Parkinson’s podcast: DBS – a report from the front lines

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Author: Geoffrey ChangPublished: 7 October 2015

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October’s podcast gives the low-down on new treatments for Parkinson’s – in particular deep brain stimulation

In the latest 30-minute episode of the Portland Countdown podcast series, regular hosts Dave Iverson and Jon Palfreman discuss the latest research on new surgical and non-surgical interventions for Parkinson’s disease with special guest Dr Andres Lozano.

The show focuses on a subject we can “genuinely be excited about”, says Jon. “That’s how neurologists are building on the success of deep brain stimulation (DBS), to pioneer new applications for the procedure and also to uncover some of the deeper mysteries of Parkinson’s disease, and indeed the brain.”

The aim of the Portland Countdown series is to give listeners new perspectives on the latest advances in Parkinson’s research and treatment.

The shows, developed by the World Parkinson Coalition, are aired online on the first Tuesday of every month from June 2015 to September 2016 – when the 4th World Parkinson Congress takes place in Portland, Oregon, US. The podcasts are free and available for download.

The full schedule of show topics and guest speaker profiles is available here

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Gene screening technique could offer insights on Parkinson’s disease

Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US, will investigate genes that could protect cells in the brain against Parkinson’s disease. An award from US non-profit G Harold and Leila Y Mathers Foundation will allow scientists to use a mouse model screening technique to find out more about the condition. Individually deleting each of the 22,000 genes present in mice neurons will help identify which genes are linked to neuron survival – and offer insights that could lead to new treatments for the condition. Dr Myriam Heiman, an Associate Professor at MIT, said: “There is currently no molecular explanation for the brain cell loss seen in Parkinson’s disease or a cure for this devastating disease. I’m extremely grateful for this generous support and recognition of our work from the Mathers Foundation, and hope that our study will elucidate new therapeutic targets for the treatment and even prevention of Parkinson’s…

Can equine-assisted therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

Researchers from Texas Woman’s University, US, are investigating how equine-assisted therapy – which involves working with horses to promote wellbeing – can benefit people with Parkinson’s disease. As part of the five-month study, funded by the non-profit Human Animal Bond Research Institute, 30 men with Parkinson’s disease will be randomly assigned to participate in equine-assisted therapy or simulated horseback riding. The participants’ motor performance, balance, gait and symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease will be assessed before, during and after the therapy. Rhett Rigby, principal investigator of the study, said: “There is currently no known study that utilises equine-assisted therapy as an intervention treatment for those with Parkinson’s disease. Our research could have a significant impact on an understudied population and help contribute to the existing literature on human-animal interaction.”

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Parkinson’s podcast: DBS – a report from the front lines

Resources & Tools

Author: Geoffrey ChangPublished: 7 October 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Parkinson’s podcast: DBS – a report from the front lines

Resources & Tools

Author: Geoffrey ChangPublished: 7 October 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Share this story

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