Using Brain Stimulation to Treat Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease | Nga Chau | TEDxLancaster

Nga Chau studies the potential of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), brain stimulation technology, to help manage symptoms of Parkinson's Disease (PD). She explains how she and her team implement the technology, what positive results have been observed, what is anticipated for the future, and why her mother -- who has Young-Onset PD -- is vehemently opposed to participation.
Nga studied neuroscience at Franklin and Marshall College. She now works in research at Johns Hopkins Hospital, in their neurology department. With a team of neurologists and engineers, they are studying transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a form of brain stimulation technology, and its potential to treat symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. Nga's path and passion is largely influenced by her life experience caring for her mother, who suffers from Young-Onset Parkinson's. She is able to bring her academic and intimate understanding of the disease to contribute to the science and bridge a special connection with patients.
Nga's empathy and affinity to help others is dichotomous. When she is not in the hospital researching, she works as a first responder with The First Response Team of America, helping families and communities recover from tornado, hurricane, flooding, and other natural disaster strikes.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx