As you all know, I am participating in the Stanford Parkinson’s Plasma Study. There is so much interest in this that the researchers and I do not want to raise expectations unrealistically. This is a Phase I feasibility study, not anywhere close to ready for prime time. They have all the applicants needed and a full waiting list.
This is what they are doing: “The investigator proposes to test the safety and efficacy of transfusing young plasma into PD participants, in order to establish its effects on motor and cognitive functions in participants in a Phase 1 study. The successful completion of this study will inform the design of future, larger and multicenter studies with the goal to determine whether infusions of young plasma can ameliorate the neurodegenerative symptoms and underlying pathophysiology in Parkinson's disease.”
Realistically, this study will take a long time. They have to test and analyze the data, then write up their findings. Then, if warranted, they will move to a Phase II study, and then Phase III. So, whereas this is truly exciting, general applications for the public are not just around the corner. It’s not time to hold your breath. However, I will continue to provide updates.
Transfusions 3 and 4 went as before, only a little more efficient, which we all decided was appropriate since #3 was on Groundhog Day. Just like the movie, we do it over and over. Other than being exceedingly tired, probably from sitting still most of the day at the hospital and at airports, nothing seems different today so far.
Thanks for so much support.

Hi Nan,

It's good that you've put things in perspective and reminded us all that a (possible) new treatment based on young plasma is still years away.

It's understandable though that a lot of us are very excited to hear about the effects that young plasma may be having on you.

Another significant milestone will be the publication of the results of the (soon to be completed?) Alzheimer's plasma study.

Jeff

I think it will also be important for me to get as much information about my end of study tests as possible. My information to this point is obviously all anecdotal. I am also eager to see the results of the Alzheimer's study.

Thanks Nan for your updates.

Clearly, there is a lot more work to be done to show whether "young blood" therapy works. But, more and more I'm interested in how quickly a new therapy can get into common usage. Am I right in assuming that the "young blood" therapy is as low tech as it sounds and has no patents, so if it was found to be efficacious it could be delivered cheaply at your local hospital?

John

I'm sorry I don't have answers to your questions, but they would be the right ones to ask if the treatment proves to be efficacious. I think it would be sad if people started self-dosing before knowing answers to all the usual study questions. They are extremely cautious at Stanford, in a good way.

theguardian ** science 2015 aug 04 can-we-reverse-ageing-process-young-blood-older-people

an excellent article on young plasma.

More anecdotes. Transfusions five and six are in the books and I'm at the airport in Portland instead of in Seattle back in my own bed. Last night we flew from Reno to supposedly Seattle but we lost an engine and JH landed in Portland. The notable thing related to the study is that I felt no anxiety when normally I would be going through the ceiling under those circumstances. Other than getting no sleep last night, I'm feeling really pretty good. My muscles are loose, my neck is fully rotational, not cracking and I generally feel I'm just pretty healthy. Time to board the plane.

I'm at Stanford having my 7th infusion as I type. After two days of transfusions the rubber will meet the road as I go through the on and off tests Wed and Thurs like I did at the beginning of the study. Then, another month to wait for the last go round of tests. Other than still being very weary from spending a night in the airport last week, I feel amazingly fine.

I'm finished with my infusions at Stanford and have taken the first two batteries of tests that signal the end of the study for me. I take the last tests in mid-March and then wait for possibly two yeas to hear the results. As this is a Phase 1 study, there is a LOOOONG way to go. To facilitate communicating with many people, I wrote essays on my experiences, before and after the infusions, and posted them on my website: nanlittle.com. Please feel free to ask questions.

The last infusion was on Valentine's Day, how appropriate, and the interim report is that I continue to feel well, with very few of my PD symptoms in evidence. It's not that they are completely gone, just much reduced. How much of this is the placebo effect remains to be seen. Whatever it is, I'll take it.