L'Homme Cérébral:
Presentation
Neuro-technologies: science fiction or reality?
What if the significant advances for the treatment of brain diseases came not only from chemistry
through new molecules, but also from new technologies that make it possible to directly modulate
the activity of neurons. This is the case for Parkinson’s disease through what is called “deep brain
stimulation”. Electrodes are introduced into a specific region of the brain, a few cubic millimeters,
and oh miracle! The tremors characteristic of the disease disappears. This neuro-technological
approach has improved the quality of life of tens of thousands of Parkinson’s patients for whom
pharmacological treatment was no longer having the desired effect. This approach has been
successfully extended to other conditions including obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD. Combined
electrical and chemical stimulation approaches have recently been used to restore motor skills in
patients with spinal cord injuries. Neuro-technological applications are at the experimental stage
for Alzheimer’s disease but leads exist: exposure to infrared light or auditory stimulation at specific
wavelengths, magnetic wave stimulation, are all approaches under exploration, also if it is still too
early to consider them for clinical application. However, it is clear that neuro-technologies are there
to provide alternatives and complements to pharmacological therapies.
The Foundation for the Study of the Central and Peripheral Nervous System (FESN), with the
support of Magnoglia, has the pleasure and privilege to present to the public an exceptional panel
of leading brain specialists who will discuss the latest advances and the application of new
technologies for the treatment of brain diseases. A lively debate where it will also be possible for
the public to ask questions to the experts.
Prof. Pierre Magistretti