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New Study Links Parkinson's to SCAN, Boosts Treatment Hope

2/6/2026

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Researchers Identify SCAN

A study identifies the somato-cognitive action network (SCAN) as a key factor in Parkinson's disease and finds that targeting SCAN with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) yields a 56% response rate versus 22% for nearby brain areas.
Researchers from Changping Laboratory and Washington University conducted the study.
The findings suggest Parkinson's disease may be a SCAN disorder and will lead to future clinical trials of non-invasive therapies to improve treatment outcomes.

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Keck Medicine Advances

The University of Southern California's Keck Medicine is testing a Parkinson's stem cell therapy.
The therapy implants induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into the brain to replace damaged cells and boost dopamine.
Dr. Brian Lee of Keck Medicine says restoring dopamine could slow progression and improve motor function.
If successful, the therapy could aid about one million Americans, rising to 1.2 million by 2030.

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Researchers Identify SCAN

A study identifies the somato-cognitive action network (SCAN) as a key factor in Parkinson's disease and finds that targeting SCAN with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) yields a 56% response rate versus 22% for nearby brain areas.
Researchers from Changping Laboratory and Washington University conducted the study.
The findings suggest Parkinson's disease may be a SCAN disorder and will lead to future clinical trials of non-invasive therapies to improve treatment outcomes.

1 / 2