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BBC
News, 2/15/06
HYPERACTIVITY CURE HOPES RAISED
by Phil Mercer
SYDNEY, Australia -- A British millionaire says he has stumbled
across a revolutionary drug-free treatment for attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Wynford Dore said the unexpected breakthrough came when his company
discovered that programs used to treat dyslexia also had a powerful
affect on ADHD. Sufferers of the condition are easily distracted and
have trouble concentrating for extended periods. They are often
impulsive and restless and have a tendency to daydream.
What causes such behavior isn't known.
Usually, treatment comes in the form of drugs known as
psychostimulants, which are often effective but can have side
effects. A chemical-free alternative is now being trumpeted.
Impressive results
Mr. Dore told a news conference in Australia: "By accident we
stumbled on something that could have the most dramatic effect on
individuals' lives. These are wonderful, incredible results and yet
we didn't even try to do this."
Some academics have even suggested that a 'cure' for ADHD had been
found. Professor Rod Nicolson, of Sheffield University, said: "This
is the first permanent solution for attention deficit hyperactive
disorder I have come across."
At the heart of Dore's theory is a part of the brain called the
cerebellum, which co-ordinates movement and balance. Dore believes
that it is also instrumental in the learning process and if it is
not working efficiently, then problems such as ADHD can occur. The
thinking is that if dormant parts of the cerebellum are stimulated
by a series of balance and eye exercises it will expand and work
better.
Astronaut origins
The system is based around a space-age neurological testing machine,
known as a 'dynamic posturography booth'. it has been developed from
a device used to test astronauts returning from space.
Researchers have insisted that this computerised equipment can
accurately assess how well the cerebellum is performing.
Dr Stan Levy, a consultant neurologist based in Sydney who is
working closely with Mr Dore, said: "When I came across the Dore
programme and its exciting ideas, it really opened my eyes.
"Although drugs have been shown to be effective they are a
short-term solution to a lot of the problems and they do have
side-effects. What we think we're doing is making the cerebellum
more efficient."
Dore's team isn't sure how or why this happens.
Daughter's problems
The British industrialist, who made his fortune selling
fire-resistant paint, was spurred into action several years ago when
his daughter tried to commit suicide due to chronic learning
difficulties. His company has clinics in the UK, Australia and the
US.
A research study involving all three countries will now attempt to
prove his theory. Sceptics will need convincing.
Michele Toner is from the Learning and Attentional Disorders Society
(LADS), based in Western Australia. She said: "There is no
scientific evidence to support the use of computer programmes to
treat the symptoms of ADHD."
"I understand this programme is very expensive. Parents should be
advised to spend their money on scientifically-proven treatments for
ADHD."
Wynford Dore's exercise therapy costs around US $3,000 (GBP £1,700)
and the treatment takes up to 15 months to complete.
Australian teenager Larissa Moore has insisted it saved her life.
Hyperactivity once made the 17-year-old from the Outback town of
Bogangate in New South Wales feel suicidal. She told the BBC News
website: "I wasn't the nicest person and I didn't want to be at
school. I hated everyone and just wanted to end my life."
"After the programme things improved 100%. It's changed my life and
I think I have a future now."
Celebrity backing
The initiative has received enthusiastic support from resurgent pop
star Leo Sayer, who suffered learning difficulties as a boy.
The 57-year-old singer, who now lives in Sydney, said he was
constantly beaten at school and bullied by his father because of his
dyslexia. He suffered a nervous breakdown as a result.
"I'm a miracle," he said. "I came through the other side."
Sayer has said he will undergo the Dore treatment and hopes it will
help others overcome the sort of adversity he endured.
"I'd like to think that the programme can create some miracles for
our young people," he said.
Copyright BBC 2006 |
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