Author(s)

Preeti S. Mirchandani¹, Vriti Mirchandani²

¹Department of Commerce and Independent Sciences, University of Bangalore, Bangaluru, India.
²Dulles High School, Math and Science Academy, Sugar Land, Texas, USA.

Parkinson’s disease is marked by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and the prion-like spread of misfolded α-synuclein. This study presents a computational framework simulating α-synuclein propagation and neuron death within a simplified substantia nigra model. Cellular automata were used to model local transmission, oxidative stress, and cumulative toxicity, while Braak-stage-informed parameters guided regional progression. The simulation explores how mitochondrial stress thresholds and α-synuclein seeding density alter neurodegeneration patterns. This model provides a visualizable, modular tool to test hypotheses on disease progression and therapeutic timing.

Parkinson’s Disease, α-Synuclein Aggregation, Dopaminergic Neuron Degeneration, Oxidative Stress, Reactive Oxygen Species, Substantia Nigra, Prion-Like Propagation, Braak Staging, Neurodegeneration Modeling, Cellular Automata, Agent-Based Modeling, Computational Neuroscience, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Antioxidant Therapy, Disease Progression Simulation, Neuronal Vulnerability, Neural Grid Simulation, Early Intervention Modeling, ROS Dynamics, Therapeutic Timing, Neuroinflammation, Parkinson’s Biomarkers

Mirchandani, P.S. and Mirchandani, V. (2025) Computational Modeling of Dopaminergic Neuron Degeneration and α-Synuclein Spread in Parkinson’s Disease. Advances in Parkinson's Disease, 14, 39-45. doi: 10.4236/apd.2025.143003.