many illegal and recreational drugs (such as cocaine, opium, and ephedra) could potentially be considered "foods" because they do have caloric content. That being said, the popular definition of a drug is any substance which causes an altered state of mind, caffiene and alcohol excluded. This may or may not include medications, which are strictly used to cure illness and by definition not used for recreation.

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Parkinson's Disease News From Medical News Today

Role Of Pramipexole In Key Research Areas Of Parkinson's Disease Management Discussed At 12th EFNS Congress
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Data presented during the 12th Congress of the European Federation of Neurological Sciences (EFNS), held in Madrid, Spain, from 23 to 26 August, highlight important new ongoing studies with pramipexole in a number of key research areas in Parkinson's disease (PD): clinical benefits of early treatment initiation, management of PD-related depressive symptoms and a new formulation currently under investigation.
A Moving New Parkinson's Disease Campaign Aims To Stamp Out Inequalities In Treatment And Care Across Europe
Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
The European Parkinson's Disease Association (EPDA) urged European decision makers and politicians to end inequalities in care and treatment access for people with Parkinson's disease. The plea was made during the launch of EPDA's latest campaign, 'Parkinson's is visible, make it livable', intended to visualise the daily challenges faced by those with Parkinson's, increase people's knowledge and understanding of the disease and influence decision makers.
Neurologix Initiates Recruitment For Phase 2 Parkinson's Disease Trial
Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Neurologix, Inc. (OTCBB:NRGX), a biotechnology company engaged in the development of innovative gene therapies for the brain and central nervous system, announced that it has received Institutional Review Board approvals to begin recruiting and enrolling participants for its Phase 2 clinical trial of the company's gene transfer approach to the treatment of advanced Parkinson's disease.
LSUHSC Research Reports New Method To Protect Brain Cells From Diseases Like Alzheimer's
Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:00:00 -0700
New research led by Chu Chen, PhD, Associate Professor of Neuroscience at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, provides evidence that one of the only naturally occurring fatty acids in the brain that has the ability to interact with the receptors originally identified as the targets of THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana) can help to protect brain cells from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Using Plastic Coatings To Help Medical Implants Connect With Neurons
Fri, 22 Aug 2008 01:00:00 -0700
Plastic coatings could someday help neural implants treat conditions as diverse as Parkinson's disease and macular degeneration. The coatings encourage neurons in the body to grow and connect with the electrodes that provide treatment. Jessica O. Winter, assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Ohio State University described the research at the American Chemical Society meeting in Philadelphia.
Rush University Medical Center And Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Collaborate To Provide Parkinson's Patients With New Outlet Through Dance
Sun, 17 Aug 2008 01:00:00 -0700
In a first-time collaboration, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (HSDC) is working with Rush University Medical Center to launch a pilot program in contemporary dance specifically designed for people with Parkinson's disease and related movement disorders. The class, which features live piano accompaniment, takes place Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. at the Hubbard Street Dance Center, 1147 W. Jackson Blvd., in Chicago. The next 12-week fall session begins Saturday, September 6.

Harvard Medical Research: Aging

Modifiable Factors Associated With Long Life
Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:00:01 -0500
A healthy lifestyle during the early elderly years—including weight management, exercising regularly and not smoking—may be associated with a greater probability of living to age 90 in men, as well as good health and physical function. Additional topics at Aging More consumer-oriented research news at Consumer information
Coverage Improves Health and Reduces Heart Complications
Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:41:02 -0500
A 12-year study of over 7,000 Americans shows that individuals without health insurance experience a dramatic improvement in their subsequent health trends when they become eligible for Medicare at age 65. Additional topics at Aging More consumer-oriented research news at Consumer information

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