Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank, London: overview and research.

TLDR

Clinical misdiagnosis is common in Parkinson’s disease, and clinico‑pathological correlation is essential for accurate disease recognition. The study aims to establish consensus diagnostic criteria and promote awareness of tissue handling methods across expanding specialist brain banks. The UK Parkinson’s Disease Society Brain Bank collects tissue from Parkinson’s and other movement disorder patients, performing full neuropathological examination on half of each brain before allocating samples to research projects.

Abstract

The UK Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank receives tissue from patients with Parkinson's disease and a variety of different movement disorders. Half of the brain is used for full neuropathological examination prior to allocation for specific research projects. Clinical misdiagnosis occurs in a significant proportion of cases and clinico-pathological correlation provides valuable information for disease recognition. With the expanding number of other specialist brain banks there is a need for agreement on diagnostic criteria. Furthermore, awareness of different methods of tissue handling is essential.