Neuroscience

While it forms the very essence of human life, brain function remains far from being fully understood. Bench research and clinical trials — critical to unlocking and expanding knowledge of the structure and function of the central nervous system (CNS) on all levels — are vital to identifying new approaches to debilitating and life-threatening neurological diseases that affect millions.

• More than 1.5 million people in the US have Parkinson’s disease.
• An estimated 4.5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease.
• Approximately 400,000 people suffer from multiple sclerosis.
• Epilepsy and seizures affect 2.5 million Americans of all ages.
• Roughly 8,500 new cases of brain and CNS tumors are diagnosed each year.
• Nearly 500,000 people live with spinal cord injury.
• Between 1.4 and 2 million people sustain head injuries every year and nearly 90,000 suffer lifelong disabilities from these injuries.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (often called Lou Gehrig disease) is a relatively rare, but devastating condition of uncertain causes and currently without any treatment.

Source: American Association of Neurological Surgeons, American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Alzheimer’s Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Institutes of Health

NYU Winthrop Hospital investigators are conducting breakthrough bench studies and clinical trials to shed light on a wide range of neurological disorders, including: multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), lethal brain tumors, seizures and migraines. The research program ALS is particularly focused on making fundamental discoveries in the cause of this in order to make breakthroughs in the disease.

WUH Researchers’ Study:

• Effects of neurodegenerative disorders such as parkinsons disease, Lou Gehrigs (ALS) and multiple sclerosis.
• The mechanisms that cause neuron death in major neurodegenerative disorders.
• The products of the reaction of hypochlorous acid and dopamine (e.g. chlorodopamine) are specifically toxic to dopaminergic neurons and may be the proximal cause of parkinsonism in Alzheimer’s disease
• Effects of phototherapy in Neurological Diseases.
• The effects of exposure to infectious agents or other stresses during pregnancy and how they may contribute to the development of autism and schizophrenia in the baby at a later timepoint.
• The role of cholesterol metabolism in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease
• Effects of Diabetes on the central nervous system