Neuroimaging Study Group in Movement Disorders

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Chair: Antonio P. Strafella	Vice Chair: Oury Monchi

MDS Staff Liaison: Finoula Harrington​​​​​​​

About the Neuroimaging Study Group

Advances in neuroimaging techniques have significantly improved our ability to evaluate basal ganglia functions, to understand the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and related movement disorders, to diagnose parkinsonian syndromes and monitor disease progression.  Different imaging techniques like positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transcranial sonography, have been used both in patient and animal models to investigate neuropathological mechanisms and/or compensatory changes underlying symptoms (i.e. motor and non-motor), treatment-related complications (e.g. impulse control disorders), and to monitor progression.

The overall objective of this MDS study group proposal is to bring together clinical and preclinical experts from different neuroimaging research backgrounds who are engaged in investigations relevant to human brain organization applied to movement disorders. Discussion will center on current knowledge of advanced, cutting-edge imaging techniques and their actions at the molecular and network/system level, both in patients and animal models. One aim of this study group is to apply a “bench-to-bedside” translational approach with a focus on various imaging techniques (e.g. molecular PET imaging, high-field MRI). These discussions will foster new international collaborations and study proposals centered on clinical, preclinical, and translational approaches to develop innovative initiatives of neuroimaging research for movement disorders. 

Mission and Objectives

• To work on the current understanding of different molecular PET imaging techniques (receptor abnormalities, protein deposition, neuroinflammation, etc.) and their clinical relevance to movement disorders
• To update about high-field MRI techniques and various new imaging analysis (e.g. graph-theory modality) for anatomical and functional connectivity exploring the dynamic interaction between pathological processes and functional organization of the human brain in movement disorders
• To provide an update on the current status of animal imaging for PET and high-field MRI 
• To facilitate and promote cross-collaboration among experts from these various fields with the objective of expanding understanding and knowledge boundaries and raising important questions on general feasibility and clinical applicability of new technologies
• To discuss potential multidisciplinary initiatives for new cutting-edge neuroimaging studies focusing on Parkinson's disease, atypical parkinsonisms and other movement disorders