Research Report

Research Report

INVEST. INNOVATE. IMPACT.

These three words are at the heart of the TAA’s Research and Medical Program, which tirelessly advances scientific understanding and expands treatment options for people affected by Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders. Thanks to the support of donors like you, we have been at the forefront of innovation and invention for researchers, medical professionals, and the TS community for over 40 years—and yet there is still so much to discover, explore, and implement.

Please make a contribution today to further our journey toward discovery.

This year, our progress and impact have been more exciting than ever, as you’ll see in the enclosed TAA 2016 Research Progress Report. This report shows that we are in the midst of encouraging new developments. That’s why our sights are set on supporting a broad spectrum of promising scientific and clinical research studies aimed at developing a better understanding of and treatment options for TS. With your continued support, the TAA is poised to facilitate clinical studies that improve the accuracy and timeliness of obtaining a TS diagnosis; foster development of surgical approaches (e.g. Deep Brain Stimulation) to treating severe TS; and support studies to investigate more closely the genetic and environmental causes of and determine the specific brain areas and nerve cells that are affected in Tourette.

The impact of the contributions from donors like you cannot be overstated. Investments in the TAA have enabled us to lead the way to new treatments in both the pharmaceutical and behavioral therapy realms. Just recently, the TAA spearheaded major neuroimaging studies that have identified specific brain areas that are involved in the production of motor tics and coprolalia. We are excited to harness this information to help guide the development of new, safe, and effective medications. On the behavioral therapy front, we are looking to build a legion of certified providers for Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics or CBIT—an effective non-medication therapy that was developed with TAA innovation and that has now become a first-line therapy for many people.
As you can see, the investments made in the Tourette Association over the years have resulted in significant and tangible findings and therapies. We believe the future holds even more promise; but we can’t do it alone. Please help the Tourette Association of America keep innovation alive for the Tourette community. Donate to the TAA’s Research and Medical Programs today at tourette.org/research-gift.