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Identification of Brain Reorganizations in Advanced Stages of Parkinson’s Disease to Unlock New Neuromodulation Designs

Puente Díaz, H. (2024) Identification of Brain Reorganizations in Advanced Stages of Parkinson’s Disease to Unlock New Neuromodulation Designs.

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Abstract:Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s, marked by dopaminergic neuron loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta. This leads to dopamine deficiency in the basal ganglia, causing motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, rigidity, tremors, and gait disturbances. Among motor symptoms, gait and balance impairments significantly reduce mobility and quality of life, increasing fall risks as PD progresses. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an established treatment for motor symptoms in moderate-to-severe PD. While it improves gait parameters, it does not significantly enhance postural control. This thesis evaluates STN-DBS effects on gait and balance in PD using two preclinical models: the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model, widely used but limited in replicating human PD features, and the novel Mitochondrial Complex I (MCI) model, which better mimics bilateral motor impairments. Behavioral tests showed improved locomotion in the Open Field Test under STN-DBS but worsened balance in the beam test. Neuronal activity analysis via cFOS expression revealed no significant changes across brain regions, despite behavioral improvements.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:TNW: Science and Technology
Subject:42 biology, 44 medicine, 50 technical science in general
Programme:Biomedical Engineering MSc (66226)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/104790
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