For patients with brain disorders like Parkinson's disease, early diagnosis can mean earlier intervention and treatment. Right now, most patients are not diagnosed until they are showing symptoms of the disease.
71-year-old Timothy "Ted" McCarthy is retired from the NYPD, but prides himself on staying sound in mind and body.
Ted said, "I see other people and they are around the same age as me. I don't think they are as spry or mentally alert."
With a family history of dementia, Ted is determined to stay healthy as long as he can.
Researchers studying the link between mobility and cognition are using a new approach: a real-time imaging system called fNIRS, functional near-infrared spectroscopy. fNIRS uses light to monitor changes in blood oxygenation in a person's pre-frontal cortex.
"Which is involved in many important higher order functionings, like task switching, organization, planning, everything we need on a daily basis," said Dr. Jeannette R. Mahoney, an assistant professor at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
During tests, researchers ask participants to walk and talk at the same time.
Dr. Joe Verghese, the chief of geriatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, said, "Dividing this attention is sometimes a problem when you get old or when you have early signs of disease of the brain, like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or stroke."
With fNIRS, patients are able to move around freely, unlike an MRI. Researchers say those who have mild Parkinsonian symptoms don't look like they are having a tough time.
Dr. Verghese said, "Until you examine the brain using fNIR and you discover it is actually straining the brain to do a simple task."
Researchers say by identifying problems early on, they can intervene right away.
"For 71, I think I'm doing okay," said Ted.
Ted McCarthy has been part of the research for five years and is showing no indication of dementia or Parkinson's.
The fNIRS system was developed by Drexel University in Philadelphia and is also being used by researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City.
MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGHS
RESEARCH SUMMARY
TOPIC: Testing for Parkinson’s Before it Strikes
REPORT: MB #4141
BACKGROUND: Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly. As many as one million Americans live with Parkinson’s, and approximately 60,000 are diagnosed each year. Many cases go undetected. Symptoms may take years to develop, and people live for years with the disease. Parkinson’s occurs when a person’s brain stops producing a neurotransmitter called dopamine. The shortage of dopamine leads to less ability to regulate movements, body, and emotions. The disease itself is not fatal; however, complications from the disease are serious. Complications due to Parkinson’s disease are the 14th cause of death in the United States. The four main motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are shaking or tremor, slowness of movement, stiffness or rigidity of the arms, legs or trunk, and trouble with balance. Non-motor symptoms are widely varied and may include mood disorders, cognitive changes, hypotension, vision changes, sleep disorders, and speech and swallowing problems. A neurologist may diagnose Parkinson’s during a bedside examination and using PET and DAT scans. Parkinson’s disease progresses in five different stages of severity. During the stages four and five, an individual is unable to live alone.
(Source: http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons)
TREATMENT: Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but therapies are available to treat its symptoms. The treatment for each person with Parkinson’s disease is individualized and based on his or her symptoms. Treatments may include medication, surgical therapy, or lifestyle modifications. Since most symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are caused by a lack of dopamine, many medications temporarily replenish dopamine or mimic dopamine. These are called dopaminergic medications. These medications tend to improve the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. Medication is usually only a part of an overall treatment plan. Surgical treatment options include deep brain stimulation, thalamotomy, pallidotomy, and subthalamotomy. Exercise is always recommended as a part of treatment since it helps maintain patient’s balance, mobility, and the ability to perform normal daily activities.
(Source: http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/treatment)
NEW TECHNOLOGY: With a goal of being able to intervene with Parkinsonian symptoms early, researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have identified differences in brain activation patterns associated with postural stability in people with Parkinson’s and healthy adults using a portable fNIR, or functional near-infrared, device. This device allows scientists to better understand the role of the brain’s prefrontal cortex while performing activities for the first time. Unlike other imaging systems, the fNIR system is portable, allowing for the monitoring of the cognitive component of staying balanced while walking. This could lead to better treatment options, and the ability to detect Parkinson’s disease much earlier than before.
(Source: http://drexel.edu/now/archive/2015/December/Parkinsonian-Syndrome-Fnir/)
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS REPORT, PLEASE CONTACT:
Deirdre Branley
718-430-2923
Deirdre.branley@einstein.yu.edu
Deirdre Branley
718-430-2923
Deirdre.branley@einstein.yu.edu
Video:
http://www.wndu.com/content/news/Researchers-using-new-approach-for-early-detection-of-brain-disorders-390728781.html
No comments:
Post a Comment