New hypotheses on the origin of Parkinson's disease

Guglielmo Foffani

HM CINAC, Fundación Investigación HM Hospitales, España

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative pathology, characterised by the death of brain cells in the substantia nigra. This produces manifestations of motor slowdown, muscular stiffness and tremors. However, the cause of the neurodegeneration process remains as yet unknown.

The most widespread hypothesis suggests that the disease spreads from the peripheral nervous system to the brain, passing through the substantia nigra and extending, in advanced stages, to the cerebral cortex. But this is not the only theory.

This project sets out to test a new hypothesis, developed by the authors, which proposes that the cerebral cortex itself may push the neurons to the substantia nigra and to their death, which would explain the focal origin of the disease.

A cortical pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (CORPARK)

500.000 €