Parkinson’s disease is a powerful condition that can change an individual’s whole life. The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains that the disease causes the degradation of neurons that control movement. This destruction is the reason for the well-known symptom which forces people to shake involuntarily. As NIH’s article states, there are plenty of treatments for Parkinson’s, but none actually cure the disease. Because of this, extensive research still occurs.

NIH’s team recently began a study to find an effective biomarker for Parkinson’s disease, so they can closely analyze its progression.  The team used functional magnetic resonance imaging to monitor specific regions of the brain in a control group with individuals suffering from Parkinson’s but also others with diseases such as MSA and PSP. Throughout a year, brains of those with Parkinson’s exhibited degradation is specific areas. While these findings have been noted before, this study is the first to show evidence of a change over time. All this is in an effort to discover a new way to find a permanent cure, as opposed to only soothing the conditions.

For more information about this study, check out NIH’s article here: http://ow.ly/XImm303oomR