Parkinson Publications
Parkison disease is a complex neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Our translational research program studies how the onset and progression of neuropathology affects important functions such as communication, swallow, and airway protection with the aim of developing better identification and treatment.
The hallmark pathology of PD, loss of dopamine, has guided therapy for decades; however, dopamine-centered treatments do not improve vocal communication, cognition, or affect. In fact, during the early stages of PD prior to dopamine loss, there is significant degeneration in the locus coeruleus, a brainstem region rich in norepinephrine. This region is vital to communicative cognitive behaviors, indicating the importance of norepinephrine in controlling communication and cognitive processes. This research will examine three different therapeutic approaches that modulate norepinephrine: exercise, drugs, and social interaction. The rationale is that modulating noradrenergic brain systems will improve PD-related communication deficits, as well as cognition and affect while monitoring unwanted side effects.
The pathology of Parkinson disease is complex and the pathogenesis underlying cranial sensorimotor behaviors, such as voice and swallowing deficits, are virtually unknown. Further, the onset of these deficits may occur in the prodrome. To address these issues genetic rat and mouse models of Parkinson diseases and test the onset and progression of vocalization, tongue use, chewing, functional swallowing, olfaction, forelimb use, gait, cognition, and memory dysfunction. Our primary goals are to relate these behavioral deficits to the complex neuropathology of PD in order to improve behavioral, pharmacologic and surgical interventions.
Recent evidence shows that Parkinson disease affects not only the central nervous system, but also autonomic function and peripheral nerves and muscles. Our research efforts are aimed at determining the timing and progression of pathology in peripheral nerves and muscles that affect communication and ingestive behaviors, such as oropharyngeal swallowing.