OHSU Brain Institute

September marks – a time to remember the lives lost to su***de, the millions who have struggled with suicidal thoughts and the individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted.

SAMHSA

The OHSU departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, and the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute have teamed up to provide neuro-oncology patients, people with brain or spine tumors or tumors that affect the central nervous system, with leading-edge clinical care, novel clinical trial options and research focused on developing new treatments.

OHSU grows neuro-oncology expertise for patient benefit New specialists bring commitment to making deep connections with patients, their caregivers.

A new metric developed by the Oregon Pediatric Improvement Partnership, or OPIP, will measure and incentivize young children’s social-emotional health treatments from clinicians contracted with Coordinated Care Organizations.

This effort aims to improve the health care system for patients from birth to 5 years old, for both immediate development benefits and long-term health outcomes.

OHSU-designed metric aims to improve social-emotional health services for young children Child-centered measure to strengthen accountability, effectiveness of pediatric behavioral health services for Medicaid patients.

Friday: This is a confocal microscope image of a retinal ganglion cell (blue) with other retinal cell types labeled in yellow and/or purple. The axons of retinal ganglion cells make up the optic nerve and transmit visual information to the brain.

The Sivyer Lab at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) studies retinal ganglion cells to understand how retinal circuits work in healthy and disease states in order to preserve and potentially restore vision. https://sivyerlab.com

📸 Photo Credit: Tavita Garrett - Postdoctural Scholar, Sivyer Lab at the Casey Eye Institute, OHSU

Scientists have revealed the three-dimensional structure of the human dopamine transporter, pinpointing for the first time the exact areas of the brain that block a neurotransmitter tied to motivation.

The human dopamine transporter, or hDAT, is an important target for pharmaceuticals aimed at treating several neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, and is also a target for several illicit drugs of addiction, such as co***ne. https://bit.ly/3ArKtUy

Scientists reveal structure of dopamine transporter OHSU scientists have identified a previously unrecognizable site on the dopamine transporter, paving the way for new drugs for a whole host of neurological diseases, including epilepsy, ADHD, Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia.

Please join us in congratulating Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU)'s Dr. Jeffrey Kaye, who was named one of this year's two awardees for the inaugural
National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center and Gates Ventures AD/ADRD Digital Data Pilot Program for his research on: "EFFECT-AD: Everyday Frequent Functional Evaluation with Crosscutting Technology for AD." https://bit.ly/4fDb4hw

“Our priority is identifying new and improved tools to empower each individual to live their healthiest and most productive life, as well as providing evidence-based guidance on popular ideas in the public domain such as white or brown noise.”

Led by OHSU's Dr. Joel Nigg, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry in the OHSU School of Medicine and co-director of the OHSU Center for Mental Health Innovation, OHSU researchers are uncovering the potential benefits of color noise exposure for young people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

White, pink noise improve focus for children with ADHD, OHSU study shows Researchers point to a possible cost-effective, low-risk intervention for youth with ADHD; team will continue to explore potential hazards.

Did you know playing video games can keep our brains sharp? 🎮 In a study, those who played video games improved significantly more on both memory and processing speed.

So dig some quarters out of the couch, head to a local arcade and challenge Pac Man! 👾

Each year, more than 800,000 Americans undergo refractive surgery like LASIK and PRK to correct their vision. While these procedures generally have a high rate of success, a small number of people continue to feel pain or discomfort long after the surgery.

OHSU researchers have discovered differences in tear proteins between people who experience pain after refractive surgery and those who don’t. https://news.ohsu.edu/2024/07/17/ohsu-researchers-discover-link-between-proteins-in-tears-pain-after-eye-surgery

OHSU Casey Eye Institute

OHSU researchers discover link between proteins in tears, pain after eye surgery Findings could lead to new screening tools, treatments for pain after surgeries such as LASIK.

Led by OHSU's Dr. Tom Scanlan, Autobahn Therapeutics — a biotechnology company first established out of Scanlan's lab at OHSU — has generated a $100 million round of private investment to develop new treatments for people affected by major depressive disorder and bipolar depression, aiming to address the clinical need for better treatments for these conditions affecting millions of people.

OHSU co-founded company, Autobahn Therapeutics, attracts $100 million investment Massive investment advances treatment prospects for major depressive disorder, bipolar depression that affect tens of millions in U.S.

A clinical trial at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) suggests that a subset of older adults with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease may benefit from fish oil supplements.

Fish oil may be worthwhile for people who carry the APOE4 gene, which indicates a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s, but not necessarily for all older adults.

Study examines effect of fish oil in older adults’ brains OHSU clinical trial finds statistically significant benefit for those genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s.

Friday: The neurons labeled in the image are called "starburst amacrine cells," which are cholinergic neurons in the retina that process visual motion.

📸 Photo Credit: Yessica Santana, Ph.D. Candidate - Wright Lab
Neuroscience Graduate Program at the OHSU Vollum Institute

Congratulations to Dr. Nate Selden, who was appointed the dean of the OHSU School of Medicine in June.

Dr. Selden has had an accomplished record of contribution to our clinical, scientific and educational missions during his 24-year tenure at OHSU, and as Chair of the OHSU Neurological Surgery department for the past 8 years.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Selden!

Nate Selden, M.D., Ph.D., appointed School of Medicine dean Nate Selden, M.D., Ph.D., appointed School of Medicine dean

Researchers at OHSU’s Center for Mental Health Innovation have identified novel biomarkers related to body fat composition during pregnancy are associated with mental health outcomes in offspring.

Hormones associated with body composition during pregnancy linked to infants’ mental health OHSU researchers say findings present an opportunity for early intervention, improved patient care before, after giving birth.

In a new study, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) researchers find that women veterans who had recently attempted su***de were more likely than men to feel social rejection and betrayed by military institutions. They also reported feeling less independent and compassionate toward themselves.

OHSU study: Women veterans at higher risk for repeat su***de attempts First national study to focus on veterans’ symptoms over time, examine difference between genders in risk of suicidal thoughts, behaviors.

华裔老人参与对话试验研究（C-CONECT） (OHSU IRB # 25815) 正在寻找华裔老人参与研究项目。这项研究旨在增加讲普通话或英语的华裔老人的与他人联系的机会。https://bit.ly/4f0Mc3b

如需了解更多信息，请通过邮箱[email protected] 或电话(503) 494-6629联络于可心。

Asian Health & Service Center

The C-CONECT Study Participate in a study designed to enhance social connectedness!

The C-CONECT Study (OHSU IRB # 25815) is looking for individuals who identify as Chinese or Chinese American to join a video conversation study designed to enhance social connectedness in Mandarin Chinese or English. https://bit.ly/4f0Mc3b

To learn more, contact Kexin Yu, [email protected] or (503) 494-6629.

Asian Health & Service Center

The C-CONECT Study Participate in a study designed to enhance social connectedness!

A new study from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) suggests telehealth may be an important antidote to overcoming stigma and reducing barriers for people seeking out the addiction treatment they need.

OHSU study: Telehealth builds autonomy, trust in treating addiction Stigma remains a barrier to those seeking treatment for opioid use disorder.

In recognition of their important work and thanks to the generosity and vision of donors to the OHSU Foundation, 54 outstanding faculty members across OHSU were awarded endowed positions from 2019 to 2024.

Congratulations to the OHSU Vollum Institute's Dr. Eric Gouaux, who was awarded the Jennifer and Bernard Lacroute Endowed Chair in Neuroscience Research in January 2020.

OHSU honors faculty members awarded endowed positions The endowments are made possible by the generosity, vision of donors.

Did you know dance can help slow cognitive decline? Dancing also has multiple benefits, as it engages our bodies physically, cognitively and socially, all at the same time.

Who's ready to hit the dance floor to build a stronger brain? 💃

Kathy Hart is on the path to recovery following a rare skin and musculature condition called dermatomyositis that ultimately revealed stage 3 uterine cancer.

She has a good prognosis with the benefit of complex, multispecialty care at OHSU. https://bit.ly/4b2Exhx

‘Life-changing’: OHSU patient on the mend following medical mystery Complex, multispecialty care by OHSU team identifies rare skin, musculature condition that later revealed stage 3 cancer.

In case you missed it, you can watch the recording of the conversation between Dr. Daniel Gibbs, his wife Lois, and Dr. Joe Quinn about Dr. Gibbs' book and documentary: A Tattoo on My Brain: A Neurologist's Personal Battle against Alzheimer's Disease. (Although the documentary isn't streamed on the recording, you can watch it on Paramount+ with a subscription.) https://bit.ly/4eZWeSb

Thank you to the OHSU Alumni Association, OHSU Layton Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the Alzheimer's Association for collaborating on this very special screening.

A new study from OHSU researchers shows that using rapid magnetic resonance imaging (rMRI) instead of computed tomography (CT) for evaluation of mild traumatic brain injury is practical and achieves similar results without posing health risks to young children. https://bit.ly/4cJ92tZ

New MRI approach effectively diagnoses mild brain injuries in children OHSU study is the first to use rapid MRI as a standard evaluation pathway for traumatic brain injury in children.

: Cheers to our OHSU Neurosurgery team for successfully completing 200 incisionless Focused Ultrasound treatments for patients living with essential tremor or tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease.

OHSU is the first in the country to use an enhanced version of Focused Ultrasound called Exablate Prime. It shortens the procedure to as little as 45 minutes and is more comfortable for the patient.

OHSU is also proud to host physicians from around the U.S. to learn about and observe the benefits of Focused Ultrasound. Under the leadership of Dr. Ahmed Raslan, OHSU In Focus has welcomed neurosurgeons, providers and guests to train at a high-level experienced site about this remarkable outpatient treatment.

To learn more about Focused Ultrasound and how it can help people living with movement disorders, please visit: https://bit.ly/4aCztRs

INSIGHTEC

The nation has never seen a mental health crisis like the one our kids and teens now face. OHSU is meeting the challenge head-on through groundbreaking research, expanded services and ambitious outreach.

The Kids Are Not Alright: How OHSU is addressing the youth mental health crisis | OHSU Foundation The nation has never seen a mental health crisis like the one our kids and teens now face. OHSU is meeting the challenge head-on through groundbreaking research, expanded services and outreach.

In France, the majority of people with an opioid use disorder — 87% — receives access to medication designed to treat it. In the United States, where more than 100,000 people are dying annually from drug overdoses, less than 20% of people with opioid use disorder receive methadone or buprenorphine.

French model shows better access to methadone in U.S. could save lives OHSU author conducting research in France sees opportunity to relieve opioid epidemic gripping the U.S.

A new study establishes a series of practices gleaned from experienced psilocybin facilitators to ensure the safety and effectiveness of psilocybin services offered to the general public.

New study establishes best practices for supervised psilocybin Oregon is first in the nation to provide state-regulated access to magic mushrooms; study is first to identify measures for high-quality services.

“I like treating patients one at a time and forming relationships. However, being on the cutting edge of discovery and figuring out new ways to do things allows you to impact even more lives.” - Dr. Ahmed Raslan, professor and interim chair of neurological surgery in the OHSU School of Medicine and director of functional neurosurgery.

Balancing his efforts as a surgeon and researcher, Dr. Raslan has spent his career at OHSU on the leading edge of science and discovery in two primary areas: cognitive decoding enabled by interface technology, and focused ultrasound.

Learn more about Dr. Raslan here: https://bit.ly/3W0lhN6

The Changemakers: Ahmed Raslan, M.D., FAANS | OHSU Foundation Neurosurgeon Ahmed Raslan, M.D., FAANS, impacts patients both in the operating room and through scientific innovation.

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically improved health insurance coverage for millions of Americans who were automatically covered by Medicaid due to the national public health emergency.

New research by physician-scientist Dr. Jane Zhu and colleagues reveals that communities of color are twice as likely to be disenrolled from Medicaid insurance coverage due to process-related issues.

Study finds people of color disproportionately dropped from Medicaid OHSU, collaborators find process issues were twice as likely to impact Black, Hispanic people—highlighting health inequities, system improvement needs.