2nd International Conference on Knowledge Gaps in Parkinson's Disease and Other Movement Disorders

The conference will focus on aspects of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other movement disorders which are still insufficiently understood or have been recently challenged on genetic, pathogenetic, clinical and/or therapeutic grounds. The 3-day symposium will be led by 27 leading young investigators and senior clinical scientists sharing ideas aimed at advancing our understanding on clinical and scientific disciplines within our field. Each topic will close with a summary of the knowledge gaps and with a proposal on how to bridge or minimize them. All sessions are grouped thematically. Knowledge gaps related to PD ethiopatogenesis, instrumental evaluation (MRI, sonography, electrophysiology), genetics and behavioural complications will be reviewed in the first day. At the closure of this session, a panel will discuss the need to develop systematic rehabilitation protocols and the controversial pathophysiology of postural abnormalities in PD. The second day of the conference will be dedicated to the definition of patterns of disease progression in PD based on epidemiological and neuropathological studies which could help define endpoints for neuroprotective trials. Finally, the issues raised by the application of deep brain stimulation and duodenal Levodopa infusion will be challanged. The latter part of the second day will concentrate on the knowledge gaps in non-PD movement disorders, focusing particularly on the pathophysiology of primary and fixed dystonia, the diagnosis of myoclonus, and the treatment of Huntington’s disease. Finally, the third day will conclude the conference with promising bridges on the complex nosography of NBIA and fronto-temporal dementias. The physiological and pathophysiological basis of movement will be discussed at the closing session. The symposium is geared for physicians and scientists interested in Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders, as an opportunity to discuss recent developments and brainstorm about important research areas in our field. The symposium is also intended to foster the creation of working groups for international collaborative research projects.