"Dive into the intricacies of Parkinson's Disease research with Science Friday's latest discussion featuring neuroscience PhD student Senegal Alfred Mabry and hosts Charles Bergquist, Ira Flatow, and Kai Wright. In a fascinating exposition of the heart-brain connection, Mabry delves into his innovative use of functional MRI to study interoception in Parkinson's patients. Learn how his findings could potentially revolutionize the way we approach motor skills improvement and examine the systemic effects of the disease, such as orthostatic hypotension, that stretch beyond traditional motor symptoms.
Senegal Alfred Mabry further enlightens listeners about the hurdles faced by marginalized communities in obtaining timely Parkinson's Disease diagnosis and care. Shedding light on the scarcity of essential diagnostic tools and the need for increased dialogue on neurodegenerative health, Mabry describes his mission to use research as a means of advocacy. His story of an encounter with an elderly woman exemplifies the struggles for recognition and treatment within these communities, while also acknowledging advancements like Dr. David Goldstein's research on early biomarkers, which offer a glimmer of hope for improving the lives of those affected by Parkinson's."
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Senegal Alfred Mabry, a third-year PhD student in neuroscience, is making strides in understanding Parkinson's Disease by researching the heart-brain connection in patients. His work utilizes functional MRI to study interoception, the ability to sense internal bodily sensations like the heartbeat, which can be disrupted in Parkinson's disease. Insights from this research may influence exercise interventions to improve motor skills and gait function. Mabry's study goes beyond typical motor symptoms and investigates systemic impacts of Parkinson's such as orthostatic hypotension. By exploring the role of neurochemical alterations, particularly involving dopamine, Mabry aims to enrich our understanding of the disease's cognitive and motor symptoms.
Senegal Alfred Mabry, an award-winning Black scientist, highlights significant barriers to diagnosis and care for Parkinson's Disease affecting marginalized communities. He identifies a lack of diagnostic resources, such as MRI and PET scans, and stresses the importance of open conversations around neurodegenerative health within these communities. Through his research and personal encounters, such as with an elderly Black woman showing Parkinson's signs, Mabry seeks to advocate for educational efforts and honor the resilience within marginalized groups. He also recognizes the work of Dr. David Goldstein in developing early biomarkers for Parkinson's, which could be key in early detection and improving patient outcomes.
1-Page Summary
The article discusses the research efforts by Senegal Alfred Mabry focusing on Parkinson's Disease, including the connection between the heart and the brain and potential interventions to improve motor symptoms for patients.
Senegal Alfred Mabry, a third-year PhD student in neuroscience, is intensively researching the heart-brain axis' role in Parkinson's disease. Mabry's study delves into the less visible aspects of Parkinson’s, such as a patient’s capability to sense their heartbeat, an ability known as interoception. Mabry employs functional MRI to monitor how different regions in the brain connect and change during interoceptive tasks, shedding light on the internal perceptions disrupted by Parkinson's beyond the typical tremors and motor dysfunctions.
Although not explicitly stated in the information provided, tackling motor and gait issues is a critical aspect of Parkinson's research. Mabry's work on understanding interoception may have implications for interventions, potentially including community collaboration on exercise regimens aimed at enhancing motor skills and walking stability for those with Parkinson's.
This groundbreaking investigation ties together both neurodegenerative and cardiac elements of Parkinson’s, enhancing our comprehension of the disease. Dr. David Goldstein from the NIH further supports the connection between heart and brain in P ...
Better Understanding Parkinson's Disease Progression and Symptoms
Senegal Alfred Mabry, recognized with an award for rising Black scientists, sheds light on the challenges faced by historically marginalized communities in accessing care for Parkinson’s disease and emphasizes the importance of developing early diagnostic markers.
Mabry draws attention to the inadequate access to essential diagnostic tests for Parkinson’s disease, like MRI and PET scans, for marginalized communities, particularly noting this issue in upstate New York. He stresses the need for more open conversations about neurodegenerative health, especially in the context of the Black community in the United States. Such discourse is crucial for understanding and addressing the barriers these communities face in obtaining appropriate care.
While conducting research under Dr. Elizabeth Riley's large Alzheimer's disease study, which included a diverse group of participants, Mabry encountered an elderly Black woman from Syracuse who exhibited symptoms of Parkinson's disease and performed poorly on cognitive tests. However, these observations contrasted with her resilient and sociable demeanor. This pivotal experience heightened Mabry's resolve to bring psychological research insights to recognize and honor the resilience of individuals within ...
Barriers to Parkinson's Diagnosis and Care
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