NEURAL NETWORK MODEL OF MECHANISM OF PARKINSON SYMPTOMS

Choi, Kyoung Gyu; Kim, Yong Jae; Park, Kee Duk

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology based on the clinical symptomatology, neurobiology, and electrophysiology, little is known about the precise function the basal ganglia play in the control of movement. But rapid progress in computational neuroscience has shown networks of neural-like elements can accomplish impressive cognitive feats. We intend to make neural network model that may theoretically explain the basal ganglia function.
METHODS
We used an approach to studying the function of neural system that is based on a class of computer models known as parallel distributed processors (PDP).
RESULTS
We made a theoretical model that showed increased reaction time and decreased movement velocity as the amount of dopamine decreased. And the lesion studies of substantia nigra also showed increased reaction time as in bradykinesia.
CONCLUSIONS
There were many problems to be solved for explaining the function of striato-pallidal and striato-pallidal-subthalamic-pallidal circuits. But we propose the neural network model would be an important tool, which may help to bridge the gap between theoretical studies on the function of the brain and experimental work on the neurobiology of the brain.