April 29, 2021 - Focus Feature: Focused Ultrasound and Parkinson's Disease

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April 29, 2021
 
Focus Feature: Focused Ultrasound and Parkinson's Disease
 
 
Focused Ultrasound and Parkinson's Disease  

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative brain disease that progressively leads to motor dysfunction and cognitive decline. It affects more than 10 million people worldwide.

Focused ultrasound has international and FDA approval to treat tremor-dominant PD and is being assessed to treat Parkinson’s dyskinesia, which is characterized by uncontrolled, involuntary movements of the face, arms, legs, or trunk. Focused ultrasound–induced blood-brain barrier opening and subsequent delivery of therapeutics may also have the potential to curb, or even reverse, the progression of the underlying disease.

As Parkinson's Awareness Month comes to a close, we are sharing important progress that has been made in the field, bringing hope to countless patients worldwide. 
 
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From Staccato Back to Legato: Violin Enthusiast with Parkinson’s Regains Hand Control with Focused Ultrasound  

After first noticing symptoms in 2017, Rich Nagy underwent focused ultrasound therapy for Parkinson's disease in 2020. He has since been able to resume his hobbies, including playing the violin and boxing.

READ HIS STORY >		 Rich Nagy violin cropped2
Reimbursement for Parkinson's Disease

In the US, 20.7 million Medicare beneficiaries have access to focused ultrasound–based treatment of tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease. The procedure is also reimbursed in five other countries.

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Meet the Experts

The field of focused ultrasound for Parkinson's disease is expanding rapidly as researchers widen the scope of possibilities, clinicians treat more patients, and sites launch clinical trials. Meet some of those leading the field.   

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Smith Foundation Fund Established for Focused Ultrasound Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders

The Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Foundation Fund for Focused Ultrasound Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders will support research for disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, ALS, and Huntington’s.

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Join the Parkinson's Twitter Chat

Today, April 29, at 12:30pm Eastern, the Foundation will host a live Twitter chat discussing focused ultrasound for Parkinson's disease. Follow along at @FUSFoundation and participate using #ParkinsonsChat.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION >
Fireside Chat with the Experts about Focused Ultrasound for Parkinson’s Disease

Foundation Chairman Neal F. Kassell, MD, recently sat down virtually with two leading clinicians to discuss focused ultrasound's role in treating – and perhaps reversing – the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

WATCH NOW >
Resources, Tips, and Tools for Patients

Visit the links below to learn more about Parkinson's disease, focused ultrasound treatment, and where to find a clinical trial near you.

Resources from the Foundation Webinars Resources from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research Other Resources