Brain stimulation device set to improve depression in stroke survivors
One in three stroke survivors experiences depression within five years of it happening, but a new device could help reduce this by utilising brain stimulation.
A study from the University of South Australia found that using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improved depression among its patients. The researchers delivered around 30,000 electromagnetic pulses to each stroke survivor’s brain over the course of two weeks, which showed positive changes in brain function.
Loneliness leaves signature on the brain according to research
COVID-19 regulations have led to reduced social interaction and periods of isolation, but new research has unveiled the effect this can have on the brain.
Scientists from the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital found that the brains of those who reported feelings of loneliness had distinct differences compared to those who did not. This included different volumes in certain regions, as well as a contrast in how these regions interact with each other. The 40,000 middle-aged or older patients involved in this study completed a psychological self-assessment to decide whether they were classed as lonely or not.
Rugby facing lawsuit over neurodegenerative diseases
Eight former professional rugby players are planning a groundbreaking lawsuit against the sport's governing bodies which could massively shake up its safety regulations.
Despite being under the age of 45, all the players involved have been diagnosed with early onset dementia, which is likely to have come from repeated head trauma while playing the sport. The lawsuit will be filed against the sports worldwide governing body World Rugby, as well as the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union. Solicitor Richard Boardman of Rylands Law is leading the case, representing more than 100 former players who have complained about symptoms of neurological conditions.
Using flies to better understand brain injuries
Fruit flies have helped researchers in the US better understand the impact of small brain injuries on the nervous system.
Scientists from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) used the flies to examine how damage to a small amount of neurons can cause a chain reaction across the brain, stopping activity in neurons that were uninjured.
The fruit that is producing Parkinson’s medication
Pasta sauce, ketchup and soup are all tasty uses for tomatoes - but according to new research the fruit has the potential to help Parkinson’s patients through its unique ability to carry a critical chemical.
Scientists from the John Innes Centre in Norwich have developed a genetically modified tomato which is rich in the drug L-DOPA - one of the most common treatments for Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Simple eye test could provide early Parkinson’s diagnosis
Researchers have potentially made major progress in improving Parkinson's diagnosis - all through a basic eye test.
Around 145,000 people in the UK live with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), Parkinson's UK says. This affects over 1 million people, however, when taking into account repercussions for families, friends and colleagues. Currently there is no test which enables clinicians to conclusively diagnose the condition; with the patient’s medical history and symptoms typically being assessed.
US study finds anxiety speeds up onset of dementia
Dementia is one of the most common neurological conditions in the UK - and is on the rise, amid an ageing population. An estimated 1.5 million people in the UK will have the condition by 2040, the Alzheimer's Society says.
Another condition becoming more widespread is anxiety, with the Mental Health Foundation estimating over eight million cases in the UK currently. But could these two conditions be linked? According to a new study from the US, experiencing symptoms of anxiety could lead to a faster onset of Alzheimer's.
COVID / case management research project launched
A UK-wide research project to look at the experiences of case managers and clients during the COVID-19 pandemic has been launched.
The initiative will gather personal accounts of people living with brain injuries and their support networks during the pandemic, from lockdown to the present day, reflecting on how people have changed and adapted during that time.
The study, spearheaded by BABICM, will assess how case managers and clients alike found the availability of support and access to services during the past few months, and how challenges were responded to and overcome.
Rehab tech firm Fourier Intelligence receives investment boost
Fourier Intelligence has completed its Series C financing round led by Vision Plus Capital, a venture capital fund focusing in digital healthcare and deep tech.
Qianhai FOF, one of Fourier Intelligence’s current shareholder, co-invested in this round too.
This new round of funds will be mainly invested to further expand Fourier Intelligence’s already impressive product line, to enhance its fully integrated intelligent rehabilitation robotic system, known as the Fourier Intelligence RehabHub Concept.
“The intelligent rehabilitation has been possible since the advent of the digital and intelligence era. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the developing trend of the rehabilitation field while the viability of Fourier’s business model has been verified,” says Fourier Intelligence’s founder, group CEO and executive chairman Alex Gu.
