Dr. Brendan Santyr, University of Toronto
Basic Research Fellowship, $100,000 over 2 years, funded in partnership with Parkinson Canada during the 2023 – 2025 research funding cycle
Project description:
Dr. Brendan Santyr from the University of Toronto is aiming to enhance the efficacy of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). DBS is a surgical intervention, where permanent electrodes are implanted in the brain to deliver electrical impulses, alleviating symptoms for patients whose medication is insufficient. Despite its benefits, determining the optimal stimulation settings for each patient involves a lengthy and often uncomfortable process of trial and error.
Dr. Santyr’s team was the first to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a non-invasive imaging technique, in people with Parkinson’s disease with DBS, and have since become world-leading experts. Their previous research demonstrated that MRI could identify when a patient is receiving their ideal DBS settings. The current project focuses on assessing the utility of a special type of MRI called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in predicting these optimal settings shortly after surgery, potentially bypassing the prolonged clinical adjustment period.
This innovative approach aims to reduce the number of hospital visits for patients, saving both time and healthcare costs. By enabling quicker identification of the best DBS settings, patients can experience the maximum benefits of their surgery sooner.
Looking ahead, Dr. Santyr envisions a future where fMRI significantly shortens the time required for patients to benefit from DBS therapy. He aims to promote individualized symptom management and reduce the financial burden on both patients and healthcare systems. Successful outcomes from this project could lead to the broader adoption of new DBS technologies and expand access to DBS in both expert and non-expert centers globally.
Reproduced with permission from Parkinson Canada.