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Updated: May 29, 2026
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Dynamic Digital Biomarkers of Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: July 24, 2019
Imaging biomarkers in Parkinson's disease
David J Brooks1, Nicola Pavese
1Centre for Neuroscience, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK. davidjbrooks@sky.com
Progress in Neurobiology
|September 8, 2011
Summary
Parkinson's disease imaging reveals structural and functional brain changes. Advanced imaging techniques aid in diagnosing and managing parkinsonian syndromes by detecting neuronal dysfunction and degeneration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiology
- Neurology
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) involves progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and Lewy bodies.
- Motor symptoms arise from dopaminergic neuron loss, while non-motor symptoms stem from broader neurotransmitter system impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of structural and functional imaging in understanding parkinsonian syndromes.
- To highlight how imaging aids in the diagnosis and management of PD.
Main Methods:
- Utilizes transcranial sonography (TCS) and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) for structural abnormalities.
- Employs positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to assess dopamine terminal, monoaminergic, and cholinergic neuron function.
- FDG PET is used to detect abnormal brain metabolism and microglial activation in advanced PD.
Main Results:
- Structural imaging (TCS, DTI) can visualize midbrain abnormalities.
- Functional imaging (PET, SPECT) quantifies dopamine terminal dysfunction and assesses other neurotransmitter systems.
- Advanced PET techniques detect metabolic changes and neuroinflammation in PD.
Conclusions:
- Structural and functional imaging are crucial for understanding parkinsonian syndromes.
- Imaging modalities assist in the diagnosis and management of PD.
- These techniques provide insights into both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD.
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