Imaging of brain structures that deteriorate in Parkinson's

 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/11/121126164306.htm

Researchers at MIT recently discovered a new imaging technique that allows them to monitor the progression of Parkinson’s in living patients affected by the disease.  Current theories state that the first degenerative signs of Parkinson’s disease can be seen in the substantia nigra, a structure that is fairly deep in the brain.  Its location has caused the failure of previous attempts to monitor Parkinson’s through brain scans.  Researchers at MIT used four different types of magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, scans to show the progression of the disease throughout the brain.  Each type of MRI uses a different magnetic field and when combined the various images show an image of the patient’s brain structure.  The scans produced by the new imaging technique support previous theories on the progression of Parkinson’s disease.   

            This research is extremely important because until now doctors have not been able to see if treatments actually slow the brain deterioration experienced by their patients, only if treatments lessen symptoms.  Being able to actually see the degeneration of the brain allows doctors and researches to more closely evaluate the effectiveness of drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease and could avoid unhelpful or even potentially harmful treatments.  This knowledge could potentially help the millions of people around the world currently suffering from Parkinson’s disease.