[Source: Scott Huscher, ASUWebDevil] - Although many wouldn’t think ski poles could fight the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), a new Arizona State University study is trying to prove just that.
“Exercise training in Parkinson’s disease: Neural and functional benefits” aims to see if exercise is a key component in decreasing the symptoms of PD. The study will utilize “polestriding,” which is walking with the aid of ski-like poles. Also known as Nordic walking, the poles will help with balance, which many people with PD have trouble with.
“PD is a progressive disease in which the cells in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra that produce the neurotransmitter called dopamine keep dying,” said Narayanan Krishnamurthi, principal investigator for the study and assistant professor of research at ASU’s Center for Adaptive Neural Systems in the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering. “So if exercise can protect neurons or it can create new neurons it’s a good possibility that the progression of the disease can be stopped or reversed.”
Krishnamurthi said that he was motivated to do the study based on previous reports that animals with PD-like symptoms benefited from exercise.
“The animals that participated in the exercise program had less severe symptoms and didn’t lose as many neurons as the animals that didn’t participate in the exercise.” Krishnamurthi said.
Krishnamurthi said that other studies have shown that people with higher cardiac and aerobic fitness have better brain health than those who do not regularly exercise.
“This study investigates the functional benefits with respect to motor and non-motor symptoms before and after the exercise training for 12 weeks,” Krishnamurthi said.
This study, which was recently funded by the National Institutes of Health, is a collaborative effort between the Center for Adaptive Neural Systems at ASU, the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at the Barrow Neurological Institute, the PET Imaging Center at the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, and the Christopher Center for Parkinson’s Research at Sun Health Research Institute.
It will involve sixteen participants with PD between the ages of 50-70, because PD usually has its onset after the age of 50.
Each participant will be involved in a 36-week period in which half of the participants will receive PET scans before and after the exercise period to see if there are any positive changes in their brain glucose consumption. The PET scans will be conducted at the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute.
“We’ll see if the exercise training produces changes in the brain metabolic activity patterns from abnormal patterns specific to PD towards the patterns of healthy people,” Krishnamurthi said. “That will give us an indication whether exercise is capable of improving brain health in PD.”
The functional outcome measurements will be completed at the Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City. The exercise sessions will be conducted by Darolyn O’Donnell, recreation therapy coordinator at the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at the Barrow Neurological Institute.
“What we aim to do is establish and provide exercise therapy people can do on their own,” O’Donnell said.
The initial idea to use poles came from a personal experience. James Abbas, a co-investigator on the study and co-director of the Center for Adaptive Neural Systems at ASU, learned about how the use of poles can increase the intensity of walking exercise and observed how they helped his mother feel more secure while walking. Since previous research results suggested an important role for exercise and clinical experience pointed to the need for some assistance during walking, the team decided to go forward with the study.
O’Donnell also said that the polestriding was chosen because it provides balance, helps work the upper body and targets core muscle. It’s also more aerobic than normal walking.
The exercise will last 45 minutes to an hour, three times per week.
Right now, the study is still in its initial phases, setting up software and hardware and recruiting participants for the study. Krishnamurthi said they should begin data collection with the first group of participants either this February or March.
“If it is really beneficial, it will be very helpful to alleviate the symptoms since current treatments do not provide cure and are generally ineffective during advanced stages of the disease,” Krishnamurthi said.
If the exercise helps fight against symptoms of PD, he said it will help those with PD everywhere.
“Since exercise can be done in any part of the world, people in underdeveloped countries where medical treatment for diseases like PD is not easily affordable can also benefit significantly.”
Showing posts with label Parkinson's Disease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parkinson's Disease. Show all posts
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sun Health launches Parkinson's study
[Source: AzCentral.com] - The Michael J. Fox Foundation has awarded the Sun Health Research Institute a $75,000 grant to study new equipment that treats Parkinson's disease, adding to the growing list of activities at the Northwest Valley research facility.
The Parkinson's study is the institute's first major undertaking since it was acquired by Banner Health in September. The merger gave the institute a larger talent pool of scientists for such studies, since it now has access to resources at the Banner Alzheimer's Institute, a research facility in Phoenix.
The growth in local medical research doesn't only mean access to top-notch care for local residents. It is another piece in the economic-development puzzle for Surprise, the Sun Cities and other area communities, improving their prospects for attracting high-paying jobs in the fields of health and sciences.
"It just sort of shows there's activity going on here, and it plays into our overall strategy in trying to create some jobs in the whole medical arena, whether it's health care or research and development," Surprise Economic Development Director John Hagen said.
The new Parkinson's study examines the use of Nexalin headgear, a pad that attaches to patients' forehead. Electrodes connected to the pad emit low-frequency triggers that are supposed to stop Parkinson's tremors. The treatments are administered one hour a day, five days a week, for two weeks during the study.
What has researchers excited is Nexalin's "no fuss, no muss" appeal. Surgery is not required for the treatment.
"The procedure is non-invasive because it's actually headgear that you wear. It would be invasive if it went inside your body," said Banner Health spokeswoman Elle Shelley.
The Institute has six participants for the study, and a goal of getting 18 more.
Since opening its clinical-trial program eight years ago, Sun Health has conducted a variety of studies, and the Parkinson's trial is just one of a handful currently getting underway, according to Brian Browne, the Research Institute's public information officer. Eleven clinical studies are preparing to enroll participants, he said.
Most of Sun Health's trials involve those afflicted with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, though one underway is a bladder-cancer clinical trial.
Browne said the Valley, particularly retirement areas like the Sun Cities, are prime targets for such clinical studies because it is in these communities "where we are seeing a number of neurological degenerative diseases of aging."
Browne said the recent merger of Banner and Sun Health "has positively impacted the way we do clinical trials. Some of our clinical trials are done in conjunction with our sister institute, Banner Alzheimer's Institute in Phoenix, and when you have that kind of synergy, you do much more in collaboration than separtely."
Banner's ownership transition, however, will continue to affect Surprise's efforts to get a biotech campus off the ground, Hagen said.
"Until that acquisition is fully digested, they're not going to be as big a player as we like," Hagen said, adding he expects the transition to last another six to 12 months.
Surprise, however, continues to pursue other medical and biotechnology opportunities.
The city recently announced that three science-related firms are interested in leasing the old City Hall building on Bell Road to serve as an incubator for start-up companies. City leaders are weighing each option, and a decision eventually will go before the City Council.
The city will not elaborate on the proposals until discussions proceed, Hagen said.
The city also has identified several key land parcels with potential for biotech development. It has put the most emphasis on 500-plus acres south of Bell Road and Bullard Avenue that is expected to become the future downtown. Sun Health Properties, a land-ownership group separate from the research institute, has a stake in that property.
There also is land at the city's Southwest Railplex, bordered by Peoria Avenue and Dysart, Waddell and Litchfield roads, and at the Prasada development along Loop 303, Hagen said.
For information on the new Parkinson's clinical trial, call 623-875-6500.
The Parkinson's study is the institute's first major undertaking since it was acquired by Banner Health in September. The merger gave the institute a larger talent pool of scientists for such studies, since it now has access to resources at the Banner Alzheimer's Institute, a research facility in Phoenix.
The growth in local medical research doesn't only mean access to top-notch care for local residents. It is another piece in the economic-development puzzle for Surprise, the Sun Cities and other area communities, improving their prospects for attracting high-paying jobs in the fields of health and sciences.
"It just sort of shows there's activity going on here, and it plays into our overall strategy in trying to create some jobs in the whole medical arena, whether it's health care or research and development," Surprise Economic Development Director John Hagen said.
The new Parkinson's study examines the use of Nexalin headgear, a pad that attaches to patients' forehead. Electrodes connected to the pad emit low-frequency triggers that are supposed to stop Parkinson's tremors. The treatments are administered one hour a day, five days a week, for two weeks during the study.
What has researchers excited is Nexalin's "no fuss, no muss" appeal. Surgery is not required for the treatment.
"The procedure is non-invasive because it's actually headgear that you wear. It would be invasive if it went inside your body," said Banner Health spokeswoman Elle Shelley.
The Institute has six participants for the study, and a goal of getting 18 more.
Since opening its clinical-trial program eight years ago, Sun Health has conducted a variety of studies, and the Parkinson's trial is just one of a handful currently getting underway, according to Brian Browne, the Research Institute's public information officer. Eleven clinical studies are preparing to enroll participants, he said.
Most of Sun Health's trials involve those afflicted with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, though one underway is a bladder-cancer clinical trial.
Browne said the Valley, particularly retirement areas like the Sun Cities, are prime targets for such clinical studies because it is in these communities "where we are seeing a number of neurological degenerative diseases of aging."
Browne said the recent merger of Banner and Sun Health "has positively impacted the way we do clinical trials. Some of our clinical trials are done in conjunction with our sister institute, Banner Alzheimer's Institute in Phoenix, and when you have that kind of synergy, you do much more in collaboration than separtely."
Banner's ownership transition, however, will continue to affect Surprise's efforts to get a biotech campus off the ground, Hagen said.
"Until that acquisition is fully digested, they're not going to be as big a player as we like," Hagen said, adding he expects the transition to last another six to 12 months.
Surprise, however, continues to pursue other medical and biotechnology opportunities.
The city recently announced that three science-related firms are interested in leasing the old City Hall building on Bell Road to serve as an incubator for start-up companies. City leaders are weighing each option, and a decision eventually will go before the City Council.
The city will not elaborate on the proposals until discussions proceed, Hagen said.
The city also has identified several key land parcels with potential for biotech development. It has put the most emphasis on 500-plus acres south of Bell Road and Bullard Avenue that is expected to become the future downtown. Sun Health Properties, a land-ownership group separate from the research institute, has a stake in that property.
There also is land at the city's Southwest Railplex, bordered by Peoria Avenue and Dysart, Waddell and Litchfield roads, and at the Prasada development along Loop 303, Hagen said.
For information on the new Parkinson's clinical trial, call 623-875-6500.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Phoenix to get Parkinson's center, named after Ali
[Source: KTAR.Com] - St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center has announced plans for one of the most comprehensive Parkinson's centers in the country, named after former boxing champion Muhammad Ali and his wife, Lonnie.
The Alis were on hand Tuesday for the announcement about the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center.
"To see the beginning of this beautiful new center is truly a dream come true for Muhammad and me," said Lonnie Ali. "We are so grateful to all of you -- to Dr. Abe Lieberman, the Celebrity Fight Night Foundation and other supporters.
The new center is expected to open in late 2009. It will include 10 basic exam rooms, a tremor exam room, a botox treatment room, a tilt room to help evaluate patients with orthostatic hypertension and a balance lab.
The pavilion also will contain treatment areas for physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy and a multi-purpose room for educaton and recreational classes.
The National Institutes of Health says at least 500,000 people in the United States suffer from Parkinson's disease and approximately 50,000 new cases are reported annually. The incidence is expected to increase as baby boomers age.
St. Joseph's Hospital and its Barrow Neurological Institute are working to improve services for people with Parkinson's, Huntington's disease and Tourette syndrome.
"We're on our way to ecoming a world-class center for the growing number of people that are affected by these chronic illnesses," said Lieberman.
He added, "The Alis know that Muhammad Ali is going to get excellent care because he's Muhammad Ali, but they want everyone to get that same type of care."
The Alis were on hand Tuesday for the announcement about the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center.
"To see the beginning of this beautiful new center is truly a dream come true for Muhammad and me," said Lonnie Ali. "We are so grateful to all of you -- to Dr. Abe Lieberman, the Celebrity Fight Night Foundation and other supporters.
The new center is expected to open in late 2009. It will include 10 basic exam rooms, a tremor exam room, a botox treatment room, a tilt room to help evaluate patients with orthostatic hypertension and a balance lab.
The pavilion also will contain treatment areas for physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy and a multi-purpose room for educaton and recreational classes.
The National Institutes of Health says at least 500,000 people in the United States suffer from Parkinson's disease and approximately 50,000 new cases are reported annually. The incidence is expected to increase as baby boomers age.
St. Joseph's Hospital and its Barrow Neurological Institute are working to improve services for people with Parkinson's, Huntington's disease and Tourette syndrome.
"We're on our way to ecoming a world-class center for the growing number of people that are affected by these chronic illnesses," said Lieberman.
He added, "The Alis know that Muhammad Ali is going to get excellent care because he's Muhammad Ali, but they want everyone to get that same type of care."
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Power3 Medical Products, Inc. Provides Progress Report – NuroPro® Clinical Validation Study of Serum Biomarkers for Alzheimer’s Disease
[Source: BUSINESS WIRE] - Power3 Medical Products, Inc. (OTCBB:PWRM), a leading proteomics company specializing in the development and commercialization of diagnostic tests for early detection of breast cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, is providing an interim status report of its international validation study of the company’s NuroPro® blood serum biomarker test for Alzheimer’s disease.
Power3 is currently conducting a 300-patient clinical validation study of its NuroPro® blood serum test for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease in collaboration with Dr. Marwan Sabbagh, the Director of Clinical Research at the Cleo Roberts Center of Clinical Research at the Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City, Arizona. “The preliminary results of the Power3’s study look very promising. Clinicians around the world look forward to adding a tool to diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s earlier and therefore give the best care to their patients,” says Dr. Sabbagh. To date, 92 Alzheimer and Control patient samples have been analyzed in Power3’s CLIA certified laboratory and have demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
“This study confirms Power3’s panel of Neurodegenerative biomarkers’ ability to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease with superior sensitivity and specificity with results in the 95% range. Additionally, the current study validates Power3’s collection, storage, shipping, processing, and biostatistical analysis methods,” says Dr. Essam Sheta, the Director of Power3’s CLIA laboratory. Power3 expects to conclude the initial Alzheimer’s validation study in September 2008 and publish the validation study results soon after.
“Power3 is planning to expand its validation study for NuroPro® to include two additional clinical sites within the U.S. Larger patient cohorts of different ethnic and environmental backgrounds will strengthen the validity of NuroPro’s® applicability in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases,” Steven B. Rash, Chief Executive Officer, commented. Mr. Rash added “This study confirms that Power3 is rapidly approaching the stage to commercializing the first ever blood serum proteomic tests for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. These encouraging Alzheimer’s test results, and the numerous validation studies that are currently underway for Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and similar neurological disorders, demonstrates our commitment to bringing these tests to market in late 2008 or early 2009. We believe this test will be a major breakthrough for patients and physicians, as it will offer a means to detect neurodegenerative diseases at their earliest stages, allowing physicians to begin treatment at stages which will produce more positive outcomes.”
In addition to the Alzheimer’s clinical validation study being conducted in collaboration with Dr. Sabbagh, the Company continues its ongoing Parkinson’s validation study under the direction of the principal investigator, Dr. Katerina Markopoulou at the Research Institute at the University of Thessaly, Greece. Power3 expects to conclude this Parkinson’s validation study in September and will publish the results soon after.
Power3 is currently conducting a 300-patient clinical validation study of its NuroPro® blood serum test for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease in collaboration with Dr. Marwan Sabbagh, the Director of Clinical Research at the Cleo Roberts Center of Clinical Research at the Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City, Arizona. “The preliminary results of the Power3’s study look very promising. Clinicians around the world look forward to adding a tool to diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s earlier and therefore give the best care to their patients,” says Dr. Sabbagh. To date, 92 Alzheimer and Control patient samples have been analyzed in Power3’s CLIA certified laboratory and have demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.
“This study confirms Power3’s panel of Neurodegenerative biomarkers’ ability to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease with superior sensitivity and specificity with results in the 95% range. Additionally, the current study validates Power3’s collection, storage, shipping, processing, and biostatistical analysis methods,” says Dr. Essam Sheta, the Director of Power3’s CLIA laboratory. Power3 expects to conclude the initial Alzheimer’s validation study in September 2008 and publish the validation study results soon after.
“Power3 is planning to expand its validation study for NuroPro® to include two additional clinical sites within the U.S. Larger patient cohorts of different ethnic and environmental backgrounds will strengthen the validity of NuroPro’s® applicability in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases,” Steven B. Rash, Chief Executive Officer, commented. Mr. Rash added “This study confirms that Power3 is rapidly approaching the stage to commercializing the first ever blood serum proteomic tests for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. These encouraging Alzheimer’s test results, and the numerous validation studies that are currently underway for Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and similar neurological disorders, demonstrates our commitment to bringing these tests to market in late 2008 or early 2009. We believe this test will be a major breakthrough for patients and physicians, as it will offer a means to detect neurodegenerative diseases at their earliest stages, allowing physicians to begin treatment at stages which will produce more positive outcomes.”
In addition to the Alzheimer’s clinical validation study being conducted in collaboration with Dr. Sabbagh, the Company continues its ongoing Parkinson’s validation study under the direction of the principal investigator, Dr. Katerina Markopoulou at the Research Institute at the University of Thessaly, Greece. Power3 expects to conclude this Parkinson’s validation study in September and will publish the results soon after.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Power3 Reports on NuroPro® Study
[Source: The Woodlands Online.com] - Power3 Medical Products, Inc. (OTCBB:PWRM), a leading proteomics company specializing in the development and commercialization of diagnostic tests for early detection of breast cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, is providing an interim status report of its international validation study of the company’s NuroPro® blood serum biomarker test for Parkinson’s disease.
To date, Power3 has analyzed 73 patient samples for the international validation study provided by the University of Thessaly School of Medicine, in Greece, to confirm previous clinical validation studies completed in the United States. The previous study from a US patient population demonstrated that the blood serum protein biomarkers used in the NuroPro® diagnostic test have the ability to consistently distinguish between Parkinson’s disease patients and normal control subjects.
The samples from the University of Thessaly have demonstrated that changes in the blood serum concentration of the protein biomarkers were consistent with previous Power3 results obtained from US Parkinson’s disease patients. As part of the current validation study, Power3 has standardized its methods for collection, storage, shipping, processing, and biostatistical analysis. This study confirms Power3’s ability to reproduce its Parkinson’s disease diagnostic-test results with superior sensitivity and specificity in the 95% range. Power3 expects to strengthen the validation study with samples from over 100 Greek patients by September 2008.
Power3 is also conducting an additional 300-patient clinical validation study of its NuroPro® blood serum test for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease in collaboration with Dr. Marwan Sabbagh, the Director of Clinical Research at the Cleo Roberts Center of Clinical Research at the Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City, Arizona.
“The potential of the Power3 study cannot be understated. Patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease will benefit by having earlier diagnosis and treatments resulting in an overall better outcome,” says Sabbagh. To date, 69 patient samples have been analyzed. Power3 expects to provide an interim report on this study in July 2008 and complete this validation study in September 2008.
Katerina Markopoulou, Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Thessaly, commented: “The available data regarding the sensitivity and specificity of the protein biomarkers identified by Power3 for the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease are very promising. The validation of these findings in larger patient cohorts of different ethnic backgrounds will provide additional important information regarding NuroPro’s® applicability in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.”
Steven B. Rash, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “This study provides further support we are rapidly approaching the stage to commercializing the first ever blood serum proteomic tests for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. These encouraging Parkinson’s tests results and the numerous validation studies that are currently underway for Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and similar neurological disorders, confirm our commitment to bringing these tests to market in late 2008 or early 2009. We believe this test will be a major advance for patients and physicians, as it will offer a means to detect neurodegenerative diseases at their earliest stages without a painful and complicated spinal tap procedure.”
To date, Power3 has analyzed 73 patient samples for the international validation study provided by the University of Thessaly School of Medicine, in Greece, to confirm previous clinical validation studies completed in the United States. The previous study from a US patient population demonstrated that the blood serum protein biomarkers used in the NuroPro® diagnostic test have the ability to consistently distinguish between Parkinson’s disease patients and normal control subjects.
The samples from the University of Thessaly have demonstrated that changes in the blood serum concentration of the protein biomarkers were consistent with previous Power3 results obtained from US Parkinson’s disease patients. As part of the current validation study, Power3 has standardized its methods for collection, storage, shipping, processing, and biostatistical analysis. This study confirms Power3’s ability to reproduce its Parkinson’s disease diagnostic-test results with superior sensitivity and specificity in the 95% range. Power3 expects to strengthen the validation study with samples from over 100 Greek patients by September 2008.
Power3 is also conducting an additional 300-patient clinical validation study of its NuroPro® blood serum test for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease in collaboration with Dr. Marwan Sabbagh, the Director of Clinical Research at the Cleo Roberts Center of Clinical Research at the Sun Health Research Institute in Sun City, Arizona.
“The potential of the Power3 study cannot be understated. Patients with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease will benefit by having earlier diagnosis and treatments resulting in an overall better outcome,” says Sabbagh. To date, 69 patient samples have been analyzed. Power3 expects to provide an interim report on this study in July 2008 and complete this validation study in September 2008.
Katerina Markopoulou, Assistant Professor of Neurology at the University of Thessaly, commented: “The available data regarding the sensitivity and specificity of the protein biomarkers identified by Power3 for the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease are very promising. The validation of these findings in larger patient cohorts of different ethnic backgrounds will provide additional important information regarding NuroPro’s® applicability in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.”
Steven B. Rash, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “This study provides further support we are rapidly approaching the stage to commercializing the first ever blood serum proteomic tests for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases. These encouraging Parkinson’s tests results and the numerous validation studies that are currently underway for Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and similar neurological disorders, confirm our commitment to bringing these tests to market in late 2008 or early 2009. We believe this test will be a major advance for patients and physicians, as it will offer a means to detect neurodegenerative diseases at their earliest stages without a painful and complicated spinal tap procedure.”
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Local brain specialist shortage finds relief
[Source: HEIDI ROWLEY, Tucson Citizen] - Tucson-area residents suffering from excruciating back pain or migraines, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis or seizures may wait months to see a local brain or spinal cord specialist.
For those who need immediate care for a brain or spinal injury after a car accident or other life-threatening emergency, often the only option is helicopter transport to Phoenix, San Diego or Las Vegas, because either no on-call neurological specialist or space is available at a Tucson hospital.
Hundreds of patients are sent out of the Tucson area every year for treatment of nervous system illnesses and injuries, said Greg Angle, chief executive at St. Joseph Hospital. Some rural southern Arizona hospitals are bypassing the Old Pueblo, by sending patients to Phoenix because of Tucson's shortage of neurologists and neurosurgeons.
"We've not done a good job in Tucson in providing this service," Angle said.
That is changing.
• The Center for Neurosciences opened in March at 2450 E. River Road.
The center touts six neurosurgeons, four neurologists and high-tech diagnostic tools to provide more coordinated and convenient outpatient care. Its team, who had practiced in five offices citywide, includes Tucson's only pediatric neurosurgeons and neuro-oncologist.
The effort has attracted two more neurological specialists to Tucson, neurosurgeon Abhay Sanan said.
"We've had to struggle for years for someone to join us," Sanan said.
• The Carondelet Neurological Institute, a collaboration between Carondelet and a medical practice group, Western Neurosurgery, opened 42 beds in May exclusively for neurological patients. The institute is on the fifth floor of St. Joseph Hospital's new Women's Pavilion at 350 N. Wilmot Road.
Intensive-care rooms and three state-of-the-art operating suites will be completed by fall.
The institute will offer the most comprehensive inpatient neurological services, Angle said, and will have neurosurgeons and neurologists on call all day, every day.
"The gem is not the new technology," neurosurgeon Matthew Wilson said. "It's the 24-hour coverage."
• Tucson Medical Center has been designated a Neuroscience Center of Excellence by the health care consulting and assessment company NeuStrategy Inc., which is based in Chicago.
TMC has two neurosciences operating rooms, an eight-bed neurointensive observation unit, a 37-bed neuronursing unit, epilepsy monitoring units for adults and children and a sleep diagnostics lab. The center offers nurses six months of training to understand neurology patients.
Specialist, bed shortages
Nationwide, the pool of neurosurgeons has been shrinking. A study by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons counted 3,050 in 2004, down from 3,100 in 1991 and 3,400 neurosurgeons in 1997. The association does not have more-recent numbers.
An Arizona physician work force study found only 20 neurosurgeons working in Tucson in 2005, the most-recent year for which numbers are available.
Wilson, who started working in Tucson that year, was surprised there were not enough neurosurgeons to cover emergencies at Tucson's hospitals while responding to daily patient needs.
Even now, Wilson said, only one surgeon is available on call many nights to cover Tucson's seven hospitals.
Tucson's neurology specialists, no matter which hospital or practice group they belong to, take turns being on call at Tucson's emergency rooms and most will continue to do so after the Carondelet institute's opening. Both Sanan and fellow neurosurgeon Eric Sipos, director of the institute, said they would eventually like to focus on one or two hospitals, but neither has established a timeline for doing so.
When a blood clot formed in Manuel Moreno's brain in November 2006, the Tucson bishop was sent to Phoenix, not because of a lack of neurosurgeons to treat him but because there were no beds available at the local hospitals where the specialists were working, Sipos said.
It was Moreno's health crisis and subsequent death that galvanized local doctors and specialists to focus on the need for more neurosurgeons and beds for their patients.
Efforts drawing praise
Patients are praising the results.
Leona "Lee" Schnebly, 75, had back surgery June 10 at St. Joseph's Hospital to repair damaged disks causing immense pain and then stayed in one of the new beds at the Carondelet Neurological Institute.
"I've had surgery before, but it's never been this pleasant," she said the day after Wilson removed bone and inserted titanium screws. "I'm amazed and so glad."
Schnebly was impressed by the attentive and caring staff, and she loved her spacious, private recovery room.
Sierra Vista couple Robert Jamison, 49, and wife Lucy, 47, appreciate the convenience that the Center for Neurosciences' centralized care provides.
Three days after Robert Jamison's terminal brain cancer was diagnosed in May 2007, Sanan removed a large tumor at St. Mary's Hospital.
Lucy Jamison said scheduling appointments and medical services her husband needed after his surgery was challenging because the doctors and services were in different offices.
Now, Jamison sees both Sanan and Dr. Michael Badruddoja, Tucson's only neuro-oncologist, and gets the tests he needs at the same place.
Center for Neurosciences' coordination reduces the stress on those facing terminal cancer.
Sipos, director of the Carondelet Neurological Institute, said a new Western Neurosurgery building under construction near the institute will also provide outpatient services.
Tucson lures more doctors
The developments here are making Tucson more attractive to neurological specialists.
Dr. Dave Teeple, an epilepsy specialist from the Barrows Institute in Phoenix, is one of the specialists joining the Center for Neurosciences. The other is a neurosurgeon from the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix.
Teeple, a neurologist who grew up in Tucson, said he will be on call at St. Mary's Hospital and TMC and will be in charge of running an adult epileptic monitoring center at the latter.
"There is a need for epilepsy specialists down there," he said last week from Phoenix. "There is a monthslong waiting list to see an epileptologist."
Teeple will start in mid-July.
Carondelet Neurological Institute is also recruiting.
"We're seeing improvement as the word about what we are doing has gotten out there," Sipos said. "We're seeing some very strong applicants. As we have neared completion, the interest is escalating."
Sipos hopes to hire stroke and spinal care specialists.
"I'm feeling more optimistic about neurologists and neurosurgeons in this town than I ever have. It is still a concern, but a big part of what we're doing is making that problem go away."
For those who need immediate care for a brain or spinal injury after a car accident or other life-threatening emergency, often the only option is helicopter transport to Phoenix, San Diego or Las Vegas, because either no on-call neurological specialist or space is available at a Tucson hospital.
Hundreds of patients are sent out of the Tucson area every year for treatment of nervous system illnesses and injuries, said Greg Angle, chief executive at St. Joseph Hospital. Some rural southern Arizona hospitals are bypassing the Old Pueblo, by sending patients to Phoenix because of Tucson's shortage of neurologists and neurosurgeons.
"We've not done a good job in Tucson in providing this service," Angle said.
That is changing.
• The Center for Neurosciences opened in March at 2450 E. River Road.
The center touts six neurosurgeons, four neurologists and high-tech diagnostic tools to provide more coordinated and convenient outpatient care. Its team, who had practiced in five offices citywide, includes Tucson's only pediatric neurosurgeons and neuro-oncologist.
The effort has attracted two more neurological specialists to Tucson, neurosurgeon Abhay Sanan said.
"We've had to struggle for years for someone to join us," Sanan said.
• The Carondelet Neurological Institute, a collaboration between Carondelet and a medical practice group, Western Neurosurgery, opened 42 beds in May exclusively for neurological patients. The institute is on the fifth floor of St. Joseph Hospital's new Women's Pavilion at 350 N. Wilmot Road.
Intensive-care rooms and three state-of-the-art operating suites will be completed by fall.
The institute will offer the most comprehensive inpatient neurological services, Angle said, and will have neurosurgeons and neurologists on call all day, every day.
"The gem is not the new technology," neurosurgeon Matthew Wilson said. "It's the 24-hour coverage."
• Tucson Medical Center has been designated a Neuroscience Center of Excellence by the health care consulting and assessment company NeuStrategy Inc., which is based in Chicago.
TMC has two neurosciences operating rooms, an eight-bed neurointensive observation unit, a 37-bed neuronursing unit, epilepsy monitoring units for adults and children and a sleep diagnostics lab. The center offers nurses six months of training to understand neurology patients.
Specialist, bed shortages
Nationwide, the pool of neurosurgeons has been shrinking. A study by the American Association of Neurological Surgeons counted 3,050 in 2004, down from 3,100 in 1991 and 3,400 neurosurgeons in 1997. The association does not have more-recent numbers.
An Arizona physician work force study found only 20 neurosurgeons working in Tucson in 2005, the most-recent year for which numbers are available.
Wilson, who started working in Tucson that year, was surprised there were not enough neurosurgeons to cover emergencies at Tucson's hospitals while responding to daily patient needs.
Even now, Wilson said, only one surgeon is available on call many nights to cover Tucson's seven hospitals.
Tucson's neurology specialists, no matter which hospital or practice group they belong to, take turns being on call at Tucson's emergency rooms and most will continue to do so after the Carondelet institute's opening. Both Sanan and fellow neurosurgeon Eric Sipos, director of the institute, said they would eventually like to focus on one or two hospitals, but neither has established a timeline for doing so.
When a blood clot formed in Manuel Moreno's brain in November 2006, the Tucson bishop was sent to Phoenix, not because of a lack of neurosurgeons to treat him but because there were no beds available at the local hospitals where the specialists were working, Sipos said.
It was Moreno's health crisis and subsequent death that galvanized local doctors and specialists to focus on the need for more neurosurgeons and beds for their patients.
Efforts drawing praise
Patients are praising the results.
Leona "Lee" Schnebly, 75, had back surgery June 10 at St. Joseph's Hospital to repair damaged disks causing immense pain and then stayed in one of the new beds at the Carondelet Neurological Institute.
"I've had surgery before, but it's never been this pleasant," she said the day after Wilson removed bone and inserted titanium screws. "I'm amazed and so glad."
Schnebly was impressed by the attentive and caring staff, and she loved her spacious, private recovery room.
Sierra Vista couple Robert Jamison, 49, and wife Lucy, 47, appreciate the convenience that the Center for Neurosciences' centralized care provides.
Three days after Robert Jamison's terminal brain cancer was diagnosed in May 2007, Sanan removed a large tumor at St. Mary's Hospital.
Lucy Jamison said scheduling appointments and medical services her husband needed after his surgery was challenging because the doctors and services were in different offices.
Now, Jamison sees both Sanan and Dr. Michael Badruddoja, Tucson's only neuro-oncologist, and gets the tests he needs at the same place.
Center for Neurosciences' coordination reduces the stress on those facing terminal cancer.
Sipos, director of the Carondelet Neurological Institute, said a new Western Neurosurgery building under construction near the institute will also provide outpatient services.
Tucson lures more doctors
The developments here are making Tucson more attractive to neurological specialists.
Dr. Dave Teeple, an epilepsy specialist from the Barrows Institute in Phoenix, is one of the specialists joining the Center for Neurosciences. The other is a neurosurgeon from the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix.
Teeple, a neurologist who grew up in Tucson, said he will be on call at St. Mary's Hospital and TMC and will be in charge of running an adult epileptic monitoring center at the latter.
"There is a need for epilepsy specialists down there," he said last week from Phoenix. "There is a monthslong waiting list to see an epileptologist."
Teeple will start in mid-July.
Carondelet Neurological Institute is also recruiting.
"We're seeing improvement as the word about what we are doing has gotten out there," Sipos said. "We're seeing some very strong applicants. As we have neared completion, the interest is escalating."
Sipos hopes to hire stroke and spinal care specialists.
"I'm feeling more optimistic about neurologists and neurosurgeons in this town than I ever have. It is still a concern, but a big part of what we're doing is making that problem go away."
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sun Health Research Institute garners award
[Source: Daily News-Sun] - The Arizona Chapter of the National Parkinson Foundation will present the Sun Health Research Institute with the 2008 Shelley Anderson Research Scholarship Award on Tuesday.
The presentation will be at 10:30 a.m at the Sun Health Research Institute, Bldg B Auditorium, 10515 W. Santa Fe Drive, Sun City
The $24,950 award will help fund research seeking to identify Parkinson's disease diagnostic markers in biofluids, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
More than 50 people are expected to attend the award presentation and stay for a free monthly tour of the research institute, an event held on the first Tuesday of the month.
The presentation will be at 10:30 a.m at the Sun Health Research Institute, Bldg B Auditorium, 10515 W. Santa Fe Drive, Sun City
The $24,950 award will help fund research seeking to identify Parkinson's disease diagnostic markers in biofluids, including blood and cerebrospinal fluid.
More than 50 people are expected to attend the award presentation and stay for a free monthly tour of the research institute, an event held on the first Tuesday of the month.
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