Name
Aberrant Connectivity within the Somato-Cognitive Action Network in Parkinson’s Disease: A Novel Framework for Motor-Cognitive Circuit Dysfunction in Tourette Syndrome 
Date & Time
Friday, June 12, 2026, 4:30 PM - 4:45 PM
Mia Mantei, BS
Description

Recent precision fMRI studies revealed that the primary motor cortex contains a somato-cognitive action network (SCAN) interspersed between traditional effector regions. SCAN regions connect strongly to the cingulo-opercular network, supporting whole-body action planning and cognitive-motor integration. This study investigated SCAN connectivity in Parkinson’s disease using resting-state fMRI, finding hyperconnectivity between SCAN regions and the anterior cingulate cortex and putamen, areas critical for motor selection and intentional control. Conversely, hypoconnectivity between SCAN and insula, a region involved in bodily awareness, was observed. These findings parallel recent reports of subcortical hyperconnectivity with SCAN in Parkinson’s patients. Notably, both Parkinson’s disease and Tourette Syndrome exhibit dysfunction in overlapping cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits, including the basal ganglia.