The Treatment Revolution: Transforming Parkinson's Disease Care
Medical science stands at a pivotal moment in the fight against Parkinson's disease. With over 6 million people worldwide living with this condition, researchers are pursuing multiple innovative pathways that could fundamentally change how we approach treatment and potentially achieve long-term disease control. Decoding Disease Development Patterns The natural history of neurological decline follows distinct phases that researchers are working to understand and interrupt. The progression of Parkinson's disease typically spans 10-20 years from initial symptoms to advanced stages, with each phase presenting unique therapeutic opportunities and challenges. Prodromal Parkinson's, the pre-motor phase, may last several years and includes symptoms like loss of smell, REM sleep behavior disorder, and constipation. Identifying patients during this phase could allow for earlier intervention with neuroprotective therapies, potentially slowing or preventing the onset of motor sym...