Study of Brain Volumes in Parkinson's Patients with DBS vs. Control

| Posted in: Science Health Sciences

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Detailed Anatomical Volumetric Study of Deep Nuclei of Brain and Other Structures Between Parkinson’s Disease Patients Who Had Deep Brain Stimulation and Control Group
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Chin Hwee Goh, Johari Yap Abdullah, Zamzuri Idris, Abdul Rahman Izaini Ghani, Jafri Malin Abdullah, Albert Sii Hieng Wong, John Tharakan, Salmah Mar Win


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Detailed Anatomical Volumetric Study of Deep Nuclei of Brain and Other Structures Between Parkinson’s Disease Patients Who Had Deep Brain Stimulation and Control Group

Year: 2020 | Doi: 10.21315/mjms2020.27.3.6

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity, and postural instability. The disease affects a significant portion of the population, especially individuals over 40 years of age. Despite its prevalence, diagnosis remains primarily clinical, as there are no definitive laboratory tests. Recent advancements in imaging techniques, particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have allowed researchers to better understand the morphological changes associated with the disease, particularly in brain structures affected in advanced stages of PD.

Volume Discrepancy in Deep Brain Structures

One of the key findings of the study is the significant volume reduction observed in various deep brain nuclei among patients with advanced idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) who have undergone deep brain stimulation (DBS). Specifically, structures such as the globus pallidus and caudate nucleus demonstrated considerable volume discrepancies when compared to matched control subjects. Interestingly, despite these morphological changes, none of the DBS-IPD patients exhibited cognitive or psychological disturbances, suggesting that volumetric alterations may not directly correspond to clinical symptoms in such advanced cases. This highlights the complexity of neuronal pathways involved in PD, indicating that atrophy may precede the manifestation of cognitive deficits.

Conclusion

The study underscores the intricate relationship between anatomical changes in brain structures and clinical presentations in Parkinson's disease. The observed volumetric reductions, particularly in deep nuclei, suggest early degenerative mechanisms at play that may not immediately reflect in cognitive or behavioral symptoms. Consequently, understanding these morphometric changes provides critical insights into the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease and emphasizes the importance of early volumetric assessments in potentially predicting disease progression. Such findings may pave the way for more targeted therapeutic approaches in managing advanced Parkinson’s disease.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is deep brain stimulation (DBS) and its purpose?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure used to treat advanced medically refractory idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) by delivering electrical impulses to specific brain regions, aiming to alleviate motor symptoms and improve patients' quality of life.

What was the objective of the study on DBS-IPD patients?

The study aimed to define the degree of brain volume discrepancy in advanced IPD patients and correlate these anatomical volumetric changes with motor symptoms and cognitive functions to understand underlying neurodegenerative mechanisms.

What methods were used for volumetric analysis in the study?

The study utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based volumetry, comparing deep brain nuclei and structures of DBS-IPD patients with matched control subjects, using validated software for analyzing volumes correctly.

What were the significant findings regarding deep nuclei atrophy?

The DBS-IPD group exhibited significant atrophy and volume discrepancies in deep brain nuclei, particularly the globus pallidus and caudate head, correlating positively with higher mental functions, despite showing no cognitive disturbances.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study of Brain Volumes in Parkinson's Patients with DBS vs. Control”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Disease:
Disease refers to a pathological condition that affects the body or mind, typically characterized by specific symptoms and signs. In the context of Parkinson's disease (PD) discussed in the text, it highlights the chronic progressive neurodegenerative aspects, emphasizing the importance of understanding its impact on brain structure and function over time.

2) Table:
Table is a structured arrangement of data, often used to present information clearly and concisely. In the context of the study, tables summarize demographic data, morphological measurements, and statistical analyses, facilitating comparisons between different groups, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) patients and their controls regarding various brain structures.

3) Study (Studying):
Studying refers to the act of engaging in learning or investigating a subject systematically. In the article, studying the volumetric changes in advanced Parkinson’s disease patients allows researchers to understand broader implications for disease progression and brain structure function, highlighting the importance of continued research in this area.

4) Male:
Male refers to the male gender, typically associated with specific biological and physiological characteristics. Within the research context, demographic information identifies the gender distribution of participants in the DBS-IPD group, providing insight into any potential gender biases or distinctions in disease presentation and response to treatments for Parkinson's disease.

5) Rules:
Rules generally refer to principles or guidelines that govern behavior or processes. In a scientific context, rules can pertain to statistical analysis methodologies, study design, or ethical considerations in human research, ensuring robust, reproducible findings that guide understanding of complex phenomena like Parkinson's disease and its volumetric changes.

6) Surface:
Surface relates to the outer layer or boundary of an object or area. In neuroscience, analyzing the surface morphology of the brain structures can reveal insights into neurodegenerative conditions like PD. Variations in surface area or shape may reflect underlying structural changes connected to cognitive and functional impairments in patients.

7) Field:
Field refers to a specific area of study within a broader discipline. In the text, neuroscience is highlighted as a field essential for understanding the complexities of brain morphology and function concerning diseases like Parkinson's. Research within this field contributes to developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

8) Burning (Burn, Burned, Burnt):
Burn may refer to a form of tissue injury typically caused by heat, chemicals, or radiation. Although not directly relevant to the core subject matter, it could metaphorically denote intense research efforts or passionate investigation into the ramifications of neurodegenerative diseases on brain structures and overall health outcomes in affected populations.

9) Post:
Post relates to subsequent events or conditions following an occurrence. In the medical research context, it can refer to post-operative assessments or evaluations following deep brain stimulation procedures on Parkinson's disease patients. Understanding post-surgical outcomes is crucial for evaluating the efficacy of treatments and guiding future therapeutic approaches.

10) Shaka (Saka):
Saga refers to a long, narrative account of events or experiences. In academia, narratives like the ‘saga’ of Parkinson’s disease could highlight the collective knowledge gained over years of research. This emphasizes the ongoing journey of understanding the pathology, patient experiences, and advancements in treatment options aimed at improving quality of life.

11) Observation:
Observation is a crucial methodology in clinical research that involves monitoring and recording phenomena as they occur. Within the discussed study, observation allows researchers to gather empirical data about changes in brain structure due to Parkinson’s disease and its correlation with clinical symptoms, thereby contributing to medical knowledge.

12) Discussion:
Discussion refers to a critical examination and interpretation of research findings. In the context of the study, the discussion section synthesizes results regarding brain volumetric changes in patients, drawing correlations to cognitive functions and previous literature, providing a platform for comparing findings and suggesting directions for future research.

13) Science (Scientific):
Scientific pertains to systematic knowledge acquired through observation and experimentation. The text underscores the significance of scientific rigor in examining brain morphology using MRI techniques, highlighting the role of empirical evidence in establishing a greater understanding of neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and informing clinical practices.

14) Education:
Education refers to the process of acquiring knowledge through instruction. In the medical field, education is vital for both healthcare professionals and patients. The text suggests the importance of educating those affected by Parkinson’s disease about their condition, potential treatment outcomes, and the significance of research in improving patient care.

15) Affection:
Affection denotes a feeling of fondness or attachment. In neuroscience, affection may relate to emotional responses and the role of brain structures involved in processing these emotions. Understanding the implications of Parkinson's disease on emotional regulation can enhance strategies for managing psychological aspects of patient care.

16) Medicine:
Medicine is a field dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. The text discusses advances in neuroscience and the application of medical technologies like MRI in studying brain changes related to Parkinson's disease, emphasizing the interdisciplinary approaches vital for improving health outcomes in patients.

17) Relative:
Relative typically describes something as being connected or compared, either related to the context or in terms of proportion. In the research context, relative comparisons between the volume of brain structures in Parkinson's patients and control groups highlight significant discrepancies, aiding in understanding disease effects on the brain.

18) Indian:
Indian refers to individuals from India or the Indian subcontinent and may pertain to demographic aspects in research. In the study, if participants identified as Indian, this can provide insight into geographical variations in disease prevalence and characteristics, potentially influencing treatment approaches and healthcare strategies.

19) Guru:
Guru denotes a teacher or someone with extensive knowledge in a particular field. In this text, referencing a ‘guru’ could imply the availability of expert guidance in the treatment and understanding of Parkinson's disease. Such expertise is vital in navigating the complexities of patient management and treatment advancements.

20) Miṇi (Mini):
Mini refers to something that is smaller or reduced in size. While not explicitly emphasized in the text, ‘mini’ could imply miniaturized approaches in methodologies or techniques, such as using smaller MRI machines for specific assessments, or miniaturizing interventions in treatment, potentially making them more accessible.

21) Sign:
Sign denotes an indication or evidence of something. In the context of disease, signs refer to objective findings attributable to a disease condition. The research aims to identify significant signs of brain volumetric change that could indicate early manifestations of clinical symptoms in Parkinson’s disease, enhancing early diagnosis and intervention.

Other Health Sciences Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Study of Brain Volumes in Parkinson's Patients with DBS vs. Control’. Further sources in the context of Health Sciences might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Mental Function, Age, Philosophical reasoning, Cognitive function, Early stage, Medication, Clinical diagnosis, Hippocampus, Motor symptoms, Disease progression, Parkinson's disease, Rigidity, Neurodegenerative disorder, Bradykinesia, Clinical manifestation, Surgical Procedure, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, PubMed, Google Scholar, Magnetic resonance imaging, Movement Disorder, Deep brain stimulation, Neuroimaging techniques, Postural instability, Basal ganglia, Mental state examination, Retrospective Observational Study, Psychiatric disorder, Hoehn and Yahr Scale, Functional Deficits, Clinical severity, Severity, Caudate nucleus, First-Episode Schizophrenia, Statistical significant, Neurodegenerative effect, Disease state, Brain structures, Parkinson disease, Neuroimaging, Resting tremor, Morphologic changes, Volume reduction, Brain atrophy, Higher mental function, Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine, Morphometric changes, Diffusion tensor imaging, Thalamus, Parkinson plus syndrome, Putamen, Amygdala, Neural pathway, Atrophy, Cohort, Motor score, CrossRef, Brain plasticity, Early changes, J Neurol Sci, Brain structure, James Parkinson, Brain morphology, Nigrostriatal pathway, Shape analysis.

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