GRC spoke with Dr. Shane Smith, one of the co-authors of the article that came out last July noting the numerous inaccuracies in the content and references of the Prentice List of 65 Purported Adult Stem Cell Therapies. Here's what he had to say about the Parkinson's community.
Shane had a comment to make as we brought the talk to a close:
I really do think that the Parkinson community should be applauded for being early and vociferous supporters of stem cell research. I was personally impressed with your community’s level of organization and commitment and the level of savvy of individual advocates. For example, I can start a conversation about Parkinson's or stem cell research with a pd advocate using words like GDNF, cell differentiation, dopaminergic neuron and I don't always have to start from the basics. I think there are a number of communities who deserve a lot of credit for promoting stem cell issues, but advances in stem cell research should be a real indicator of success for the Parkinson community.
The interview on Grassroots Connection
http://grassrootsconnection.com/vip_shanesmith.htm
Paula