Search results for: “parkinson's”
-
Biosensor detects misfiled proteins in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease
Hatice Altug, Hilal Lashue, and EPFL colleagues have developed ImmunoSEIRA, an AI-enhanced, biosensing tool for the detection of misfolded proteins linked to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers also claim that neural networks can quantify disease stage and progression. The technology holds promise for early detection, monitoring, and assessing treatment options. Protein misfolding has been…
-
qMRI for early detection of Parkinson’s disease
Aviv Mezer and Hebrew University colleagues used quantitative MRI to identify cellular changes in Parkinson’s disease. Their method enabled them to look at microstructures in the striatum, which is known to deteriorate during disease progression. Using a novel algorithm developed by Elior Drori, biological changes in the striatum were revealed, and associated with early stage…
-
Neural Network assesses sleep patterns for passive Parkinson’s diagnosis
MIT’s Dina Katabi has developed a non-contact, neural network-based system to detect Parkinson’s disease while a person is sleeping. By assessing nocturnal breathing patterns, the series of algorithms detects, and tracks the progression of, the disease — every night, at home. A device in the bedroom emits radio signals, analyzes their reflections off the surrounding…
-
Joe Wang developed, closed-loop, levadopa delivery/monitoring system for Parkinson’s disease
Early Parkinson’s Disease patients benefit significantly from levodopa, to replace dopamine to restore normal motor function. As PD progresses, the brain loses more dopamine-producing cells, which causes motor complications and unpredictable responses to levodopa. Doses must be increased over time, and given at shorter intervals. Regimens are different for each person and may vary from…
-
Directional DBS system targets GPi to relieve Parkinson’s symptoms
Abbott received FDA approval for an expanded indication for its Deep Brain Stimulation system, to include targeting of internal globus pallidus. The GPi plays an integral role in motor function. When targeted with DBS, Parkonson’s symptoms not adequately controlled by medication can improve. The directed stimulation system is now approved for all major targets used…
-
Wearable haptic feedback/stimulation band to address Parkinson’s symptoms
Microsoft has submitted a patent application for a wearable band that uses haptic feedback for stimulation when wrapped around limbs or joints. It is meant to alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms, including tremors and muscle stiffness. Haptic actuators are distributed across a band that is adjusted to a “duty cycle” which responds to data derived from wearable…
-
Focused ultrasound thalamotomy in Parkinson’s Disease
UVA’s Scott Sperling and Jeff Elias, who already used focused ultrasound to treat essential tremor, have just published the results of a small study showing the efficacy of the technology in Parkinson’s Disease. The sound waves were shown to interrupt brain circuits responsible for the uncontrollable shaking associated with the disease. The researchers claim that their study…
-
VR training to reduce falls in Parkinson’s, dementia
Tel Aviv University’s Jeff Hausdorff has created a virtual reality treadmill system in an attempt to prevent falls in Parkinson’s and dementia patients. Current interventions focus on improving muscle strength, balance and gait. By integrating motor planning, attention, executive control and judgement training, using VR, therapies can also address the cognitive issues associated with falls. In…
-
Wearable + exercise app to improve Parkinson’s symptoms
MIO and Beneufit have partnered to develop wearables to target the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The pdFIT exercise app was developed to improve manual dexterity and fitness levels in Parkinson’s patients. The wearable continuously monitors progress via sensors on the wrist. The company claims that its Optimal Heart Rate technology cancels noise caused by movement,…
-
Study: Cancer drug improves Parkinson’s cognitive, motor functions
A small, early stage trial (with no control group) at Georgetown has found that a small dose of the leukemia drug nilotinib (brand name “Tasigna” by Novartis) produced “meaningful clinical improvements” in 10 out of 11 patients. The potential impact is significant, and the researchers believe that expanded studies will validate the promising results. During the trial, participant…
-
Ultrasound targets deep brain region, helps Parkinson’s symptoms
University of Maryland researchers are using MRI-guided focused ultrasound on the globus pallidus to treat Parkinson’s symptoms. The ExAblate Neuro system was developed by Israel’s Insightec. The treatment is non-invasive, as it does not require a cut, but its ultrasound impacts a deep region of the brain, which is not with out risk. Currently, drugs and…
-
Phone based Parkinson’s research
mPower is a mobile Parkinson’s Disease study, powered by HealthKit. It attempts to understand why people experience different symptoms, and why a person’s symptoms and side effects can vary over time. The process includes surveys and tasks that activate phone sensors. Progression symptoms, including dexterity, balance and gait, are tracked. The goal is to understand variations, improve the…