Ignite Magazine (Summer 2024)
Slowing the progress of Parkinson’s Disease
How NEOMED researchers, faculty members and students are working to slow or stop the progression of Parkinson’s.
Vol 25.1 | SUMMER 2024
Ignite Magazine
A search for solutions
by John T. Langell, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.
President, Northeast Ohio Medical University
Each year, nearly 90,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease.
For physicians, Parkinson’s disease is a conundrum. They can make recommendations and write prescriptions to help manage symptoms but cannot cure the disease.
For patients and families, Parkinson’s disease is, as Michael J. Fox says, “the gift that keeps on taking.”
For scientists, Parkinson’s disease is a puzzle to be solved.
In this issue of Ignite, you will read how NEOMED researchers, led by Sheila Fleming, Ph.D., are working diligently to find solutions to slow or stop the progression of the disease through exercise. Dr. Fleming is investigating the effects of exercise on the brain and the proliferation of the alpha-synuclein proteins that appear in Parkinson’s disease.
Her work hits close to home. You’ll also find in this issue the story of my wife, Sara Whittingham, M.D. She is an anesthesiologist, triathlete and U.S. Air Force veteran. Sara was diagnosed a few years ago with Parkinson’s disease.
Hopefully one day we’ll have a cure. In the meantime, we’ll rely on the work of scientists like Dr. Fleming to help slow or stop the progression of the disease.
Sincerely,
John T. Langell
President
Feature
Slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease
In a Department of Defense-funded study, NEOMED researchers investigate the impact of exercise on Parkinson’s pathology and cognitive dysfunction.
Racing to slow down Parkinson’s disease
Triathlete Sara Whittingham, M.D., uses high profile races to raise awareness and funds for research and to advocate for fellow veterans.
NEOMED M.D. students train for ultramarathon to raise $50K in support of University’s Parkinson’s disease research
Feature
The greatest sort of public service
Remembering Robert Liebelt, M.D., inaugural dean of the College of Medicine.
Whale watching
Student group finds advocacy is a SNaHP
The Students for a National Health Program student organization advocates for the 26 million uninsured and for working Americans who carry medical debt.
Read more
Donor spotlight
Giving with impact
Ian Oppenheim and Marta Williger wanted their gift to positively impact many students each year, so they endowed the Journal of Medical Sciences at NEOMED.
Once upon a podcast
Aidan Wade found a passion for neuroscience from an unexpected source.
More
- Class notes
- Download the summer 2024 issue
- Read the summer 2023 issue
- Archive: Spring 2022 issue | Fall 2022
- Archive: 2021-22 issues of Ignite in Issuu
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