Overview
- An international team led by IR Sant Pau reports disease‑specific MRI models that more accurately identify two underdiagnosed atypical parkinsonian disorders.
- PSP shows predominant atrophy in brainstem and deep structures with selective cortical changes, whereas CBD shows more marked cortical loss in motor and sensory regions.
- Using these signatures to track progression outperforms symptom scales and is projected to reduce 12‑month trial sample sizes by about 50% in PSP and roughly 80–85% in CBD.
- Models were derived from autopsy‑confirmed cases and tested in cohorts including the 4 Repeat Tauopathy Neuroimaging Initiative and a PSP Davunetide trial.
- Researchers note the need for independent validation and harmonized imaging across scanners, while PERIS‑funded work at IR Sant Pau adds plasma biomarkers to push diagnosis to earlier stages.