A groundbreaking study has revealed a potential source of Parkinson’s disease, shedding light on new avenues for targeting the roots of certain brain disorders. Parkinson’s, which affects the nervous system and parts of the body controlled by nerves, may soon face more precise treatment options thanks to researchers at Mass General Brigham’s renowned research center.
Published in the journal Nature Neuroscience on February 22nd, the study identifies a functional brain malfunction responsible for four cognitive disorders: Parkinson’s disease, muscle tension disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Tourette syndrome. This discovery could aid doctors in identifying new treatments for these disorders.
One of the study’s 39 authors, speaking to Fox News Digital, elaborated on the findings, stating, “Based on current results, we can better understand why deep brain stimulation of a small subcortical structure helps patients with various disorders.”
Each disorder, the doctor explained, has a different “dysfunctional” brain network identified, leading to its respective condition. Identifying these “faulty” networks could enhance understanding of the four disorders and improve neurological adjustments to alleviate symptoms.
However, researchers caution that the study is limited and represents just the initial step in a lengthy process. They emphasize the need for future experiments to confirm the primary results, which are the gold standard for accumulating evidence in science and medicine.
The study involved 261 patients worldwide, including 70 with muscle tension disorder, 127 with Parkinson’s disease, 50 with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and 14 with Tourette syndrome. Researchers implanted electrodes in each participant’s brains and used specialized software to identify the brain circuits affected in each of the four disorders.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and nerve-controlled body parts. Symptoms develop slowly, often starting with barely noticeable tremors in one hand. Alongside tremors, common symptoms include stiffness and slowed movement, according to the Mayo Clinic.
The cause of Parkinson’s disease remains unknown, and there are no proven ways to prevent it. However, some research suggests that regular aerobic exercise may reduce the risk of developing the disease.
