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Foundation for Prader-Willi Blog | Research (31)

New Evidence Supports Benefits of Hippotherapy

A new study highlighted in Medical News Today further supports the benefits of hippotherapy with regards to behavioral tasks and cognitive development. Hippotherapy is the use of horseback riding as a therapeutic or rehabilitative treatment.

Topics: Research

Bearden Research Transforming Understanding of Mental Illness in PWS

Behavior and mental health issues are an important part of Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). In particular, one of the most challenging aspects for families to face is the onset of psychosis (i.e., mental illness characterized by symptoms, such as delusio...

Topics: Research

Multidisciplinary PWS Clinic Opens At Vanderbilt University

A new multidisciplinary PWS clinic at Vanderbilt University provides comprehensive and innovative care of children and adults with PWS. The clinic will enable patients to see a variety of PWS specialists in one location, easing the burden on patients...

Topics: Research

Schaaf Research Connects Missing MAGEL2 Gene to PWS Symptoms

Prader Willi syndrome (PWS) results when a set of key genes on chromosome 15 are missing and/or inactive. Figuring out the role played by each of these genes in PWS is a major goal for PWS research. One of the genes in the PWS region is called MAGEL2...

Topics: Research, SYS

Will Vagus Nerve Stimulation Effectively Treat Behavior in PWS?

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) offers the possibility of a unique, non-pharmacotherapy for treating behavior in PWS, Prader-Willi syndrome. A small pilot study involving three patients with PWS has shown promising results, and next steps are already u...

Topics: Research

Cell Culture Model Used to Study How PWS Genes Regulate Hormones

Hormones are little messengers that circulate in the body, carrying important information from one location to the next, and triggering the appropriate response to that information. Numerous hormone levels are altered in PWS. These include hormones t...

Topics: Research

How to Address the Challenges of Developing PWS Therapies

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex disorder, and, to date, supportive care and growth hormone therapy are the only treatments available. The rarity of PWS, the fragmentation of experts and stakeholders involved at each stage of therapeutic deve...

Topics: Research

Temperature May Impact Gene Expression in Mice During PWS Research

There are several mouse models used in PWS research, each missing some part of the DNA that is absent in PWS. Two of the most commonly used mouse models are the Snord116 mouse and the Magel2 mouse. Each of these has a deletion of the respective PWS-r...

Topics: Research

Identifying the Role of the 'Hunger Hormone' Ghrelin

There are numerous hormones that are intricately involved in connecting the stomach to the brain and telling us when we are hungry or full. One of these hormones is ghrelin, which is often referred to as "the hunger hormone." Although individuals wit...

Topics: Research