FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON April 14, 2009
Emory Scientist Receives AAN Movement Disorders Research Award
SEATTLE -
The American Academy of Neurology is awarding the 2009 Movement Disorders Research Award to Mahlon DeLong, MD, at the Emory University School of Medicine, for his work on the functional organization of the basal ganglia, the basis of movement disorders and how neurosurgical approaches, including high-frequency electrical stimulation of these brain circuits improves movement disorders. DeLong will receive the award during the AAN’s 61st Annual Meeting in Seattle, held April 25 through May 2, 2009. DeLong is a member of the AAN. The AAN’s Movement Disorders Research Award recognizes an individual for outstanding work in the field of Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders for either a single, outstanding contribution or for lifetime achievement. DeLong says as an alternative to more invasive surgical techniques, deep brain stimulation (DBS) can target certain circuits in the brain. “High frequency electrical stimulation is delivered to the targeted circuit through an implanted electrode connected to a stimulator similar to a cardiac pacemaker. It appears that stimulation reduces abnormal signs and symptoms and restores more normal function by overriding and cancelling out abnormal activity in the circuit,” said DeLong. Diseases of the brain such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington’s disease, dystonia and epilepsy, can benefit significantly from this new method. “DBS is now being actively explored to treat Tourette’s syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorders and major depression,” said DeLong. DeLong’s discovery that dysfunction in certain circuits in the brain could account for a variety of movement, thinking and emotional disorders reinforces the use of surgical approaches such as DBS and ablation. “DBS has brought dramatic and lasting benefits to patients with a growing number of disorders. A clearer understanding of the underlying complex circuitry of the basal ganglia is critical for identifying the mechanisms responsible for many movement disorders.” The 61st Annual Meeting, one of the world’s largest gatherings of neurology professionals, takes place in the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle.