A newly identified brain network is offering a fresh perspective on Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder affecting millions worldwide. Researchers have discovered that dysfunction within this network, known as the somato-cognitive action network (SCAN), appears to be a core driver of the disease’s diverse and debilitating symptoms, ranging from tremors and movement difficulties to sleep disturbances and cognitive decline. This finding, published in the journal Nature, could pave the way for more targeted and effective treatments.
Parkinson’s disease impacts over 1 million people in the United States and more than 10 million globally, according to recent estimates. Whereas current treatments, including medication and deep brain stimulation (DBS), can manage symptoms, they don’t halt the disease’s progression. This new research suggests a shift in understanding Parkinson’s – not simply as a movement disorder, but as a disorder rooted in broader brain network dysfunction.
The Role of the SCAN Network
The SCAN network, first described in 2023, links the mind and body, translating thoughts into actions and processing feedback. Researchers found that in individuals with Parkinson’s, this network exhibits hyperconnectivity with the subcortex, the part of the brain responsible for emotion, memory, and motor control. This abnormal wiring disrupts not only movement but also cognitive and other bodily functions, explaining the wide range of symptoms experienced by patients. “For decades, Parkinson’s has been primarily associated with motor deficits and the basal ganglia,” explains Hesheng Liu, the study’s senior author. “Our work shows that the disease is rooted in a much broader network dysfunction.”
The study, led by China’s Changping Laboratory in collaboration with Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, involved analyzing brain imaging data from over 800 participants, including those with Parkinson’s undergoing various treatments – DBS, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), focused ultrasound stimulation, and medication – as well as healthy individuals and those with other movement disorders. This comprehensive analysis revealed a consistent pattern of hyperconnectivity within the SCAN network in Parkinson’s patients.
Promising Results with Non-Invasive Stimulation
Researchers tested a noninvasive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), specifically targeted to the SCAN network. In a clinical trial, 18 patients receiving SCAN-targeted TMS showed a 56% response rate after two weeks, a 2.5-fold increase in efficacy compared to a control group receiving stimulation at adjacent brain areas (22% response rate). This suggests that precisely targeting the SCAN network can significantly improve symptoms.
“This work demonstrates that Parkinson’s is a SCAN disorder, and the data strongly suggest that if you target the SCAN in a personalized, precise manner you can treat Parkinson’s more successfully than was previously possible,” says Nico U. Dosenbach, a professor of neurology at WashU Medicine and co-author of the study. He added that modulating activity within the SCAN could potentially slow or even reverse the disease’s progression, rather than simply managing symptoms.
Future Directions and Potential Treatments
Dosenbach is already planning further clinical trials through Turing Medical, a Washington University startup he co-founded. These trials will explore a noninvasive treatment using surface electrode strips to address gait dysfunction in Parkinson’s patients. Researchers are also investigating the potential of low-intensity focused ultrasound to modulate the SCAN network. “With noninvasive treatments, we could start treating with neuromodulation much earlier than is currently done with DBS,” Dosenbach notes, as these methods don’t require brain surgery.
The discovery of the SCAN network’s role in Parkinson’s disease represents a significant step forward in understanding and treating this complex condition. While further research is needed, the findings offer hope for more effective, personalized therapies that could improve the lives of millions affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about medical research and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
What are your thoughts on this new research? Share your comments below, and please share this article with anyone who might find it helpful.
