A-ha Lead Singer Morten Harket Reveals Parkinson's Diagnosis

Morten Harket, lead singer of Norwegian band A-ha, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The 65-year-old underwent brain surgery and is managing symptoms with medication. He is unsure if he will be able to perform again. Harket's diagnosis comes after a breakthrough in 1985 with hits like "Take On Me" and "The Sun Always Shines on TV."

Morten Harket, the iconic lead singer of Norwegian band A-ha, has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The 65-year-old underwent brain surgery and is managing symptoms with medication, raising questions about his future performances. This diagnosis comes after a groundbreaking year in 1985 with hits like "Take On Me" and "The Sun Always Shines on TV."

Advancements in Parkinson's Diagnosis

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), have developed a 3D printed pen that detects subtle tremors in handwriting, potentially aiding in early Parkinson's diagnosis. The pen, co-authored by Professor Jun Chen, uses magnetic particles and electrical signals to quantify tremors during writing, offering a low-cost and accessible diagnostic tool [1]. While initial results suggest high accuracy, further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.

3D Printing in Parkinson's Treatment

3D printing has also shown promise in enhancing Parkinson's treatment and drug delivery. UK-based engineering company Renishaw completed a clinical trial in 2020 with pharmaceuticals expert Herantis Pharma, investigating a 3D printed device for delivering cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) directly into the brain [1]. Additionally, University of Nottingham scientists and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) demonstrated the use of inkjet 3D printing to produce solid oral dosage forms of drugs, opening doors to personalized medicine and small-scale clinical trials [1].

New Treatments on the Horizon

Biohaven Ltd. has initiated a global Phase 2/3 study of BHV-8000, an orally-administered TYK2/JAK1 inhibitor for early Parkinson's disease (PD). The pivotal study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of BHV-8000, with a focus on significant changes in the MDS-UPDRS Part II scale and the utilization of first-in-clinic Parkinson's disease composite scales (PARCOMS) [2].

Conclusion

The recent advancements in Parkinson's disease diagnosis and treatment present encouraging prospects for patients and healthcare providers alike. These innovations, driven by technological breakthroughs and clinical trials, offer hope for better management and potentially earlier diagnoses of the condition.

References

[1] https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/uclas-affordable-ai-powered-magnetic-pen-for-early-parkinsons-diagnosis-240338/

[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BIOHAVEN-LTD-144171176/news/Biohaven-Ltd-Enrolls-First-Patient-into-Phase-2-3-Trial-in-Early-Parkinson-s-Disease-Targeting-Neu-50102048/