Projects
Technology-assisted writing training in Parkinson's Technology-assisted writing training in Parkinson's KU Leuven
The basal ganglia play an important role in motor learning, especially during the consolidation phase. This raises the question whether it is possible to sustain learning increments in a neurodegenerative condition such as Parkinsons disease (PD). The aim of this study is to gain knowledge on whether it is possible to relearn skills which are actually affected by PD, such as writing, and determine whether neuroplasticity is possible. In this ...
Do cognitive problems underlie motor deficits in Parkinson's Disease? Ghent University
ParkinsonU+2019s disease (PD) is characterized by motor symptoms such as tremor (for example, involuntarily shaking of a patientU+2019s leg) and postural instability. In addition, PD patients have difficulty learning new movement patterns. In this project, we will examine whether these motor problems may relate to problems in cognitive functioning. We will also study the role of medication in this relationship.
The effects of Closed-Loop Auditory Stimulation during Sleep on sleep quality and motor learning in Parkinson’s disease KU Leuven
Sleep facilitates motor learning and is critical for our health. People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) suffer from sleep problems that severely affect their wellbeing. Poor sleep also impairs motor learning, which hampers rehabilitation effects. We thus want to test whether closed-loop auditory stimulation can improve sleep while at the same time facilitate motor learning in PD. If proven effective, two main problems are addressed with an ...
Spinal Cord Stimulation for Freezing of Gait in Parkinson's Disease KU Leuven
Our project aims to define the outcome, safety, optimal stimulation paradigm and underlyingmechanism of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) on Freezing of Gait (FOG), one of the mostdisabling Parkinson's Disease symptoms that is often poorly responsive to current therapies. We will not only assess the effect of SCS on FOG in a randomized double-blind on/off crossover design but also acquire electrophysiological data directly from the brain and ...
A profound study of gut homeostasis in Parkinson's disease. Ghent University
ParkinsonU+2019s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and due to the
lack of early diagnosis and effective therapy, represents a large burden for our society and
healthcare system. The last years, it became increasingly apparent that non-motor symptoms,
including gastrointestinal dysfunction, precede the onset of the typical PD motor symptoms by
over two decades. Moreover, emerging ...
Customized nutrition for Parkinson's disease patients KU Leuven
Parkinson's disease is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by both motor and non-motor deficits. It's cause has not yet been elucidated and no treatment has yet been discovered. The current therapies predominantly relieve motor symptoms. The non-motor deficits include sensory symptoms such as the loss of taste and smell, but also various gastro-intestinal symptoms, including dysphagia, nausea and bloating. In ...
Analysis of the role of the Parkinson's disease-linked protein DJ-1 in mitophagy KU Leuven
Parkinson’s disease is a very common brain disease characterized by slowness of movement, tremor, falls, dementia and many other problems. There is still no therapy that slows down its relentless progression. In Parkinson’s disease dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain gradually die. Why these cells die, is not well understood. In some familial cases Parkinson’s disease is caused by genetic mutations. Rare mutations in the genes for ...
Pathogenic mechanisms of GCH1-associated Parkinson's disease KU Leuven
Parkinson’s disease is a common brain disease characterized by slowness of movement, tremor, falls, dementia and many other problems. There is still no therapy that slows down its relentless progression. In Parkinson’s disease dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain gradually become sick and eventually die. Why these cells die, is not well understood. In rare familial cases Parkinson’s disease is caused by genetic mutations. Recently, it ...
Insight in the molecular consequenses of LRRK2 kinase inhibition, a kinase involved in Parkinson's disease. KU Leuven
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, after Alzheimer’s disease, and the most common movement disorder. Worldwide, 7 to 10 million people suffer from Parkinson’s disease. It is estimated that this number will only increase due to the general ageing of the population, as the disease primarily affects people older than the age of 60. Current therapies fail to cure, halt or slow down disease progression, ...