Presentation

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