Parkinson's Insights

About the event ​ ​In this webinar, Dr Brad Treeby and Dr Tabish Saifee will explore the science of focused ultrasound, an emerging technology that uses sound waves to target specific areas of the brain without surgical intervention. ​The effect is non-ablative, reversible, and repeatable. ​Starting with essential tremor, they will explain how this technology works, what current research tells us, and its potential to transform the treatment of movement disorders. ​Join us for an accessible discussion of this exciting field, with an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about what the future may hold. ​About the speakers ​Dr Brad Treeby is a physicist, engineer and entrepreneur who has spent the past decade developing ways to use ultrasound to reach and modulate activity deep within the brain without surgery. Before founding NeuroHarmonics, he was a Professor of Biomedical Ultrasound at University College London (UCL). ​His work has focused on one of the fundamental challenges of brain stimulation: how to accurately focus ultrasound through the complex structure of the human skull and deliver it precisely to a specific area of the brain. Along the way, Brad and his colleagues developed k-Wave, an open-source simulation toolbox now used by thousands of researchers around the world, designed new ultrasound transducer arrays, and conducted pioneering human studies demonstrating millimetre-scale targeting of deep brain structures. ​What began as a series of physics and engineering challenges has evolved into a much broader ambition. Working closely with clinicians and patients, Brad came to recognise that demonstrating what ultrasound can do scientifically is only part of the challenge. The next step is to establish whether this precision can translate into effective treatments and, ultimately, into technology that real people can use. ​Brad left academia to pursue this goal full time and is now CEO of NeuroHarmonics, where he leads a team developing a new platform for non-invasive deep-brain neuromodulation, combining precision engineering with a focus on clinical potential and patient needs. ​Dr Tabish Saifee is a Consultant Neurologist specialising in movement disorders. He runs a specialist service at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, and is Clinical Director for Neurology and Neurophysiology at London North West University Healthcare. ​His research career began with a PhD at University College London investigating the mechanisms underlying tremor. Dr Saifee has extensive experience in clinical trials, serving as Chief or Principal Investigator for studies investigating new treatments for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, including novel disease-modifying therapies. He has authored or co-authored more than 65 peer-reviewed publications spanning these areas. He has also served on advisory committees at national level for movement disorders. ​He runs a busy specialist clinical service and is closely involved in the clinical assessment for advanced treatments for Parkinson's and tremor, including MRI-guided focused ultrasound. ​He is Medical Director of NeuroHarmonics, where he helps lead the clinical strategy and development of a novel non-invasive focused ultrasound platform targeting deep brain circuits. His particular interest is in translating advances in neuroscience and neuromodulation into effective, accessible treatments for people living with disabling neurological conditions.

​Following our previous discussions on nutrition, we are delighted to welcome back Dr Tanya Denne for the next instalment in our Food as Medicine series. In a world saturated with conflicting headlines, wellness trends, and online advice, deciding what to put on your plate can quickly feel overwhelming. This session is designed to clear through the noise, replace anxiety with clarity, and separate genuine clinical evidence from popular online trends. ​We will begin by tackling the everyday foods that cause the most confusion. Dr Denne will explore the real story behind dairy, including its often misunderstood interaction with levodopa timing and whether it truly needs to be cut out entirely. We will look closely at alcohol, addressing moderate drinking and the oft-promoted benefits of red wine and resveratrol, alongside gluten and whether an elimination diet holds any genuine therapeutic value. From there, we will unpack carbohydrates, looking at how sugars influence inflammation, blood glucose stability, and daily energy levels, before concluding the first part with a pragmatic look at ultra-processed foods and where to realistically draw the line. ​The second part of our discussion shifts to the popular dietary patterns frequently discussed within the community. Rather than getting bogged down in rigid rules, we will ask a direct question for each approach: should someone with Parkinson's consider this diet? We will examine plant-dominant eating, ketogenic and low-carbohydrate approaches, and time-restricted fasting. For each pattern, Dr Denne will outline what current scientific research actually supports, what shows promise, where the potential risks lie, and who ought to proceed with caution. ​This session offers a refreshing, evidence-led look at practical nutrition, giving you the facts and confidence to make informed choices that best support your daily wellbeing. ​About the speaker: ​We are honoured to be joined by Dr Tanya Denne, a distinguished Naturopathic Doctor and researcher. Dr Denne is a leading advocate for "Personalised Medicine," a philosophy that treats the whole person rather than just a set of symptoms. Her evidence-based approach views nutrition as a foundational pillar of care, bridging the gap between traditional neurology and complementary disciplines. With her extensive research background, including her work on Mucuna pruriens, Dr Denne empowers people to move from being passive recipients of care to proactive partners in their own health journey.