The Ken & Ruth Davee Department of Neurology at Northwestern University

Phyllis C. Zee, MD, PhD has been appointed as the new Research Advisory Committee (RAC) Chair for the American Brain Foundation. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Zee for this outstanding accomplishment!

Northwestern Medicine is now able to offer comprehensive multidisciplinary care closer to home; leveraging the expertise of the team members throughout the area. Read more in the link below:

https://bit.ly/3vOy1Me

Northwestern Medicine now offering brain tumor surgery at McHenry hospital Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital now offers pituitary tumor resection surgery - going through the nose and nasal cavity to remove pituitary tumors.

Senda Ajroud-Driss, MD was named one of the Tunisian Women in Tech for 2023 🎉 Congratulations, Dr. Driss! https://bit.ly/494oizE

Phyllis Zee, MD, PhD, is the director of the Center for Circadian and Sleep Medicine, chief of Sleep Medicine in the Department of Neurology and the Benjamin and Virginia T. Boshes Professor of Neurology. Dr. Zee is a leader in the field of sleep and circadian disorders, with hundreds of publications spanning basic science investigation into circadian rhythms to clinical research examining the relationship between sleep and cardiovascular outcomes. Read more about her here: https://breakthroughsforphysicians.nm.org/neurosciences-news-article-women-in-neuro.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=reputation_neuro_september_2023&utm_id=neuro&utm_content=neuro&aimlink=8107088ae69e7a9abdc18f266c01276d&aimtoken=NTk4ODU0NC01OWI4ZWYwYQ

Women Leaders and Innovators in Neurosciences In honor of Women in Medicine Month, Northwestern Medicine is spotlighting women neurologists and neurosurgeons who have shaped the Neurology and Neurological Surgery Departments at Northwestern Medicine and are transforming the field of neurosciences. Le

Farzaneh A. Sorond, MD, PhD, is the vice dean of Faculty Affairs and chief of Stroke and Vascular Neurology in the Department of Neurology at Northwestern Medicine. Since joining Northwestern Medicine, Dr. Sorond has played an important role in developing clinical programs and supporting the career development of faculty members in the Department of Neurology while also carrying out a research program focused on the association between cerebral blood flow regulation, structural changes in the brain and clinical outcomes of cerebrovascular injury. Read more about her feature for Women in Medicine month here:

Women Leaders and Innovators in Neurosciences In honor of Women in Medicine Month, Northwestern Medicine is spotlighting women neurologists and neurosurgeons who have shaped the Neurology and Neurological Surgery Departments at Northwestern Medicine and are transforming the field of neurosciences. Le

In honor of Women in Medicine month, Northwestern featured Tanya Simuni, MD, chief of Movement Disorders in the Department of Neurology, director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center and the Arthur C. Nielsen, Jr., Research Professor of Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders. Dr. Simuni leads a multidisciplinary movement disorders center, which is now recognized by the National Parkinson's Foundation and Wilson's Foundation as a Center of Excellence and serves as a training model in the region. Her research focuses on the development of disease-modifying interventions in Parkinson's disease. Read more about her here:

Women Leaders and Innovators in Neurosciences In honor of Women in Medicine Month, Northwestern Medicine is spotlighting women neurologists and neurosurgeons who have shaped the Neurology and Neurological Surgery Departments at Northwestern Medicine and are transforming the field of neurosciences. Le

Smell loss can be linked to risk of brain disease. An important research study is exploring this connection. The Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) is sponsored by The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Your information could help scientists learn more about disease risk. Take the test here. https://www.mysmelltest.org/nw01

We are excited to welcome Suemin J. Yoon, MD to our regional neurology team! Dr. Yoon will be located in Lake Forest, Illinois and will focus on Clinical Neurophysiology. Read more here: https://www.nm.org/doctors/1306330378/suemin-jasmine-yoon-md

Suemin Jasmine Yoon, MD Suemin Jasmine Yoon, MD is a physician associated with Northwestern Medicine.

We are excited to welcome Archie L. Ong, MD, to our regional neurology team! Dr. Ong will be located in Lake Forest, Illinois, and he will focus on Vascular Neurology and Stroke. Read more here: https://www.nm.org/doctors/1093979486/archie-lim-ong-md

Archie Lim Ong, MD Archie Lim Ong, MD is a physician associated with Northwestern Medicine.

We are excited to welcome Shayan Khazaei, MD, to our regional neurology team! Dr. Khazaei will be located in Dekalb, Illinois. Find out more here: https://www.nm.org/doctors/1114313210/shayan-khazaei-md

Shayan Khazaei, MD Shayan Khazaei, MD is a physician associated with Northwestern Medicine.

When Defne Sadalak crossed the Chicago Marathon finish line in early October, she had even more to celebrate than the impressive feat of human endurance that she had accomplished.

Defne raised more than $2,000 to support vital amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research—and a longtime friend—at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Runner Crosses Oceans and Finish Lines to Fundraise for ALS Research When Defne Sadalak crossed the Chicago Marathon finish line in early October, she had even more to celebrate than the impressive feat of human endurance that she had accomplished. Defne raised more than $2,000 to support vital amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research—and a longtime friend—at...

Improvisatory clinical viola music calms agitated epilepsy patients — as seen in their brain waves — when they are hospitalized in the epilepsy-monitoring unit, reports a new Northwestern Medicine pilot study.

https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2023/08/improvisatory-music-calms-epilepsy-patients/ #:~:text=Some%20are%20so%20uncomfortable%2C%20they,allowing%20the%20testing%20to%20continue.

Improvisatory music calms epilepsy patients Improvisatory clinical viola music calms agitated epilepsy patients — as seen in their brain waves — when they are hospitalized in the epilepsy-monitoring unit, reports a new Northwestern Medicine pilot study.

A neuro-oncologist and brain tumor researcher at Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Priya U. Kumthekar, MD, is revolutionizing brain tumor treatment. Dr. Kumthekar was recently highlighted during Women in Medicine month, read more here:

Women Leaders and Innovators in Neurosciences In honor of Women in Medicine Month, Northwestern Medicine is spotlighting women neurologists and neurosurgeons who have shaped the Neurology and Neurological Surgery Departments at Northwestern Medicine and are transforming the field of neurosciences. Le

“The importance of exercise in Parkinson’s disease cannot be overstated. Dance specifically involves intentional, highly coordinated and controlled movements with musical cues that may help people with Parkinson’s with symptoms of slowness, reduced fluidity of movements and balance,” said Dr. Neil Shetty, movement disorders specialist at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. “A program like this that utilizes dance to combine exercise with engagement in the arts and social interaction is a wonderful opportunity.”



https://www.shawlocal.com/lake-county-journal/news/local/2023/11/09/toe-tapping-is-good-medicine-for-patients-with-parkinsons-disease/

Researchers have found that a now-discontinued drug used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may be effective at treating metastatic breast cancer and the brain metastases that can often result. The repurposed drug has the potential to be a novel therapeutic in the fight against cancer.

Repurposed Parkinson’s drug found to be effective against brain cancer Researchers have found that a now-discontinued drug used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may be effective at treating metastatic breast cancer and the brain metastases that can often result. The repurposed drug has the potential to be a novel therapeutic in the fight against cancer.

New research out of Northwestern Medicine found that millions of people who tested negative for the virus may actually have long COVID. Northwestern's Igor Koralnik, MD, is part of a team that studied more than 1800 long COVID patients. Read more on his findings here: https://turnto10.com/features/health-landing-page/new-covid-19-variant-raises-concerns-long-covid-becomes-third-leading-neurologic-disorder-southern-new-england-november-7-2023

Evidence suggests that MAPK pathway activation, as measured by ERK1/2 phosphorylation (p-ERK), predicts overall survival (OS) in recurrent glioblastoma patients receiving anti-PD-1 therapy. A study done with the help of Roger Stupp, MD, aimed to validate these findings in independent cohorts. Read about their findings:

ERK1/2 Phosphorylation Predicts Survival in Recurrent Glioblastoma Following Intracerebral and Adjuvant PD-1/CTLA-4 Immunotherapy: A REMARK-Guided Analysis Abstract. Purpose: Evidence suggests that MAPK pathway activation, as measured by ERK1/2 phosphorylation (p-ERK), predicts overall survival (OS) in recurrent glioblastoma patients receiving anti-PD-1 therapy. We aimed to validate these findings in independent cohorts. Experimental Design: In a 24-pa...

Allison Lapins, MD and Borna Bonakdarpour, MD, FAAN were co-authors on a recent publication, "The case of a 60-year-old man with decline in job performance and changes in personality and judgment." https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37905330/

Why does COVID-19 cause brain fog? Scientists may finally have an answer.

Why does COVID-19 cause brain fog? Scientists may finally have an answer. Nearly 40 percent of long COVID patients suffer from the disorienting condition. Destroyed connections between brain cells may be to blame.

A pair of recent studies from the laboratory of Evangelos Kiskinis, PhD, associate professor in the Ken and Ruth Davee Department of Neurology’s Division of Neuromuscular Disease and of Neuroscience, have uncovered novel cellular mechanisms that are involved in two types of genetic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

The findings, published in Science Advances and Cell Reports, improve the understanding of ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that attacks motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, and provides support for the future development of targeted therapies.

Studies Identify Novel Underpinnings of Genetic ALS - News Center A pair of recent studies from the laboratory of Evangelos Kiskinis, PhD, have uncovered novel cellular mechanisms that are involved in two types of genetic ALS, providing support for future development of targeted therapies to treat the disease.

Sandra Weintraub, PhD was an author on a recent publication, "A New Framework for Dementia Nomenclature." The Dementia Nomenclature Initiative aims to create a systematic framework for improved communication about neurodegenerative diseases.

A New Framework for Dementia Nomenclature - PubMed The Dementia Nomenclature Initiative established a framework to guide communication about cognitive impairment among older adults. Wider testing and refinement of the framework will subsequently improve the information used in communicating about cognitive impairment and the way in which the informa...

Parkinson’s disease has long been associated with the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons. However, a groundbreaking study from Northwestern Medicine has challenged this conventional wisdom, suggesting that dysfunction at the synapses—the tiny gaps where impulses pass from one neuron to another—may precede and lead to deficits in dopamine as well as neurodegeneration. Read more about how this novel insight could revolutionize therapeutic strategies for Parkinson’s disease by emphasizing the importance of targeting dysfunctional synapses before neurons degenerate here:

Research shows a new trigger of Parkinson’s disease Parkinson’s disease has long been associated with the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons. However, a groundbreaking study from Northwestern Medicine has challenged this conventional wisdom, suggesting that dysfunction at the synapses—the tiny gaps where impulses pass from one neuron to a...

Tune in tomorrow to see a of a Northwestern Neurology Resident, Jyoti Grewal! Jyoti is a PGY3, and will take you through a day in clinic. To learn more about our current residents and residency program, read here:

Neurology Residency Program Explore our fully accredited neurology residency program, designed to train capable and caring neurologists.

Northwestern investigators, clinicians, and people living with ALS convened in the Feinberg Pavilion for the 13th annual Les Turner Symposium on ALS to celebrate and share new scientific breakthroughs that improve the understanding of ALS and advancements in treating the disease.

The one-day symposium, held in-person and virtually on November 6, featured sessions highlighting new research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, a progressive neurogenerative disease that deteriorates motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle weakness. Currently, an estimated 350,000 people worldwide live with ALS, which has an average survival rate of three years.

Les Turner ALS Symposium Celebrates Research, Patient Care and Community - News Center Northwestern investigators, clinicians, and people living with ALS convened in the Feinberg Pavilion for the 13th annual Les Turner Symposium on ALS to celebrate and share new scientific breakthroughs that improve the understanding of ALS and advancements in treating the disease.

Are you going to this week? MBTI physicians & researchers will be speaking to a variety of topics. Make sure you catch the Annual Meeting Education Day, Nov 15, to learn about VHL, a complex condition for which
has a dedicated program. Learn more about the multi-disciplinary program at Northwestern here:

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) Program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital Learn more about how our multidisciplinary VHL team provides holistic, coordinated care for patients with VHL.

"The bone transcription factor Osterix controls extracellular matrix- and node of Ranvier-related gene expression in oligodendrocytes"

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37924811/

We are proud to announce that MBTI’s own Priya Kumthekar, MD, will be a co-investigator in a new collaborative NIH-funded initiative that will help leading academic biomedical investigators in Chicago deliver innovative treatments and technologies to the market, thus reaching patients faster. The Chicago Biomedical Consortium Hub for Innovative Technology and Entrepreneurship in the Sciences (CBC-HITES), funded by an NIH REACH grant, will help Chicago’s academic inventors partner with biopharma leaders to accelerate the translational nature of their work: https://news.feinberg.northwestern.edu/2023/11/07/new-chicago-biopharma-hub-will-accelerate-timeline-from-medical-discovery-to-patient-delivery/ #:~:text=In%20partnership%20with%2027%20industry,Partners%20Institute%2C%20Illinois%20Institute%20of.

Investigators have discovered a new subtype of interneurons in the retina that allows the eye to see and identify objects better in both the light and in the dark, according to a Northwestern Medicine study published in Nature Communications.

Study Discovers New Subset of Retinal Neurons Impacting Vision - News Center Investigators have discovered a new subtype of interneurons in the retina that allows the eye to see and identify objects better in both the light and in the dark, dismantling previous notions about the inner workings of the retina, according to a Northwestern Medicine study.

The 13th Annual Les Turner Symposium takes place today, beginning at 8:45am. The Les Turner Symposium on ALS features presentations from leading ALS scientists and clinicians, as well as people living with ALS; plus research posters, a Q&A panel, and more. Tune in to stream the symposium.

https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/alsresearch/about/symposium.html

When the clocks fall back on Sunday, it’s important to know how the time change will affect your body. Phyllis Zee, MD, explains the adverse effects and more. Read now:

Daylight saving time is ending soon. Here’s when to turn back your clocks With the end of daylight saving time, people will gain an extra hour of sleep