Brain machine interfaces could improve Parkinson’s treatment

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 8 November 2017

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Brain machine interfaces, which are commonly used to help those living with paralysis, could be used to treat Parkinson’s.

The technology may be able to predict symptoms before they arise as it can translate what the brain is saying.

It is hoped this technology will also be able to improve deep brain stimulation as it could better identify the brain’s needs in real time.

Helen Bronte Stewart, professor of neurology and neurological sciences at Stanford University, US, said that a well-timed brain stimulation approach may prevent freezing of gait – with fewer side effects than before. She also said that a more sophisticated feedback system could treat the cognitive effects of Parkinson’s.

Last Month

Next Month

Go Back

Share this story

Comments

Women and Parkinson's

“We are not just variants of men”

Our new campaign centres the experiences of women with Parkinson’s

Pioneering ParkinsonNet programme launches in Norway

Innovative, patient-centred programme arrives in Norway

Parkinson’s prevalence expected to increase by 18% in next seven years

Aging UK population could see increase in Parkinson’s over time

Researchers “stunned” by study that raises hopes for Parkinson’s treatment

A new study reprogramming cells to replace reduced dopamine neurons in the brain could be used to reverse symptoms of Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions. As part of the study – conducted by the University of California San Diego (UCSD) – researchers found a way to convert star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes into cells producing dopamine. The team used the method to treat mouse models of Parkinson’s, administering the treatment into the areas of the brain that typically lose dopamine producing neurons. This restored reduced dopamine production to normal levels and reversed the symptoms of Parkinson’s. The researchers will continue to optimise the therapy in other mouse models of Parkinson’s before testing it on people with the condition. William Mobley, a neurosciences professor at UCSD, said: “I was stunned at what I saw. This whole new strategy for treating neurodegeneration gives hope that it may be possible to help even…

Could a magnetically powered implant treat Parkinson’s tremors?

A tiny surgical implant about the size of a grain of rice that can be implanted with minimally invasive surgery may be used to treat tremors in people with Parkinson’s. Developed by a team of researchers at Rice University, US, the implant uses a thin film of magnetoelectric material to convert acoustic waves from the brain’s magnetic field into electrical voltage. The device produces the same high-frequency signals as clinically approved implants used to treat Parkinson’s, epilepsy and other conditions – and eliminates the need for battery or wired power supply. In an initial study, the researchers showed that the implants worked in rodents. Professor Jacob Robinson, corresponding author of the study, said: “Our results suggest that using magnetoelectric materials for wireless power delivery is more than a novel idea. These materials are excellent candidates for clinical-grade, wireless bioelectronics.”

What do you think of Parkinson’s Life? Take part in our reader survey

We’re always looking to improve our readers’ experience of the Parkinson’s Life magazine, newsletter and podcast. That’s why we’ve launched a new survey to give our international community of readers a chance to share their views and influence what we do. The survey takes just 10 minutes to complete – and, as a little ‘thank you’ for taking part, readers will be entered into a competition to win a £50 Amazon voucher. Readers will also have the chance to share interest in joining our future reader panel and take part in regular surveys and discussions to help us to deliver the best content to our international community. Ready to tell us what you think of Parkinson’s Life? Take part in the reader survey here.

All fields required

First name*
Last name*
Email address*
Enter Email Confirm Email
Country of residence*
About me*
- I have Parkinson's disease
- I am a partner / carer / family / friend of someone who has Parkinson's
- I am a healthcare professional with an interest in Parkinson's
- I work for a Parkinson's disease organisation
- Other
CAPTCHA
*
- By proceeding you agree to our
Email
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Brain machine interfaces could improve Parkinson’s treatment

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 8 November 2017

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Women and Parkinson's

“We are not just variants of men”

In my country

Pioneering ParkinsonNet programme launches in Norway

Special reports

Parkinson’s prevalence expected to increase by 18% in next seven years

Researchers “stunned” by study that raises hopes for Parkinson’s treatment

Could a magnetically powered implant treat Parkinson’s tremors?

What do you think of Parkinson’s Life? Take part in our reader survey

{title}

Subscribe

Brain machine interfaces could improve Parkinson’s treatment

News

Author: Parkinson's Life editorsPublished: 8 November 2017

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Women and Parkinson's

“We are not just variants of men”

In my country

Pioneering ParkinsonNet programme launches in Norway

Special reports

Parkinson’s prevalence expected to increase by 18% in next seven years

Researchers “stunned” by study that raises hopes for Parkinson’s treatment

Could a magnetically powered implant treat Parkinson’s tremors?

What do you think of Parkinson’s Life? Take part in our reader survey

{title}

Subscribe

Sign in