Parkinsons - A simple mathematical cure?

I recently watched a TED video featuring Max Little (mathematician) on how math may be the cure for Parkinsons disease. It was a really interesting video -the primary focus being on how voice changes in an individual developing PD- long before any overt symptoms develop-can be captured utilizing mathematical algorithms to provide early diagnosis and trigger preventative treatment.

It is quite leading edge and lends hope to the thought that if you can identify disease processes before overt progression there can be treatment that stops a disease in it's track. Unlike DNA which only reflects the propensity for development-this focus' on clear early symptoms that signal a problem. The goal of Mr. Little's work is to eventually have a test that can literally be administered within minutes over a simple phone line-AMAZING! For insurance carriers that rely upon telephone interviews as a part of their process this really increases potential benefits.

PD is a progressive neurological disorder that affects between 4-6 million individuals worldwide and carries a median survival of 15.8 years from the onset of motor changes.

Max Little; A test for Parkinson's with a phone call; (link)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/max-little/parkinsons-diagnosis-test_b_2545128.html

Mathematics are well and good but nature keeps dragging us around by the nose. ~Albert Einstein

MD Anderson "Moon Shots Program"-2013 Launch

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston is on the verge of making history in how clinical medicine and research approaches cancer cures and increasing life expectancy of survivors. In February they will "launch" the "Moon Shot" program - a concentrated and focused effort to harness the expertise of researchers and tecnnicians supported by very specific platforms to create the infrastructure needed to make tremendous strides in cancer treatment and therapy.

The program was aptly inspired after the 1962 speech that then President Kennedy gave at Rice University in regard to the nations focus on sending men to the moon, "We choose to go to the moon in this decade ... because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win," Kennedy said. On the verge of this remarkable and bold project MD Andersons president, Ronald DePinho M.D.  encapsulated the drive behind the program when he said,  "Humanity urgently needs bold action to defeat cancer. I believe that we have many of the tools we need to pick the fight of the 21st century. Let's focus our energies on approaching cancer comprehensively and systematically, with the precision of an engineer, always asking ... 'What can we do to directly impact patients?'".



The inaugural program will focus on; acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, melanoma, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and triple negative breast and ovarian cancers - two cancers linked at the molecular level. It is expected to span ten years with an estimated cost of $3 billion dollars. More importantly it holds the key to a new approach to chronic disease diagnosis, treatment, and therapy.  

"That's one small step for man, a giant leap for mankind"

Neil Armstrong, July 20, 1969