Using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), researchers from the University at Buffalo have discovered new findings on the very early development of Parkinson’s disease.
The researchers were able to identify regions of the brain linked to Parkinson’s disease by looking at images of the brain’s white and grey matter.
Results of the study showed that white matter hyperintensities – diseased areas of the white matter often seen in elderly brain MRI scans – were notably linked to lower scores on the mini-mental state examinations (MMSE).
Lead author of the report Dr Turi O Dalaker said: "The relationship between higher white matter hyperintensities and lower MMSE scores in Parkinson’s disease provide a possible explanation for cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s."
The team’s analysis also found that patients with Parkinson’s disease who demonstrated mild cognitive impairment appeared to have reduced grey matter in the region of the brain associated with cognitive performance.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease tend to be subtle and gradual and normally affect adults over the age of 50.
