Novel Perspectives for Basal Ganglia Disorders

September 28 - October 6, 2013

Coordinator: Jeffrey H. Kordower

Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA

Faculties (partial list)

Roy Bakay, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA

Andres M. Lozano, University of Toronto, Canada

Paul Bolam, University of Oxford, UK

Anthony A. Grace, University of Pittsburgh, USA

Maria Rodriguez-Oroz, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain

Kathleen M Shannon, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA

The basal ganglia are a collection of nuclei in the telencephalon, diencephalon and midbrain that are functionally inter-related and act to modulate movement and emotional responses. The basal ganglia incorporate brain regions of the extrapyramidal system that control voluntary movement and habit formation, as well as components of the limbic system that are involved in emotion and motivation. When these systems are disrupted, a variety of complex disorders can arise, many of which have components that span motor and limbic behaviors. Degenerative disorders of the extrapyramidal system underlie such diseases as Parkinson's and Huntington's Disease. In contrast, disorders related to the limbic system, including anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and psychosis, appear to arise from a dysregulation of basal ganglia activity states.

The Course will first cover the latest advancements on the physiology of basal ganglia systems, and then delve into functional aspects with a clinical perspectives to gain understanding into the etiology, pathology, and treatment of these disorders. An internationally renowned faculty will provide an integrated overview that spans anatomy, cellular and systems neuroscience, and clinical investigations into normal basal ganglia function and its disruption in disease.

More specifically, Dr Paul Bolam will discuss the normal and abnormal workings of the basal ganglia from both morphological and neurophysiological functions and described how these systems are involved in motor and non-motor planning and function. Dr. Anthony Grace will discuss the physiological role of basal ganglia in cognitive function and dysfunction and Dr. Andres Lozano will discuss the circuitry of basal ganglia function with a special emphasis on Parkinson's disease and deep brain stimulation. Dr. Roy Bakay will discuss the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and other disorders of basal ganglia function and also describe novel therapeutic strategies aimed at reversing the major symptoms of Parkinson's disease including stem cells and other cell replacement strategies. Dr. Kordower will discuss experimental models of basal ganglia disorders including Parkinson's and Huntinton's disease. He will also discuss the pathogenesis of these diseases with regards to whether they are prion like diseases, and as to how they impact the design of experimental therapeutic strategies. Finally he will discuss non-cell based experimental strategies such as vaccines, huntintin and alpha synuclein lowering strategies.

The Course will focus on the clinical exploitation of basic research and lectures will cut across multiple aspects of recent, novel therapeutic perspectives for basal ganglia disorders. The ample time available outside the lecture hall is designed to help build relationship with peers from across the world and will foster brainstorming across different disciplines. Participants will enjoy a valuable and highly stimulating experience building the foundation for future research, often outside one's area of expertise.