#China #Beijing #Parkinson's Research #Galaxy Brain Scientific #Hesheng Liu

Revolutionizing Parkinson's Disease Understanding

In a significant advancement for Parkinson's disease (PD) research, a team from Galaxy Brain Scientific, under the leadership of Prof. Hesheng Liu, has made groundbreaking discoveries that challenge established perceptions of the disease. Published in Nature, this pivotal study sheds light on the core functional circuits linked to Parkinson's, aiming to transform treatment strategies.

The Scope of the Challenge

Parkinson's disease currently affects more than 13 million individuals across the globe, making effective treatment a pressing clinical concern. Traditional therapies range from long-term medication to invasive procedures such as deep brain stimulation, yet many patients face diminishing results or surgical risks. This longstanding illness was historically viewed as primarily a movement disorder caused by basal ganglia dysfunction. However, this latest research postulates a different narrative, identifying broader network dysfunctions at play in PD.

Key Findings of the Study

The researchers embarked on this multi-institutional investigation, collaborating with esteemed universities like Washington University in St. Louis, Tsinghua University, Peking University, and Harvard University. Their exploration involved analyzing precision functional neuroimaging data drawn from over 800 participants.

A critical outcome of their work pinpointed severe dysfunction within the somato-cognitive action network (SCAN), crucial for action planning and execution, as a defining characteristic of Parkinson's disease. Notably, patients with PD exhibited unusually high functional connectivity within this network, linking it to deeper brain transmits, a phenomenon not witnessed in other movement disorders like essential tremor.

Prof. Liu explained, "Our work indicates the disease emanates from a much broader network dysfunction. The SCAN in PD is hyperconnected to significant subcortical regions, which hinders both movement and related cognitive functions."

Furthermore, the research identified that existing effective PD treatments share a unifying mechanism: they reduce this abnormal connectivity between the SCAN and the deep brain regions, leading to an overall normalization of the circuit. Co-author Dr. Nico U. Dosenbach emphasized, "This shifts our understanding of Parkinson's to a SCAN disorder. By directly targeting this network with tailored precision, we have the potential to treat the disease more effectively—looking to slow or even reverse its progression rather than merely alleviating its symptoms."

Innovative Technology Behind the Study

Central to these findings is Galaxy Brain Scientific's innovative personalized Brain Functional Sectors (pBFS) technology, enabling highly precise neural circuit stimulation. Their NMPA-approved software and hardware systems provide individualized precision targeting with non-invasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at an accuracy of a few millimeters.

With this technological framework, Galaxy Brain Scientific is poised to implement these insights into practical treatment options, having initiated a significant registration trial for Class III devices aimed at treating Parkinson's disease effectively. The company is also exploring the potential of applying its pioneering methods to other complex neurological disorders, including autism and Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusion

The research conducted by the Galaxy Brain Scientific team marks a paradigm shift in the understanding and treatment of Parkinson's disease. By redefining the biological mechanisms involved and showcasing innovative therapeutic approaches, this work presents new hope for millions living with PD, opening doors to more effective treatment options that prioritize personalized care and outcomes.