NYSCF Chief Medical Officer Dr. Melissa Nirenberg Speaks At American Academy of Neurology Annual Conference

NYSCF’s Chief Medical Officer Melissa Nirenberg, MD, PhD, spoke at the American Academy of Neurology’s annual conference in Los Angeles. This meeting convenes medical professionals, students, researchers, and industry leaders for a week of seminars aimed at continued education in the field of neurology.

Dr. Nirenberg is a clinician and researcher specializing in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. Her first talk at this year’s conference, delivered with Dr. Hubert Fernandez of the Cleveland Clinic, was entitled “Parkinson’s Disease Update.” This talk addressed the current thinking surrounding the fundamental mechanisms of Parkinson’s, its possible causes (both genetic and environmental), and available treatments.

Her second talk, “Hot Topics and Controversies In Parkinson’s Disease,” delivered with Dr. Alberto Espay of the University of Cincinnati, featured debate and discussion about issues in Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and management. Featured topics included which medications are best to use early on in the disease and which new therapies show the most promise.

Dr. Nirenberg also gave a poster presentation on the barriers that keep Parkinson’s patients from participating in physical, occupational, and speech/swallowing therapies. One of the largest barriers is location. Dr. Nirenberg’s team found that when her patients were sent to New York University’s hospital (the hospital their physician was affiliated with), they were more likely to attend therapy. When physical therapy was set up in their own homes, they were also more likely to participate.

“The American Academy of Neurology does incredible work, and I’m very honored to be a part of it,” says Dr. Nirenberg. “The conference is a very exciting event featuring many brilliant people.”

Learn more about the American Academy of Neurology here.