中国团队领衔研究：靶向新发现的大脑网络或改善帕金森病治疗

Core Insights - A newly discovered brain network, the "Somatic-Cognitive Action Network" (SCAN), may play a significant role in improving treatments for Parkinson's disease, according to a study published in the journal Nature [1][4]. Research Findings - The research, led by a Chinese team, indicates that targeting the SCAN could potentially double the effectiveness of existing Parkinson's therapies compared to targeting other motor brain areas [1][4]. - The study analyzed brain data from 863 Parkinson's patients who underwent various known therapies, such as deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation [4]. - It was found that the connection strength between common brain areas associated with Parkinson's and the SCAN was higher than that with specific motor-related brain areas [4]. Implications for Treatment - The findings suggest that changes in the SCAN may represent a core pathophysiological mechanism of Parkinson's disease, guiding future treatment strategies and brain-based therapies [5]. - Current therapies that improve symptoms, such as deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, were shown to reduce the hyperconnectivity of the SCAN, bringing it closer to levels observed in healthy subjects [4].