Parkinson’s Drug Effects on Brain | SFU Research

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Brain Imaging breakthrough: Personalized Parkinson’s Treatment On The Horizon

Surrey, B.C. – A Groundbreaking study by simon Fraser University (SFU) researchers is revolutionizing the approach to treating Parkinson’s disease. The team is employing an innovative brain imaging technique to refine and personalize drug prescriptions, specifically targeting the effectiveness of levodopa, a primary medication for managing movement symptoms.

This novel research offers hope for enhanced treatment strategies for patients worldwide.

Mapping Brain Signals For Tailored Treatment

The study, recently published in *Movement Disorders*, investigates the varying effectiveness of levodopa among Parkinson’s disease patients. Although levodopa effectively reduces movement-related symptoms for most, some individuals experience less benefit.

An SFU collaboration with the Karolinska Institute in Sweden used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to analyse how levodopa impacts brain signals,aiming to personalize treatment plans.

The Rising Need For Effective Parkinson’s Treatment

Alex Wiesman, assistant professor at SFU, emphasizes the urgency of improved Parkinson’s disease care. “Parkinson’s is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease, and its incidence is rapidly increasing,” Wiesman stated. “Finding ways to alleviate symptoms and perhaps reverse the disease’s effects is crucial.”

The new imaging approach allows clinicians to visualize how levodopa activates specific brain regions in individual patients, enabling more tailored and effective treatment strategies.

Magnetoencephalography (MEG): A Window Into The Brain

Researchers used MEG to map brain signals of 17 Parkinson’s disease patients before and after levodopa administration. This advanced, non-invasive technology measures magnetic fields generated by the brain’s electrical activity, providing detailed insights into drug impact.

Wiesman’s team developed a novel analysis method to identify “off-target” drug effects, revealing whether levodopa is activating unintended brain regions.

Off-Target effects: Understanding Varied Responses

“We can now track in real-time whether the drug is affecting the right brain regions and helping patients manage their symptoms,” Wiesman explains.

The study revealed that some patients experience “off-target” effects, where levodopa activates brain regions that impede its intended benefits, resulting in less symptom relief.

Personalized medicine: The Future Of Parkinson’s Care

Wiesman envisions that a deeper understanding of levodopa’s effects on individual brain signals will optimize drug prescription. He suggests exploring choice medications or dosage adjustments to personalize treatment.

“The more we can personalize that approach, make it more expedient, make it a bit more specific to that person, the better,” Wiesman added.

Broader Applications Of brain Imaging Analysis

Did You Know? This innovative brain imaging analysis isn’t limited to Parkinson’s disease. It can be applied to study any medication affecting brain signaling, marking a significant advancement in neurological research.

The Imagetech Lab at Surrey Memorial Hospital hosts western Canada’s only MEG, providing SFU researchers with unprecedented access to advanced brain imaging technology.

Future Research & Accessibility

The team plans to expand their research to larger patient groups and translate their findings to more accessible brain imaging methods like electroencephalogram (EEG). The goal is to ensure this technology benefits a diverse population of Parkinson’s disease patients.

Summary of Levodopa and MEG Technology

Aspect	Levodopa	magnetoencephalography (MEG)
Role In Parkinson’s Treatment	Primary drug used in dopamine replacement therapy to reduce movement symptoms.	Non-invasive technology to measure magnetic fields produced by the brain’s electrical signals.
Effectiveness	highly effective for most patients but varies; some experience less benefit.	Allows researchers to study brain disorders, including Parkinson’s, in real-time.
Study Application	Researchers map brain signals before and after taking the drug to see how and where the drug impacted brain activity.	Used to collect data to determine drug affects signals in the brain.
Future Application	Understanding affects on the brain signals could improve how drugs are prescribed for treatment.	SFU’s Imagetech lab hosts western Canada’s only MEG.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: An Evergreen Perspective

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting dopamine-producing neurons in the brain’s substantia nigra. This loss leads to a range of motor and non-motor symptoms.

Common Symptoms Of Parkinson’s disease

Symptoms vary but often include tremors, slow movement (bradykinesia), rigidity, postural instability, and non-motor issues like sleep disturbances and depression.

Current Treatment Approaches

While there’s no cure,treatments focus on managing symptoms. Levodopa remains a cornerstone medication, often combined with other drugs and therapies like physical therapy and deep brain stimulation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parkinson’s Disease and Treatment