Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
Allal Boutajangout
New York University Langone Medical Center, USA
Keynote: Passive immunization with novel monoclonal anti-PrP antibody TW1 in an Alzheimer’s mouse model
Time : 09.30-10:20
Biography:
Allal Boutajangout obtained a PhD in Neuropathology from Free University of Brussels (ULB-Erasme Hospital), School of Medicine. He has completed his Postdoctoral training at New York University School of Medicine. He is a Research Associate Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience and Physiology. He is also the Chief of the Laboratory of Neurodegeneration and Drug Discovery Program within Center for Cognitive Neurology at NYU. He has received prestigious award Margaret M Cahn for his outstanding research in the field of Alzheimer’s and other awards from: Alzheimer association, NIH pilot grant, Toyama Company, Revalesio Company and co-investigator in several RO1 NIH grants. He has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals and serves as a reviewer for many scientific journals.
Abstract:
Keynote Forum
Yuri P Danilov
University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
Keynote: Translingual Neurostimulation (TLNS): A novel approach to neurorehabilitation
Biography:
Yuri Danilov is a system neuroscientist with over 35 years’ experience in research on brain functions and the special senses. He is the lead discoverer of the balance retention effect, lead development of the specific training regimens, and continues to identify potential clinical and non-clinical application of neuromodulation and sensory substitution technology. He received the M.S. degree in biophysics and the Ph.D. degree in neuroscience, in 1984, from the Pavlov Institute of Physiology, USSR Academy of Science. He is a co-inventor the CN-NINM technology and his interest areas are neuroplasticity, neurorehabilitation, enhancement of human performance.
Abstract:
Cranial nerve non-invasive neuromodulation (CN-NINM) is new technology, that represents a synthesis of a new non-invasive brain stimulation technique with applications in physical medicine, cognitive, and affective neurosciences. CN-NINM is a method of intervention that combines Translingual Neurostimulation (TLNS), using the Portable neurostimulation Stimulator (PoNS™) device, and targeted training designed for movement control rehabilitation. Our new stimulation method appears promising for the treatment of a full spectrum of movement disorders, and for both attention and memory dysfunction associated with traumatic brain injury. The integrated CN-NINM therapy proposed here aims to restore function beyond traditionally expected limits by employing both newly developed therapeutic mechanisms for progressive physical and cognitive training - while simultaneously applying brain stimulation through a portable neurostimulation device PoNS™. Based on our previous research and recent pilot data, we believe a rigorous in-clinic CN-NINM training program, followed by regular at-home exercises that will also be performed with CN-NINM, will simultaneously enhance, accelerate, and extend recovery from multiple impairments (e.g. movement, vision, speech, memory, attention, and mood), based on divergent, but deeply interconnected neurophysiological mechanisms of neuroplasticity.
Keynote Forum
Khin Bo
Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust, UK
Keynote: Multiple Sclerosis, Corpus Callosum & Bediside Test
Biography:
Khin Bo is involved in NeuroRehabilitation over 20 years. He is also a Lecturer (Hon) in Hull and York Medical School teaching 4th Year Medical Students in CNS and Musculoskeletal Blocks. He is doing Botulinum Toxin injection in Spasticity, Dystonia and Involuntary Movement disorders over 15 years and done Poster presentations and Oral Presentations in International Neuro Rehabilitation Conferences. He is also involved in using Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) over 10 years and presented regularly in International FES Conferences. He is working on developing Hypertonic Hand Monitoring Scale.
Abstract:
Demyelination affects highly myelinated structures like Corpus Callosum (CC). CC is unique in function that it connects right and left hemisphere. It synchronises bimanual or bipedal activities. Affecting CC can disturb synchrony between the two hemispheres will affect bimanual and bipedal tasks. The aim is to see if speed of clapping (bimanual activity) can reflect the involvement of CC in Multiple Sclerosis. Consecutive 70 Multiple Sclerosis patients from Outpatient clinics and Home visits were tests for bimanual hand function (clapping) .Exclusion criteria are upper limb power <3/5 MRC scale, Pain, Visual impairment, Intentional tremors, Stroke or Cognitive impairment. Study period started from 01 09 2016. Comparison of speed between rapid supination/pronation of left and right hand separately and then clapping of both hands( supination/pronation of each hands alternatively). Patients had to do as fast as they could. Noticeable slowing of clapping comparing to single hand supination/pronation was taken as a sign slowing down of conduction through CC. 31 patients were excluded, 34 patients showed no noticeable difference, 2 patients were difficult to make conclusions and 3 patients showed definite slowing down in clapping. Positive patients will have difficulties in doing bimanual activities like using two sticks for mobility, typing using keyboard, pushing wheel chair bimanually etc. etc.. It is possible to detect CC involvement by doing above bedside test and can be used in Rehabilitation Setting. Sample size is not large enough and larger studies need to follow to validate the finding.
Keynote Forum
Evelyn M Garcia
Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, USA
Keynote: System based practice requires a holistic approach: From the heart to the brain
Biography:
Evelyn M. Garcia is the Chairman and Medical Director of Carilion Clinic Radiology and Chairman and Assistant Professor of Radiology of Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. She is a member of the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria Abdomen 2 Panel with fellowship training in Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging and additional Board Certification in Cardiovascular Computed Tomographic Angiography. She serves as a member of the board of the Virginia Chapter of the American College of Radiology, is an elected member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, serves on multiple boards and committees for Carilion Clinic and serves as the Radiologist for the multi-disciplinary structural heart valve team.