Funding boost for Parkinson’s research projects in New Zealand

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Author: Almaz OhenePublished: 30 December 2015

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Researchers at the University of Otago, Christchurch, have been awarded a grant to study the suppression of voluntary tremors in Parkinson’s disease.

The grant is part of a NZ$1.1m research fund from the Neurological Foundation, which is the primary non-governmental sponsor of neurological research in New Zealand.

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Researchers in France have found that deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s may not increase the risk of developing dementia. As part of the study – published by the American Academy of Neurology – researchers identified 175 people with Parkinson’s and an average age of 56, who had deep brain stimulation. The individuals were assessed over a period of 10 years to determine if they had developed dementia. After one year, four individuals had developed dementia. After five years, 142 people from the original group were available for testing, 12 of whom had dementia. After 10 years, 104 people were available for testing, 31 of whom had dementia. Dr Elena Moro, author of the study, said: “These results are very encouraging for people with Parkinson’s and their families that they can take advantage of the benefits of deep brain stimulation without worrying about it increasing the likelihood of developing dementia.”

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.”

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Funding boost for Parkinson’s research projects in New Zealand

News

Author: Almaz OhenePublished: 30 December 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Funding boost for Parkinson’s research projects in New Zealand

News

Author: Almaz OhenePublished: 30 December 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

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Advances

CES 2017: 5 innovative gadgets for people with Parkinson’s

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

Could a magnetically powered implant treat Parkinson’s tremors?

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