Pantothenate Kinase-associated Neurodegeneration

Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN), also known as neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation 1 (NBIA1) and formerly called Hallervorden–Spatz syndrome (use of this eponym is discouraged due to Drs. Julius Hallervorden and Hugo Spatz's affiliation with the Nazi regime and the ethically unacceptable manner in which they obtained some autopsy specimens), is a degenerative disease of the brain that can lead to parkinsonism, dystonia, dementia, and ultimately death. Neurodegeneration in PKAN is accompanied by an excess of iron that progressively builds up in the brain.