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(Stroke. 2006;37:2217.)
© 2006 American Heart Association, Inc.

Letters to the Editor

Reduced Autonomic Activity in Parkinson Disease Patients

Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, Case University, Cleveland, Ohio

To the Editor:

Scigliano et al¹ report that reduced risk factors for vascular disorders in Parkinson disease patients may be attributed to reduced autonomic activity, suggesting that autonomic hyperactivity may be involved in the pathogenesis of vascular disorders. Neurobiological features are demonstrated by the association of reduction of blood pressure with longer, less recurrent speech hesitation pauses of &2 seconds. These responses are linked to rhythmic and prefrontal cortical modulation of dopamine, regulating brain stem cardiovascular control and coping behavior. Matching speech hesitation pauses in spontaneous dialogs is a joint, mutually responsive rhythm with prelinguistic origins. These findings support auditory training of small steps to neuroplasticity with a lasting benefit in adults² and provide precise methods to monitor incremental dopaminergic treatment that Parkinsonians may receive for their disease to prevent a major increase in cerebrovascular disorders.¹

References

1. Scigliano G, Musicco M, Soliveri P, Piccolo I, Ronchetti G, Girotti F. Reduced risk factors for vascular disorders in Parkinson disease patients. Stroke. 2006; 37: 1184–1188.[Abstract/Free Full Text]

2. Friedman EH, Finnell DS. Neurobiology and medication adherence. Current Psychiatry. 2005; 4: 11: 3. Letter and response.

This Article Extract Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: 37/9/2217    most recent 01.STR.0000237630.41750.c3v1 Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Permissions Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Friedman, E. H. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Friedman, E. H. Pubmed/NCBI databases Medline Plus Health Information Parkinson's Disease Patient Rights Vascular Diseases