Welcome to your daily round-up of everything happening in the world of neurorehab.
Research
Research shows “profound” link between dietary choices and brain health
New research has highlighted the profound link between dietary choices and brain health. Published in Nature, the research showed that a healthy, balanced diet was linked to superior brain health, cognitive function and mental wellbeing. The study, involving researchers at the University of Warwick, sheds light on how our food preferences not only influence physical health but also significantly impact brain health.
PET scans reveal ‘smouldering’ inflammation in patients with MS
A new study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, suggests positron emission tomography (PET) brain scans could reveal hidden inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are being treated with highly-effective treatments. The findings were published in Clinical Nuclear Medicine.
Heart health affects midlife cognition in Black women
A new study has found that Black women with poor cardiovascular health may face an elevated risk of early signs of cognitive decline in midlife. The study, which is published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, found that processing speed, a leading indicator of early cognitive decline, appeared to decline in Black women with poorer cardiovascular health starting in midlife but not in white women. Working memory did not decline in the total study group, or in groups based on race or cardiovascular health.
Unlocking single-neuron therapies for neurodegenerative disorders
Neural stimulation is a medical technique used to treat many illnesses affecting the nervous system. It involves applying energy to neurons to encourage them to grow and make connections with their neighbours. In the Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A, researchers from the University of Minnesota deployed an array of microscopic coils — microcoils — to create a magnetic field and stimulate individual neurons. They constructed a prototype of their coil array, called MagPatch and tested it with human neuroblastoma cells to demonstrate its effectiveness. The cells were affected by the magnetic fields without being harmed by the coating, suggesting the potential to use this device in clinical settings.
$4.8 million grant to study TDP-43 protein in neurodegenerative diseases
A new $4.8 million grant will support researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine and the Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology to study how human neurodegenerative diseases are affected by the misfolding of the protein TDP-43. Misfolding occurs when a protein adopts a conformation which differs from the native one.
The researchers, funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, have developed an innovative approach to deciphering the role of TDP-43 misfolding in the pathology of frontotemporal dementias, limbic predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy and Alzheimer’s disease.
Company updates
Helius expands stroke programme
Neurotech company, Helius, is expanding its clinical development programme for the broadening of the labeling of its marketed PoNS device to include patients recovering from stroke with the participation of Shepherd Center, under the direction of chief medical officer, Michael Yochelson.
Gain announces positive initial results from Parkinson’s trial
Gain has announced positive results from the single ascending dose (SAD) part of its Phase 1 study on GT-02287, a Novel GCase-Targeting Small Molecule Therapy for GBA1 Parkinson’s Disease. GT-02287 was generally well tolerated up to and including the highest planned dose level, and there were no serious adverse events.
