Cicle de conferències 2014-2015. Lecture. Neural engineering applied to neuroscience and clinical needs

Abstract

There are many challenges in the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders. Neural Engineering can help address some of these by the development of novel engineering, computational and mathematical methods to help understand the pathogenesis of neurological disorders but also address specific clinical needs. This talk will detail results from recent neural engineering studies in the diagnosis, understanding and management of neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, dystonia and cognitive ageing.

Human movement involves a complex series of coordinated musculoskeletal but also neural processes. A breakdown in any of these processes can result in abnormal movement. Movement disorders collectively affect approximately 10million people in Europe. Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and primary dystonia are the three most common movement disorders in Europe. 500,000 people have some form of dystonia. Results from recent neural engineering experiments, specifically assessing temporal discrimination in patients with dystonia and Parkinson’s disease, their relatives and control subjects have allowed a better understand of the pathogenesis and genetic basis of the diseases, with the use of temporal discrimination also as a possible biomarker.

Freezing of gait (FOG) is a common disabling gait disorder in late stage Parkinson’s disease, which can lead to falls and loss of independence. To date, the mechanisms causing FOG are still unknown and no treatment has proven to be effective. In a recent study Parkinson’s disease participants with and without clinically confirmed FOG symptoms were recruited and navigated through a customized virtual reality corridor by stepping in place on a force plate while EEG was simultaneously recorded. An intervention designed around a virtual reality environment has been shown to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from this condition.