Interactive Neuroscience Education

Understanding Parkinson's
Disease

An animated journey through the neuroscience of Parkinson's - from molecules to movement. Explore brain anatomy, dopamine pathways, disease progression, and cutting-edge research.

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People affected worldwide

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Neurons lost before diagnosis

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Hidden phase before symptoms

Interactive 3D Brain Explorer

Navigate a real-time 3D model of the human brain. Highlight the substantia nigra, basal ganglia, and dopaminergic pathways. See exactly where Parkinson's strikes and understand why.

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Follow the Learning Path

Each section builds on the last, guiding you from fundamentals to advanced neuroscience. Jump in anywhere or follow the recommended journey.

What Is Parkinson's?

The disease at a glance - what happens and why it matters

Brain Anatomy

Basal ganglia, neural circuits, and the three motor pathways

The Dopamine System

Synthesis, signaling, receptors, and the synaptic lifecycle

Alpha-Synuclein

The protein that misfolds, aggregates, and spreads cell to cell

Why These Neurons?

Seven converging factors creating a perfect storm of vulnerability

Disease Progression

Braak staging - the six-stage journey from gut to cortex

Motor Symptoms

Tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability explained

Non-Motor Symptoms

The hidden disease - sleep, mood, cognition, and autonomic changes

Genetics & Risk

Genes, environmental toxins, and protective factors at play

The Broken Circuit

Oscillations, deep brain stimulation, and restoring movement

Ready to begin?

Start from the beginning and build a deep understanding of Parkinson's disease, one concept at a time.

Start the Journey

A project by Greg Shepherd - built from peer-reviewed neuroscience research