Researchers led by a laboratory in China and partners in the US identified a brain network they call the somato-cognitive action network (SCAN). SCAN sits in the motor cortex and links planning and feedback for movement with simple cognitive processes.
The team examined brain scans from many people, including people with Parkinson's and healthy volunteers. They compared treatments such as deep brain stimulation, medicines, focused ultrasound and noninvasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The researchers found that treatments worked best when they reduced strong connections between SCAN and deeper brain areas. In a small trial, TMS aimed at SCAN improved symptoms more than stimulation of nearby areas.
Difficult words
- network — a group of connected parts or systemsbrain network
- motor cortex — brain area that controls body movement
- cognitive — relating to thinking and mental processes
- stimulation — use of energy to activate part of the body
- connection — link or relationship between two partsconnections
- feedback — information about action that guides next steps
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you try a noninvasive treatment like TMS if you had a movement problem? Why or why not?
- Why might it be useful for movement to connect planning and feedback in the brain?
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