Stages in PD pathology and α-synuclein aggregate locations

PD stagesα-Synuclein aggregate locationSigns/symptoms
Stage 1Olfactory bulb, dorsal nucleus of vagus nerve, medulla oblongata, ENS, gutOlfactory dysfunction, constipation, RBD
Stage 2Lower brainstem, cerebral cortexLowered blood pressure, continued stage 1 symptoms
Stage 3Midbrain, substantia nigra, amygdalaCognitive impairment, thermoregulation disorder, continued stage 2 and previous symptoms
Stage 4Amygdala, basal prosencephalon, mesocortexBradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity, postural instability, continued stage 3 and previous symptoms
Stage 5High order sensory association areas of neocortex, prefrontal neocortexMotion fluctuation, fatigue, visual hallucinations, dementia, continued stage 4 and previous symptoms
Stage 6First order sensory association areas of neocortex, premotor areas, primary sensory areas, primary motor fieldContinued stage 5 and previous symptoms