Dr. Mandar Jog, Scientist at London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI), is a man of many talents – a world-renowned scientist, respected physician, talented musician, and a proud father and husband. With a life story marked by growth, resilience and a passion for discovery, Dr. Jog, who is also a Neurologist at London Health Science Centre (LHSC) is making significant contributions to the field of neuroscience while enjoying life by pursuing many passions.
Perhaps it’s Dr. Jog’s life experiences that led him to research Parkinson’s disease, but what he discovered went beyond that. He made a breakthrough that could help the estimated 8.5 million people worldwide affected by this debilitating disease.
The early years
Born in India, Dr. Jog grew up in a military family. His father was in the Indian Air Force. In his early years, he followed similar footsteps as a cadet and even excelled as a champion boxer.
When Dr. Jog was 17, his family decided to move to Ontario, Canada to start a new life. While his parents were qualified, times were hard, Dr. Jog explained. He moved out of his family home at the age of 18 and started his studies in science, physics and medicine at Memorial University.
It’s these early experiences that taught Dr. Jog discipline and the value of hard work, something Dr. Jog showcases when pursuing cures for various neurodegenerative diseases.
A unique perspective on research
Dr. Jog’s perspective on research was influenced by a transformative moment in his academic journey.
“One of my greatest memories, occurred in my physics class,” explains Dr. Jog. “My professor picked up the chalk and asked – what do we want to learn today?”
This way of thinking has stayed with Dr. Jog. His research is approached with the same lens.
“I often ask my research team, what do we want to learn today? There’s a never-ending search because once you uncover something, there is another area to explore,” he adds.
This endless search is what drove Dr. Jog to a career in research. “It’s a sense of discovery that’s an innate trait. So, whether that’s conducting neuroscience research or simply trying to find out what fertilizer to put in my rose garden for them to grow better – it’s a way of life. It’s a way of thinking,” Dr. Jog explains.
Innovating in neuroscience: A groundbreaking discovery in Parkinson’s disease
Dr. Jog went on to specialize in neurodegenerative diseases as both a physician and a researcher. In 2019, he drove forward a world-first that is dramatically improving the lives of patients with Parkinson’s disease. These patients often experience ‘freezing’ where they abruptly stop walking, unable to move their legs despite the intention to do so. This is a disabling symptom that severely limits mobility and increases the risk of falling.
“We explored the idea that the issue might not lie with the motor signals being sent from the brain to the legs, but rather with the feedback loop from the legs back to the brain,” explains Dr. Jog. “We hypothesized that stimulating the spinal cord could amplify this sensory input and help wake up the brain’s ability to coordinate movement.”
Along with his neurosurgical colleague Dr. Andrew Parrent, Dr. Jog conducted pilot studies where electrodes were placed on the spinal cord to stimulate the sensory feedback loop. The results were revolutionary. Not only did the stimulation help patients with Parkinson’s disease overcome freezing, but the effects were long-lasting—even after the implant was turned off. The feedback loop from the legs to the brain was reactivated, allowing patients to walk more freely and with greater confidence.
The discovery was so impactful that it attracted worldwide attention. BBC News featured Dr. Jog’s work, and the research was broadcast across multiple countries. The success of the spinal cord stimulation method sparked a wave of interest, leading to similar research being conducted by teams across the world.
And this is just one example of how Dr. Jog and his team are transforming care through research. They have published more than 360 research papers and presented more than 300 national and international presentations to the medical community on neurodegenerative diseases.
In addition to studying gait (the manner of walking) in Parkinson’s disease, they are also pioneering technology to help treat and assess movement disorders, understand how the brain processes information, and much more.
Dr. Jog participates in many national and international clinical trials for new treatments for movement disorders like tremors. He, along with his team, developed a non-invasive TremorTek sensor technology which analyzes biological changes that occur when a patient experiences tremors. This technology allows Dr. Jog to get accurate readings and then use injections to help reduce tremors in as few as seven to 10 days.
Working at LHSC allows him to engage with patients who are interested in participating in cutting-edge research.
“We’ve had many patients who have regained the quality of life they once enjoyed, including hobbies, physical activities, and even returning to work. The results are truly incredible,” says Dr. Jog.
Dr. Jog also runs a large clinical practice and leads many Master’s, PhD, and post-doctoral research and clinical fellows – educating and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
Life outside of the clinic
When Dr. Jog is not in his clinic or lab helping patients, he spends his time enjoying a number of hobbies. From growing soybeans on his commercial farm to singing at concerts across Ontario and teaching music, Dr. Jog pursues his passions with the same dedication and innovation that he applies to his science.
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