Andreas Horn interviews experts in the field of deep brain stimulation, noninvasive neuromodulation, functional brain imaging and neuroanatomy.
Join us on our q...
#68: Todd Herrington – The Future of Neuromodulation: Insights from the ADAPT PD Trial and Beyond
In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Todd Herrington, a leading neurologist and director of the Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) program at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Herrington specializes in movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, tremor, and dystonia, and his research focuses on the motor, cognitive, and psychiatric effects of DBS, leveraging intraoperative and noninvasive neurophysiology and neuroimaging to advance neuromodulation therapies.Today, we’ll explore his key role in the ADAPT PD trial, a groundbreaking multicenter study evaluating the safety and efficacy of adaptive DBS for Parkinson’s disease. This trial, led by Dr. Helen Brontë-Stewart at Stanford, introduced a neurostimulator capable of sensing local field potentials and dynamically adjusting stimulation in real time based on a patient’s brain activity. We’ll discuss how this technology represents a shift toward personalized DBS therapy and what it means for the future of neuromodulation.In the second part of our conversation, we’ll delve into broader topics, including the mechanism of action of DBS, novel neuromodulation approaches, and the potential role of stem cell therapy in movement disorders. Dr. Herrington shares his expert insights on how these advancements shape both our scientific understanding and the clinical application of DBS. From improving motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease to pioneering adaptive neurostimulation, his work is at the forefront of innovation in the field.
--------
1:41:05
#67: Jonathan Downar – TMS for Depression: Towards a One-Day protocol
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Jonathan Downar, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist based in Toronto, renowned for his pioneering research in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression. You may recognize him from his landmark work on the Three-D Trial, which helped establish intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) as a rapid and effective alternative to standard repetitive TMS.Recently, Jonathan has been pushing the boundaries of TMS with accelerated treatment protocols, including the One-D Study, which tested the feasibility of delivering an entire TMS course in a single day.In our conversation, we explore his scientific journey, the future of brain stimulation, and his bold approach to innovation—what he calls “TMS in SpaceX mode.” We also discuss the vision for achieving a billion depression patient remissions in our lifetime.Tune in for an inspiring and insightful discussion with one of the leaders in neuromodulation research.
--------
1:25:10
#66: Roxanne Lofredi – Striatal recordings and the stopping triangle: How DBS advances our clinical and neuroscientific knowledge
In this episode, we have a privilege to talk with Dr. Roxanne Lofredi, a prominent researcher investigating movement disorders and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Dr. Lofredi is based at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and is widely recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to understanding how basal ganglia networks drive motor symptoms in conditions such as dystonia and Parkinson’s disease.
Today, we’ll explore two fascinating studies led by Dr. Lofredi. The first focuses on how subthalamic nucleus stimulation impairs stopping of ongoing movements in Parkinson’s disease. This work, published in Brain, was inspired by a foundational basic science study from Aron and Poldrack (2006), which first implicated the subthalamic nucleus as a critical node for motor inhibition within the hyperdirect pathway of the basal ganglia. We’ll discuss how these findings translated to her DBS study and how they may impact DBS therapy.
The second part of our conversation will cover her recent publication in Nature Communications, where Dr. Lofredi and her team demonstrate a clear link between striato-pallidal oscillatory connectivity and symptom severity in dystonia. This work highlights the pathophysiological role of the direct pathway within the basal ganglia and opens up new possibilities for targeted therapeutic approaches.
In conclusion, Dr. Lofredi shares key insights from her research, bridging the gap between basic neuroscience and clinical application. From understanding motor inhibition in Parkinson's disease to exploring striato-pallidal connectivity in dystonia, her work advances our knowledge and paves the way for more effective DBS therapies.
--------
1:26:54
#65: Jim McNasby - Transforming Lives with DBS and Advocacy in Parkinson's Disease
In this episode of Stimulating Brains, we're thrilled to have Jim McNasby join us. Jim is a deep brain stimulation (DBS) patient and the Chief Counsel at the Michael J. Fox Foundation. Jim has an inspiring story, not just as a DBS patient but also as a legal professional working at the forefront of Parkinson’s research advocacy. We’ll dive into his personal experience with DBS—how it has shaped his life since his diagnosis in 2000 and his surgery in 2019—and explore his crucial role at the Michael J. Fox Foundation, where he helps drive forward their mission to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
I had the pleasure of hearing Jim speak at the Neuromodec Conference, where he shared a powerful story of how DBS transformed his life, even showing a video that vividly captured its positive effects. We’ll talk about that, his DBS wishlist, and the work he’s doing to advocate for patients and drive research.
In this episode, we explore his personal experiences, the impact of DBS, and his role in advancing Parkinson's research and advocacy at the foundation. Jim also reflects on the transformative moment when his DBS was first activated and discusses his vision for the future of patient care and innovation in the field.
--------
1:15:08
#64: Balint Varkuti – Making Use of Side-Effects: Redefining Brain Computer Interfaces with Ceregate
Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Bálint Várkuti, a distinguished expert in the field of neuromodulation. Dr. Várkuti is the founder and CEO of CereGate, a pioneering company developing brain-computer interface technologies—referred to as computer-brain interface technologies—that aim to enhance neuromodulation therapies.
Before founding CereGate, Dr. Várkuti made significant contributions to image-guided DBS programming solutions at Brainlab. With over a decade of experience in neurotechnology and the medical device industry, his work focuses on designing innovative interfaces between technology and the human brain to improve patient outcomes.
For those familiar with DBS, you’ll understand the nuances here: when stimulation of the super-dynamic nucleus in DBS is set too high, patients often experience a tingling or irritating sensation due to overstimulation of sensory fibers. Typically, this side effect is avoided. However, Dr. Várkuti had a groundbreaking insight: This sensation represented a channel of information with the brain – and one could make use of it!
In a nutshell, CereGate leverages these overlooked pathways, using them in a patterned and complex way to transmit information that the brain can decode. This approach opens up new possibilities for interfacing with the brain, which we find truly fascinating: This concept that CereGate is exploring might just be the start of a much larger field of innovation.
Andreas Horn interviews experts in the field of deep brain stimulation, noninvasive neuromodulation, functional brain imaging and neuroanatomy.
Join us on our quest to interact with the human brain and thank you for your interest in science!
Andreas Horn, M.D., Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and associate professor for neurology at Harvard Medical School.
Österreich