Researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center have reached a new milestone in their efforts to harness the immune system to slow or halt the progression of Parkinson’s disease.
In an early clinical trial in humans, the researchers used an existing drug to shift a population of white blood cells from a destructive mode to a protective state that can help defend against brain injury.
While the drug is sometimes used in patients receiving chemotherapy, it has not been used previously in Parkinson’s.
Not only did the researchers document the shift through blood tests, molecular studies and brain imaging, but they also saw preliminary evidence of improved motor skills in several patients who received the treatment, including a reduction in the disease’s characteristic tremors and improvements in tasks such as buttoning a shirt.
Currently, drugs and other treatments can be used to fight symptoms, but the effects generally give way to the disease in the long run.
The results of the trial indicate that researchers, for the first time, may be able to go beyond treating symptoms to slowing or halting the disease itself.
Hosted by: Bellevue Medical Center
Nebraska Medicine Continuing Education
When: November 15, 2019
Where: Live Presentation at Bellevue 2500 Bellevue Medical Center Dr.
Time: 0800-1000
Topics:
Target Audience: Physicians, Nurses, and other healthcare professionals caring for
stroke patients
Registration:
Nebraska Medicine Employees: Will Register in Apollo – TBD Not in Apollo yet
All others sign in at time of class and scan sign-in to jsiebels@nebraskamed.com
2.0 Contact Hours Awarded
Nebraska Medicine is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Midwest Multistate Division, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
You must be able to attend the entire educational activity to receive contact hours. No partial credit will be awarded.
Remote Locations:
Bellevue: Board Room CUMC Bergan - Cancer Center Four Seasons NMC: MSC 2018 Immanuel: Cancer Center Conf Room 1 Midlands: Ogram Suite Lakeside: Siemens Theater
Jennie Ed: Bluffs Room Mercy: Board Room Methodist: Cornhusker Room
Women's: Picotte Room
Click Here for Event Flier for Download: BMC Nov 2019 Stroke Collaborative Flyer