Skip to main content

How the Neural network circuits works in Parkinson's Disease?

 


In Parkinson's disease, the neural network circuits involved in motor control are disrupted, leading to characteristic motor symptoms such as tremor, bradykinesia, and rigidity. The primary brain regions affected in Parkinson's disease include the basal ganglia and the cortex. Here is an overview of how neural network circuits work in Parkinson's disease:

1.     Basal Ganglia Dysfunction: The basal ganglia are a group of subcortical nuclei involved in motor control. In Parkinson's disease, there is a loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to decreased dopamine levels in the basal ganglia. This dopamine depletion results in abnormal signaling within the basal ganglia circuitry, leading to motor symptoms.

2.     Cortical Involvement: The cortex, particularly the motor cortex, plays a crucial role in initiating and coordinating voluntary movements. In Parkinson's disease, abnormal activity in the cortex, especially in the beta and gamma frequency bands, is observed and is associated with motor symptoms.

3.     Disrupted Neural Circuits: The communication between the basal ganglia, cortex, and other brain regions is disrupted in Parkinson's disease. This disruption leads to difficulties in initiating and controlling movements, resulting in the characteristic motor symptoms of the disease.

4.     Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Deep brain stimulation is a therapeutic approach that involves the implantation of electrodes in specific brain regions, such as the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or globus pallidus, to modulate neural activity and alleviate motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. DBS works by delivering electrical impulses to targeted brain regions to normalize neural activity and improve motor function.

5.     Research Advances: Recent research has focused on decoding neural activity patterns associated with specific motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. By understanding the neurophysiological fingerprints of tremor and bradykinesia, researchers aim to develop more targeted and personalized treatment strategies, such as closed-loop DBS paradigms that can adapt stimulation parameters based on real-time neural signals.

By studying the neural network circuits involved in Parkinson's disease and developing innovative treatment approaches, researchers aim to improve the management of motor symptoms and enhance the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson's disease.

 

Lauro, P. M., Lee, S., Amaya, D. E., Liu, D. D., Akbar, U., & Asaad, W. F. (2023). Concurrent decoding of distinct neurophysiological fingerprints of tremor and bradykinesia in Parkinson’s disease. eLife, 12, e84135. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.84135

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

How can EEG findings help in diagnosing neurological disorders?

EEG findings play a crucial role in diagnosing various neurological disorders by providing valuable information about the brain's electrical activity. Here are some ways EEG findings can aid in the diagnosis of neurological disorders: 1. Epilepsy Diagnosis : EEG is considered the gold standard for diagnosing epilepsy. It can detect abnormal electrical discharges in the brain that are characteristic of seizures. The presence of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) on EEG can support the diagnosis of epilepsy. Additionally, EEG can help classify seizure types, localize seizure onset zones, guide treatment decisions, and assess response to therapy. 2. Status Epilepticus (SE) Detection : EEG is essential in diagnosing status epilepticus, especially nonconvulsive SE, where clinical signs may be subtle or absent. Continuous EEG monitoring can detect ongoing seizure activity in patients with altered mental status, helping differentiate nonconvulsive SE from other conditions. 3. Encep...

Research Methods

Research methods refer to the specific techniques, procedures, and tools that researchers use to collect, analyze, and interpret data in a systematic and organized manner. The choice of research methods depends on the research questions, objectives, and the nature of the study. Here are some common research methods used in social sciences, business, and other fields: 1.      Quantitative Research Methods : §   Surveys : Surveys involve collecting data from a sample of individuals through questionnaires or interviews to gather information about attitudes, behaviors, preferences, or demographics. §   Experiments : Experiments involve manipulating variables in a controlled setting to test causal relationships and determine the effects of interventions or treatments. §   Observational Studies : Observational studies involve observing and recording behaviors, interactions, or phenomena in natural settings without intervention. §   Secondary Data Analys...

Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC)

The Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) is a region of the brain located in the frontal lobe, specifically in the lateral and upper parts of the prefrontal cortex. Here is an overview of the DLPFC and its functions: 1.       Anatomy : o    Location : The DLPFC is situated in the frontal lobes of the brain, bilaterally on the sides of the forehead. It is part of the prefrontal cortex, which plays a crucial role in higher cognitive functions and executive control. o    Connections : The DLPFC is extensively connected to other brain regions, including the parietal cortex, temporal cortex, limbic system, and subcortical structures. These connections enable the DLPFC to integrate information from various brain regions and regulate cognitive processes. 2.      Functions : o    Executive Functions : The DLPFC is involved in executive functions such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, planning, decision-making, ...

Research Report Making

Creating a research report is a crucial step in the research process as it involves documenting and communicating the research findings, methodology, analysis, and conclusions to a wider audience. Here is an overview of the key components and steps involved in making a research report: Title Page : Includes the title of the research report, the names of the authors, their affiliations, the date of publication, and any other relevant information. Abstract : Provides a concise summary of the research study, including the research objectives, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. It gives readers a quick overview of the research without having to read the entire report. Table of Contents : Lists the sections, subsections, and page numbers of the report for easy navigation and reference. Introduction : Introduces the research topic, objectives, research questions, and the significance of the study. It sets th...

Epileptiform Abnormalities

Epileptiform abnormalities on EEG are distinctive waveforms that are commonly associated with epilepsy and indicate a heightened predisposition for seizures. Understanding these patterns is crucial for diagnosing and managing epilepsy and related conditions. Here is a detailed overview of epileptiform abnormalities on EEG: 1.       Interictal Epileptiform Discharges (IEDs) : o     IEDs are abnormal electrical discharges seen between seizures and are a hallmark of epilepsy. These discharges can manifest as spikes, sharp waves, or spike-and-wave complexes on EEG recordings. o     The presence of IEDs on EEG is clinically significant and supports the diagnosis of epilepsy. The detection and characterization of IEDs can help classify seizure types, localize epileptic foci, and guide treatment decisions. 2.      Variability and Morphology : o     There can be significant variability in the morphology of...