Dysfunction of Motor Cortices in Parkinson’s disease

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Published July 26, 2024

The cerebral cortex has long been thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The impaired cortical function is believed to be a direct and immediate effect of pathologically patterned basal ganglia output, mediated to the cerebral cortex by way of the ventral motor thalamus. However, recent studies in humans with PD and in animal models of the disease have provided strong evidence suggesting that the involvement of the cerebral cortex is much broader than merely serving as a passive conduit for subcortical disturbances. In the present review, we discuss PD-related changes in frontal cortical motor regions, focusing on neuropathology, plasticity, changes in neurotransmission, and altered network interactions. We will also examine recent studies exploring the cortical circuits as potential targets for neuromodulation to treat PD.
Identifier (DOI)
10.1093/cercor/bhae294
Tags
  • Basal Ganglia
  • Dopamine
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Pathophysiology
  • Review

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