It is with profound sadness that we at Brain Support Network (BSN) announce the passing of our dear friend, Steven Russell, on Sunday, August 25, 2024. Steven was a pivotal figure in the creation of BSN, serving as a founding Board member and finance director. His unwavering belief in BSN’s mission was reflected in his final act of generosity—donating his brain for research. (Brains from neurologically-normal donors are needed.)
Deep-Dive into Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) – Aug 29 webinar
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) affects balance, movement, and the autonomic nervous system, and, as an atypical parkinsonian neurodegenerative disease, it can be confused for Parkinson’s and related conditions.
Understanding Progressive Supranuclear Palsy – August 6 Webinar
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative disease that can mimic Parkinson’s, but PSP is a distinct diagnosis with its own features and treatments.
Join PMD Alliance to learn from an expert and delve into the symptoms, diagnosis process, and complications of PSP, as well as current treatment options and ones that may be available soon.
NYT: ‘You Think, So You Can Dance?’ Science Is On It.
In a recent New York Times article, the performance “Epiphany Machine” was described. During the performance, the brain activity of dancers is analyzed. Excerpt: Over the past few decades, dance has been used as a rehabilitation tool for people with neurological disorders, tying into a long history of dance as a healing practice. … Participants in programs like Mark Morris Dance Center’s Dance for PD — which for more than 20 years has offered specialized classes for people with Parkinson’s disease — found them to be effective before science could fully explain why they worked. But dance neuroscience studies are beginning to reveal the neural mechanisms behind dance’s positive impact on motor function, cognition and mental well-being in people with a variety of neurological conditions. “Dance is joyful and mindful for everyone,” said Julia C. Basso, one of the creators of and performers in “Epiphany Machine” and the director of Virginia Tech’s Embodied Brain Laboratory. But for those whose brains are having difficulty communicating with their bodies, “it’s especially powerful.” (The full article is behind the NYT paywall.)
PSP/CBS Research Update Webinar with Dr. Adam Boxer – Recording and Slides
Brain Support Network hosted UCSF neurologist Adam Boxer, MD, PhD for a webinar on the latest research into progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS). (CBS is also referred to as corticobasal degeneration, CBD.) Dr. Boxer discussed past clinical trials as well as research on tau biomarkers and tau imaging. He also gave an overview of research on the horizon for both PSP and CBS, and answered many audience questions during the one-hour event.