UNews - Parkinson's Disease

Doolittle appointed teaching and learning research coordinator for national project

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 Sep 2013 20:05:57 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge professor Lisa Doolittle will be the Teaching and Learning Research Coordinator for the Art for Social Change (ASC) project, a five-year national research program that will examine the effectiveness of using the arts as a means of community engagement and to encourage positive social change.

Lisa Doolittle says that art for social change is the application of arts-based processes to address issues of social concern and to encourage social innovation.

Doolittle, a professor of theatre in the Faculty of Fine Arts, will oversee the implementation, data-collection, analysis and reporting on the Teaching and Learning component of the project.

With $2.5 million dollars in funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) through its Partnership Program, Art for Social Change: A Research Partnership in Teaching, Evaluation and Capacity-Building, the research project is considered the first large-scale, systemic project of its kind in Canada.

“To be involved in this is an amazing opportunity for myself, my colleagues, research assistants and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, as well as community service organizations, and artists,” says Doolittle.

“We will have the opportunity to bring in at least two master’s students and one PhD candidate to assist with the research and because of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s emphasis on liberal education, and a commitment to community engagement in its strategic plan, we are in an ideal position to develop a hub for ASC Teaching and Learning.”

A total of 20 individual collaborators from six partnering universities, along with multiple community agencies and arts organizations are taking part in the five-year research program.

Art for social change is the application of arts-based processes to address issues of social concern and to encourage social innovation.

The current partnership is based on a long-standing relationship, formalized in 2007, when Judith Marcuse Projects (JMP), an arts organization with over 30 years of ASC experience, entered into a unique agreement with Simon Fraser ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ (SFU) to create the International Centre of Art for Social Change.

That partnership has now been extended to include students and community members from across the country, creating a breadth of data on ASC practice never before realized.

“We’ve known for years that the arts are an effective form of initiating change. There are countless examples throughout the country where arts programs are used as a way to connect and engage communities but there has been very little evaluation of why and how these programs are effective,” says Doolittle.

“With this project we want to first evaluate these successes and develop best practices for the implementation of art for social change programs, we want to build national capacity between educational institutions, community-based artists and arts organizations and non-arts organizations in the development and delivery of ASC and finally, we want to create and provide a range of accessible online resources for those working in ASC as well as others interested in learning about the field.”

Doolittle will oversee the research and the eventual implementation of new teaching and learning practices, with considerable campus support by Dr. Cynthia Chambers, Dr. Erika Hasebe-Ludt and Ramona Big Head of the Faculty of Education, Dr. Jean Harrowing of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Rachel Crowder who teaches at the U of L for the Faculty of Social Work, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary, and the on-campus Teaching Centre. U of L alumna (BFA, MEd) Candace Lewko contributes an additional perspective from the context of her position as curriculum consultant, Educational Enhancement Team, The Centre for Teaching, Learning & Innovation at Lethbridge College.

“It’s vitally important that once we do the research and collect the data, that we ensure this project is sustainable by properly teaching a new generation of educators, artists and community members about how to best administer ASC programs,” says Doolittle. “Only then will we see an ongoing benefit from this research and these programs.”

Brain Awareness Week on campus

trevor.kenney — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:57:52 +0000

The research, technical and administrative group at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN) is inviting the community to Brain Awareness Week, Mar. 12-18.

This popular, free event helps the public learn more about the brain and the various ways in which researchers at the U of L are working on brain-related illness, such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimers, and much more. An open house at the CCBN, plus a talk by noted neuroscience researcher Dr. Bryan Kolb are the main agenda items for the week.

On Tuesday, Mar. 13, Kolb will present Environment, Brain Development and Health at 7 p.m. in the Yates Memorial Theatre. The event is free but seating is limited. Kolb will discuss the impact of the environment on brain development and how it relates to health.

On Saturday, Mar. 17, the CCBN, the only research facility of its kind in Canada, allows the public to step inside and learn about the world-renowned research and groundbreaking discoveries taking place right here in southern Alberta at its annual Open House. In addition, local organizations will be on hand with brain-related materials and information.

The Open House runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Brown comfortable in role of Associate VP

trevor.kenney — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:59:14 +0000

Dr. Lesley Brown (Kinesiology and Physical Education) was the successful candidate for the position of associate vice-president, research, and assumed the role on May 1. Brown had been serving in the role of assistant vice-president, research since January 2010.

She joined the U of L in 1997 following her post-doctoral studies at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Oregon, and focuses her research on the aging process, balance, falling, fear of falling and Parkinson's Disease.

Most recently, she and her team have been studying the effect of music on walking abilities in patients with Parkinson's Disease, and exploring fear of falling as a risk factor for falls in the elderly. She continues to supervise masters and doctoral candidates.

"I am very pleased that Dr. Brown has accepted this position," says
Dr. Dan Weeks, the U of L's vice-president, research. "Her experience with provincial and federal funding will be a key asset to the U of L. The extent of accountability and compliance required by governments and funders has increased significantly and Dr. Brown will lead the internal responses to these challenges."

Weeks says that Brown's familiarity with the campus community, and with cross-departmental collaborations, will be of significant value to the U of L as the institution moves forward. "Many funding opportunities involve working on projects that might bring very different research disciplines together," says Weeks. "Lesley has a great ability to connect with people and help move ideas forward."

Brown says that her main priorities are to finalize the Strategic Research Plan, in addition to being a point of contact for faculty members.

"I am very pleased to have been selected for this position, and I am looking forward to continuing planning and implementing the new research initiatives that I have been working on. I will also be looking forward to sharing our Strategic Research Plan with faculty in the near future."

This story first appeared in the Legend. For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Brown named associate VP

trevor.kenney — Wed, 18 May 2011 18:03:43 +0000

Dr. Lesley Brown (Kinesiology and Physical Education) is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's new associate vice-president, research, a role she assumed officially on May 1 after having served in the role of assistant vice-president, research since January 2010.

An accomplished researcher, she joined the U of L in 1997 following her post-doctoral studies at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Oregon, and focuses her research on the aging process, balance, falling, fear of falling and Parkinson's Disease.

Dr. Lesley Brown brings a wealth of experience to her new role as associate vice-president, research.

Most recently, she and her team have been studying the effect of music on walking abilities in patients with Parkinson's Disease, and exploring fear of falling as a risk factor for falls in the elderly. She continues to supervise masters and doctoral candidates.

"I am very pleased that Dr. Brown has accepted this position," says
Dr. Dan Weeks, the U of L's vice-president, research. "Her experience with provincial and federal funding will be a key asset to the U of L. The extent of accountability and compliance required by governments and funders has increased significantly and Dr. Brown will lead the internal responses to these challenges."

Weeks says that Brown's familiarity with the campus community, and with cross-departmental collaborations, will be of significant value to the U of L as the institution moves forward. "Many funding opportunities involve working on projects that might bring very different research disciplines together," says Weeks. "Lesley has a great ability to connect with people and help move ideas forward."

Brown says that her main priorities are to finalize the Strategic Research Plan, in addition to being a point of contact for faculty members.

"I am very pleased to have been selected for this position, and I am looking forward to continuing planning and implementing the new research initiatives that I have been working on. I will also be looking forward to sharing our Strategic Research Plan with faculty in the near future."

This story first appeared in the Legend. For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Corkin to give Milner Series address

trevor.kenney — Mon, 09 May 2011 22:28:56 +0000

Dr. Suzanne Corkin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, appears at the Lethbridge Public Library Monday, May 9, 7 p.m., as the guest speaker for the Brenda Milner Lecture Series.

Corkin, a professor of neuroscience at MIT, is best known for her work with the famous amnesic patient H.M. who suffered from an unusual condition as a result of brain surgery to treat his epilepsy: He was unable to form new long-term memories. Her presentation is titled Aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease.

Her research focuses on the multiple memory systems in the brain and involves human patients with neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

In addition to age-related illnesses, Dr. Corkin also studies the processes of healthy aging in relation to the brain.

Bringing back the groove

trevor.kenney — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:09:10 +0000

Music has power – it's a certain fact that few, if any, will deny. From the earliest of our days, our mothers sing us lullabies, and later as children we learn ABC's and nursery rhymes to sweet little tunes. Music has the power to make us believe in something greater than ourselves. It crosses cultural, generational and racial barriers. It is the sure go-to when we're feeling low in spirits or high as a kite, and on more than one occasion has been just the romantic backdrop needed to make heartstrings tug. We each have a certain soundtrack to our lives – rhythms that inspire, beats that blare and grooves that rock.

Considering that music is such an integral part of our modern-day culture, it shouldn't come as a surprise that up-and-coming researchers are looking at its power. But still, the concept that music can help in the healing of those who suffer from Parkinson's disease is oddly surprising.

Working in the lab of Dr. Lesley Brown, U of L neuroscience PhD student Natalie de Bruin (BSc '06, MSc '08)

Natalie de Bruin finds it satisfying to make a difference, through her research, in people's lives.

is contributing to a study on how music affects the gait of people with the degenerative disorder. The study emerged from anecdotal evidence that suggests that listening to music could help people with Parkinson's move with greater control and ease.

"There was an example of a lady who had Parkinson's and was severely debilitated, but when you played ABBA's Dancing Queen, she would go from being almost frozen to dancing with her husband," explains de Bruin.

For people with Parkinson's disease, things most of us take for granted – like grocery shopping or collecting the mail – can become monumental challenges. The disorder causes a shortage of dopamine in the brain, resulting in rigid muscles, tremors and slowed movements.

As a result of these movement challenges, people are at risk of falling and injuring themselves, especially the elderly. It's a disease that robs people of their independence and takes away the joy of movement. But, through the use of music, de Bruin is finding, it doesn't have to remain that way.

Working together, the U of L, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary and Dalhousie ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ are collaborating on a number of projects related to music and movement. De Bruin is contributing to a 12-week study with patients from both Lethbridge (which is known for its large senior-citizen population) and Halifax.

In the experimental group, Parkinson's patients were given iPods loaded with songs that matched the rhythm of their own stereotypical walking patterns. Three days a week, participants listened to the music while walking. Those in the control group went about their normal day-to-day activities without music. The project has relied on sophisticated biomedical engineering devices like motion capture cameras (at the U of L) and pressure-sensitive floors (at Dalhousie ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ) to objectively assess changes in how participants walk.

After preliminary evaluation, the results are pointing to the fact that music really does aid in movement. "It's possible that music may offer a safe walking intervention for many Parkinson's patients," says de Bruin. "We want this to be something individuals can enjoy and continue using."

Unlike other modes of physiotherapy for Parkinson's, walking is less repetitive and listening to music adds an element of fun to the activity.

For de Bruin, the most satisfying component of her PhD research has been working with the participants.

"I've had the opportunity to find out how participants have benefited from the research we're doing," she says. "It's gratifying to know that what I'm doing is making a difference for them."

To view the entire issue of SAM in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Whishaw honoured for scientific contribution

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:46:17 +0000

Dr. Ian Whishaw, a founding member of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's pioneering neuroscience research group and a leader in behavioural neuroscience research internationally, has won the 2009 Alberta Science and Technology "Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Science" award.

Whishaw was among a select group of Alberta's top scientists and innovators who received the 2009 ASTech awards at a gala dinner, Friday, Nov. 6 in Calgary.

Well-known for publishing highly original, insightful, and important research in diverse areas of inquiry,

Dr. Ian Whishaw accepting his ASTech award this past weekend in Calgary.

Whishaw's seminal work in rat behaviour and movement disorders has expanded the understanding of human movement disorders. He has provided the key tools and conceptual framework in several applied disciplines in experimental neurology and pharmacology.

This has led to a better understanding of a range of neurological and neurodegenerative disease (including aging, Parkinson's Disease, trauma, and stroke) and has advanced the development of a range of therapeutic approaches.

With more than 300 papers in the best journals in the field, 11 books, 10 research films, and editorial duties for eight journals, Whishaw is one of the top contributors to the field of behavioural neuroscience in the world, and one of the 200 most influential neuroscientists based on citations.

His textbook, "Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology", written in collaboration with colleague Bryan Kolb, is now in its fifth edition and has been the standard text in the field for over 20 years.

Whishaw's recent book, "The Behaviour of the Laboratory Rat", has been described as the behavioural bible for a diverse new generation of rat researchers. He was made a Fellow of the Royal Society, Academy of Sciences in 1998.

"ASTech is committed to inspiring the next generation of innovation. Innovation provides us with world class companies developing high tech products from Alberta for a world audience in an increasingly diversified Alberta economy," says Martin Kratz, chair of the ASTech Foundation.

Alberta's reputation of discovery in science and technology already has international renown. The ASTech awards build on this.

"ASTech's celebration of the leaders who are making Alberta a better place makes our province more attractive for businesses and students to build their future here," Kratz adds. "That, in turn, improves our economy and quality of life."

Older adults needed for study

trevor.kenney — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:53:01 +0000

The call is out for older adults to help with a study that aims to benefit those with Parkinson's disease.

Lori Sacrey, a PhD student studying at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN), is looking at how music affects movement. She is looking for older adults, aged 65-80, to participate in a study that examines the effects of music on movement.

The overall aim of the study is to determine the effect of music on a reaching movement in individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Older adults are needed to serve as a healthy, non-Parkinson's control group.

The total time commitment to participate in this study is 20 minutes.

Those interested in taking part can contact Lori Sacrey, PhD Candidate at lori.sacrey@uleth.ca, or by phone at 403-329-2637.

Milner Lecture Series features Schallert

trevor.kenney — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:47:26 +0000

The Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN) presents the Annual Brenda Milner Lecture Series this week, welcoming Dr. Timothy Schallert for the keynote address, Thursday afternoon.

Schallert is scheduled to present "What's Eating Your Brain: Diseases of Ageing". The talk begins at 1 p.m. in Andy's Place (AH100) on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus.

Schallert is a professor in the Institute for Neuroscience and Departments of Psychology and Neurobiology, at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Texas at Austin. His research interests include brain and spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, and brain cancer models.

The Brenda Milner Lecture Series (BMLS) is an annual event put on by the neuroscience graduate students at the U of L. The BMLS Committee invites all undergraduate, graduate students, and faculty to attend 2009 BMLS lecture series. The goal of the series is to provide an opportunity for students to collaborate and engage an internationally renowned neuroscientist in discussion.

The health 'perks' of coffee

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:48:54 +0000

Moderate coffee drinkers (2-3 cups/day) live longer

According to recent research, coffee drinkers have lower rates in all causes of death. Research also shows that coffee drinkers have lower risk of developing diabetes, Parkinson's disease and colon cancer, and that coffee may have a protective effect on the liver. In fact, research supports that there are more health benefits to drinking coffee than avoiding it.

But do all cups of java have the same protective benefits?

Caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee have similar levels of antioxidants. Roasting the coffee bean affects the antioxidant content; medium roast coffee has more antioxidants than dark roast or light roast. Robusta green coffee beans (used in blends with Arabica coffees and to make instant coffee) have twice the active antioxidants than Arabica beans, although this decreases with roasting.

If a little bit is good, is a lot better?

Yes and no. Some research indicates that the health benefits increase with the amount of coffee consumed. However, even though the antioxidants in coffee have health benefits, too much caffeine can cause irritability, mood changes, nausea, increases in heart rate and blood pressure, and muscle tremors (shakes).

The amount of caffeine tolerated varies between individuals

For the healthy adult, Health Canada recommends limiting caffeine to 400mg/day – about the equivalent of three 8oz (237ml) cups of brewed coffee. For women of childbearing age it is recommended to consume no more than 300mg of caffeine or just over two 8oz cups of brewed coffee daily.

Hold the press

The French press that is. Unfiltered coffee may raise blood fat so filtered coffee is a better choice.

Diane Britton is available for individual nutrition consultations at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Health Centre (403-329-2484).

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