Why Parkinson's Drug Fails Some Patients, New Technology Reveals Shocking Reason
By mapping patients' brain signals before and after taking the drug, they discovered that it sometimes activates the wrong brain regions, dampening its helpful effects.
This breakthrough could pave the way for personalised treatment strategies, ensuring patients receive medications that target the right areas of their brain more effectively.
The new study by the Simon Fraser University (SFU) researchers, published in the journal Movement Disorders, looks at why levodopa - the main drug used in dopamine replacement therapy - is sometimes less effective in patients.
The drug is typically prescribed to help reduce the movement symptoms associated with the neurodegenerative disorder.
While it is effective in improving symptoms for the vast majority of patients, not everyone experiences the same level of benefit.
In order to find out why this is the case, an SFU collaboration with researchers in Sweden has used magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology to determine how the drug affects signals in the brain.
"Parkinson's is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide and it is the most rapidly increasing, in terms of incidence," says Alex Wiesman, assistant professor in biomedical physiology and kinesiology at SFU.
"Treating this disease, both in terms of helping people with their symptoms, but also trying to find ways to reverse the effects, is becoming more and more important. If clinicians can see how levodopa activates certain parts of the brain in a patient, it can help to inform a more personalised approach to treatment," added Wiesman.
The study was a collaboration with researchers at Karolinska Institute in Sweden, who used MEG to collect data from 17 patients with Parkinson's disease - a relatively small sample size.
Researchers mapped participants' brain signals before and after taking the drug, in order to see how and where the drug impacted brain activity.
MEG is an advanced non-invasive technology that measures the magnetic fields produced by the brain's electrical signals.
It can help clinicians and researchers to study brain disorders and diseases, including brain injuries, tumours, epilepsy, autism, mental illness and more.
Using this rare brain imaging technology, Wiesman and team developed a new analysis that lets them "search" the brain for off-target drug effects.
"With this new way of analysing brain imaging data, we can track in real time whether or not the drug is affecting the right brain regions and helping patients to manage their symptoms," says Wiesman.
"What we found was that there are sometimes 'off-target' effects of the drug. In other words, we could see the drug activating brain regions we don't want to be activating, and that's getting in the way of the helpful effects. We found that those people who showed 'off target' effects are still being helped by the drug, but not to the same extent as others," said Wiesman.
Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, meaning parts of the brain become progressively damaged over time.
It affects predominately the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called the substantia nigra.
People with Parkinson's disease may experience a range of movement-related symptoms, such as tremors, slow movement, stiffness and balance problems.
Wiesman hopes that a better understanding of how levodopa affects an individual's brain signals could improve how drugs are prescribed to treat Parkinson's.
This new type of brain imaging analysis is not only for studying Parkinson's disease; any medications that affect brain signaling can be studied using the method developed by Wiesman and colleagues.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India Today
13 hours ago
- India Today
Brain drain: India battling mass cognitive decline, and no generation is spared
A silent medical crisis is unfolding among Indians—a multi-generational decline in cognitive health. From children to seniors, the pressures of modern life, evolving societal norms and underlying health issues are subtly eroding cognitive India's demographic advantage as a young nation, evidence points to a widespread reduction in brain health that threatens individual wellbeing and, ultimately, national progress. Dr Arun Garg, chairman, neurology and neurosciences, Medanta, Gurugram, sheds more light:advertisementTHE MULTI-GENERATIONAL IMPACTChildren and adolescents: India has nearly 470 million children. While early brain development is paramount at this age, increasing academic pressure and social isolation are taking a considerable toll on young minds. Research indicates that 38 per cent of students struggle with academic anxiety, half of them report declining performance and over 40 per cent experience isolation or sleep disturbances, making insomnia common. The emerging threat of substance abuse and the alarming statistic of 8.7 per cent of students contemplating suicide due to academic stress underscore the urgent need for intervention. Young and middle-aged adults: For adults navigating the demands of work, family and digital connectivity, the 'productivity paradox' often leads to increased fatigue and distraction. Digital overuse frequently results in sleep disorders, memory impairments, anxiety and even structural brain changes, all of this negatively impacting both professional output and personal wellbeing. They fail to register and retain required information, leading to an inability to recall and reproduce at later date and causing memory disturbance and cognitive Cognitive decline is not solely an inevitable consequence of ageing. Lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension, which are now widespread in India silently impair brain health by elevating the risk of strokes, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Conditions such as Parkinson's disease and undiagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) or autism, significantly limit the quality of life, particularly when diagnosis and care are CAUSING IT?Lifestyle elements: Sedentary routines, processed foods, insufficient sleep and chronic stress represent as modern challenges hindering brain vitality. Poor diet and lack of physical activity increase the risk of neurological disorders while daily stress and irregular sleep patterns accelerate cognitive toxins: Urbanisation increases exposure to air pollutants and various chemicals, many of which are linked to neurological and digital influences: The social stigma surrounding mental health, coupled with constant online exposure, fosters anxiety, isolation and diminished attention, particularly among the youth. Practices such as 'doomscrolling' and excessive screen-time subtly undermine focus and heighten emotional awareness: Despite the growing discourse, access to mental health resources remains limited. Only 2 per cent of the struggling youth reportedly seek professional help, reflecting systemic gaps in infrastructure, training and societal understanding. Families and even educational institutions often fail to identify the early signs, thereby delaying crucial support and medical CONSEQUENCESIndividual wellbeing: The personal cost manifests as diminished quality of life, strained relationships and unrealised and societal burden: Over 150 million Indians are estimated to require mental healthcare even as untreated cognitive decline imposes significant burdens on productivity, education, healthcare and overall national TO FIX IT?Through collaborative effort, open dialogue and decisive action, India can strive to build a healthier and more supportive ecosystem for the cognitive wellbeing of its action: Prioritising adequate sleep, regular exercise, nutritious diets and digital detoxification can safeguard brain health at any and community support: Early intervention, fostering open conversations within families, and promoting community awareness are vital steps to break the silence and stigma associated with cognitive health and systemic change: India must strategically invest in school counsellors, facilitate early diagnosis and integrate mental health services nationwide. This commitment will transform discussions into tangible support, ensuring accessibility not just for the privileged but every to India Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
Irregular sleep may raise risk of 172 diseases—including diabetes and kidney failure
For years, health experts have warned that both too little and too much sleep could negatively affect well-being. But new research suggests the problem might not be sleep quantity alone, but how consistently and accurately people sleep. A massive seven-year study, published in Health Data Science on June 3, 2025, tracked nearly 90,000 adults using wearable fitness trackers. The findings show that irregular sleep patterns—not just total sleep time—are strongly linked to an increased risk of 172 diseases, including Parkinson's, kidney failure, and Type 2 diabetes. Many health threats may begin silently, with poor sleep at the root. Irregular sleep is more harmful than you think The study revealed that many individuals who believed they were getting eight or more hours of sleep were actually sleeping much less—sometimes under six hours a night. These 'false long sleepers' skewed earlier research that relied heavily on self-reporting. When researchers compared objective data with self-reports, the supposed dangers of sleeping 'too much' mostly disappeared, pointing instead to irregular and inconsistent sleep as the real culprit behind rising health risks. Disrupted rhythms in sleep linked to chronic conditions Researchers used UK Biobank data and accelerometers to study sleep quality, duration, fragmentation, and timing. Led by Dr. Qing Chen from China's Third Military Medical University, the team found that irregular and fragmented sleep patterns were linked to a broad array of diseases—172 in total. These included: 37% higher risk of Parkinson's disease 36% higher risk of Type 2 diabetes 22% higher risk of acute kidney failure Sleep disruption also tripled the risk of frailty in older adults and doubled the risk of developing gangrene. Over 20% of disease cases could be preventable One of the most striking findings was that optimal, consistent sleep could potentially prevent more than 20% of cases for 92 different diseases. These included not only well-known conditions like heart disease and stroke, but also lesser-known associations such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and liver disorders. Sleep timing and regularity matter more than just hours While the traditional advice of sleeping 7–9 hours a night remains useful, this study emphasized that when you sleep and how consistent your schedule is may be even more important. People with erratic sleep times and inconsistent routines experienced significantly worse health outcomes—even if they logged enough total sleep hours. The researchers also identified biological markers that could explain the disease connection. Elevated levels of white blood cells and C-reactive protein were seen in participants with disrupted sleep—suggesting that chronic inflammation may be a major mechanism by which poor sleep contributes to disease. A wake-up call for healthier sleep habits Although the study is the largest of its kind, it was limited by a one-week data window and a predominantly White, healthy participant base. Yet even with these constraints, the findings held true across US-based NHANES data. The message is clear: irregular sleep can be dangerous, even if you think you're getting enough rest. Maintaining a stable sleep schedule may be a powerful, underappreciated way to protect your long-term health.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Who is Audrey Crews? Paralysed woman writes her name after 20 years using Elon Musk's Neuralink brain chip
Source: X (Audrey Crews) In a groundbreaking medical and technological milestone, Audrey Crews, a woman paralysed for 20 years, has become the first Neuralink patient to publicly demonstrate thought-based computer control. With the help of a brain chip developed by Elon Musk 's Neuralink, Crews successfully moved a digital cursor and signed her name on a computer screen—using nothing but her thoughts. Her achievement, revealed through a viral social media post, not only showcases Neuralink's cutting-edge brain-computer interface (BCI) technology but also offers a glimpse into a future where individuals with paralysis may regain independence in ways previously unimaginable. Audrey Crews' achievement is more than a technological demonstration—it is a symbol of hope for millions living with paralysis. With Neuralink pushing boundaries, we are witnessing the early steps toward a future where physical disability does not limit a person's ability to connect, communicate, and create. Who is Audrey Crews and why is this moment historic Audrey Crews, also known as 'Patient P9' in Neuralink's clinical trial program, had lived with complete paralysis for two decades due to a severe spinal cord injury. Earlier this month, she underwent a brain chip implant procedure at the University of Miami Health Centre. Shortly after surgery, she shared an image on X (formerly Twitter) showing her digitally signed name with the caption: 'I tried writing my name for the first time in 20 years.' Her post quickly went viral and was confirmed by Elon Musk, who wrote: 'She is controlling the computer entirely by thought.' This demonstration represents a pivotal moment in medical neurotechnology, similar in significance to the first use of prosthetic limbs or cochlear implants. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 11 Harry Potter Actors Who Grew Up Stunningly. The Noodle Box Read More Undo What is Neuralink and how does it work Founded in 2016 by Elon Musk, Neuralink is developing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs)—devices designed to establish a direct communication link between the human brain and external machines. Neuralink's three product goals: Telepathy – A BCI enabling individuals with physical disabilities to control computers and devices through neural signals. Blindsight – A vision restoration system bypassing damaged optic nerves by stimulating the brain's visual cortex. Deep – A neuromodulation platform aimed at managing conditions such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. By decoding brain signals and transmitting them wirelessly, these interfaces can allow paralyzed individuals to type, move robotic arms, operate wheelchairs, and potentially regain mobility. Neuralink has now implanted its device in at least five human participants, each showing the ability to control external systems purely through thought. How does the Neuralink brain chip function The Neuralink chip consists of ultra-thin electrode threads surgically implanted into specific regions of the brain responsible for motor control. Signal collection: The electrodes pick up electrical activity generated by neurons during movement intention. AI decoding: Advanced machine learning algorithms decode these neural signals in real time, identifying the user's intended action. Wireless transmission: The interpreted data is transmitted to a computer, where it translates into specific commands like moving a cursor, typing, or even controlling robotic limbs. In Audrey's case, this technology allowed her to move a digital cursor and write her signature—tasks she had been unable to perform for 20 years. Why is this a breakthrough for people with paralysis For individuals living with paralysis, everyday tasks such as writing, typing, or even using a smartphone become impossible without assistance. Neuralink's brain chip offers hope by bypassing damaged spinal cord pathways and directly linking thoughts to actions. Independence: Users can communicate, work, and interact with digital systems without physical movement. Rehabilitation potential: With future iterations, patients might control wheelchairs, exoskeletons, or prosthetic limbs. Medical insights: The data collected could deepen our understanding of neurological disorders and pave the way for targeted therapies. What's next for Neuralink The company is still in its early clinical trial phase, focusing on ensuring safety, reliability, and accuracy of its implants. The roadmap includes expanding to more patients and exploring applications beyond paralysis, such as restoring vision and treating neurological diseases. Elon Musk has emphasized that Neuralink aims to make brain-computer interfaces as common as LASIK eye surgery within the next decade. If successful, the implications for healthcare, human-machine interaction, and even general computing could be revolutionary. Also Read | Watch | Hawaii resident captures rare Tsunami siren after massive Russia earthquake: 'Never heard this in 11 years'
