Understanding Brain Connections in Parkinson's Disease
Connectome of Motor Corticofugal Neurons in Parkinsonian Monkeys
This research explores how brain connections change in Parkinson's disease to better understand movement difficulties.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174570 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains have complex networks that control movement, and in Parkinson's disease, these networks are disrupted. This project looks closely at the motor control areas of the brain to see how nerve cells and their connections are affected. By studying these changes, we hope to uncover why movement problems occur and how they might be addressed. The goal is to map out these altered connections, which could lead to new ways to help people with Parkinson's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research uses animal models to understand Parkinson's disease, so it is not directly recruiting human participants at this stage.
Not a fit: Patients not living with Parkinson's disease or related movement disorders would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide a deeper understanding of the brain changes in Parkinson's disease, potentially leading to new targets for treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary evidence and existing literature suggest that brain changes in Parkinson's disease are complex, and this project builds upon those findings with a novel focus on specific neural connections.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Yoland — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Smith, Yoland
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.