Project information
Tracking the mechanisms of disease progression and functional compensation in the early phase of Parkinson’s disease (TRACE-PD)

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the irreversible degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in midbrain nuclei for which there is currently no cure. It is widely recognized that the onset of the disease is preceded by a long prodromal phase in which motor symptoms are absent but there is already an ongoing reduction of dopamine levels and degeneration of nigrostriatal neurons (up to 50-60%). This suggests the presence of cerebral compensatory mechanisms minimizing symptom burden as dopamine levels decline which could be an important aspect of future therapy. Our objective is to collaboratively investigate the degeneration of the nigrostriatal system and cerebral compensatory mechanisms in early idiopathic PD. We aim to develop a model where the severity of the disease results from a combination of progressive degeneration and compensatory changes; strengthening the compensatory changes is considered an additional possible therapeutic goal in the future.