Myoclonus Dystonia Meeting

Pictured above from left to right: Thomas Gasser, MD, Marie Vidailhet, MD and Susan Bressman, MD

This past weekend the DMRF hosted a meeting on myoclonus dystonia, a form of dystonia with symptoms that include rapid jerky movements, alone or in combination with the sustained muscular contractions and postures. We were fortunate to have the leadership of Drs. Susan Bressman and Marie Vidailhet in developing the agenda and bringing together the best faculty in the world to discuss the status of myoclonus dystonia research, clinical and basic, and to develop a plan for keeping the momentum of progress moving forward. Joining the DMRF for this incredible meeting was esteemed researchers from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Canada and the USA. The agenda included a review of genetics, imaging and neurophysiology, therapeutics, and animal models with a discussion on future directions.

In summarizing the meeting, Dr. Bressman said this was the best workshop she had been involved in for many years. We felt the same way – the energy, the enthusiasm and the spirit of collaboration was amazing and we look forward to implementing the plan for attacking myclonus dystonia.

Having these kinds of meetings is an important part of the DMRF’s scientific strategy – implemented and operated by our full time Science Officer, Jan Teller, PhD, and our Medical and Scientific Director, Mahlon DeLong, MD of Emory University. Supporting research, awarding fellowships and contracting for specific scientific work is very important but so too are these meetings when we are able to bring great minds together to discuss a specific topic and develop next steps.

We are so thankful to all who participated in the meeting and to everyone in the dystonia research community for their dedication and commitment to ending all forms of dystonia.