Advances in the treatment of Parkinson's disease

Prog Neurobiol. 2007 Jan;81(1):29-44. doi: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2006.11.009. Epub 2007 Jan 25.

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects one in every 100 persons above the age of 65 years, making it the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease. PD is a disease of the central nervous system that leads to severe difficulties with body motions. The currently available therapies aim to improve the functional capacity of the patient for as long as possible; however they do not modify the progression of the neurodegenerative process. The need for newer and more effective agents is consequently receiving a great deal of attention and consequently being subjected to extensive research. This review concisely compiles the limitations of currently available therapies and the most recent research regarding neuroprotective agents, antioxidants, stem cell research, vaccines and various surgical techniques available and being developed for the management of PD.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Antiparkinson Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiparkinson Agents / classification
  • Antiparkinson Agents / therapeutic use
  • Brain Tissue Transplantation
  • Cholinergic Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Deep Brain Stimulation
  • Dopamine Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Fetal Tissue Transplantation
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Globus Pallidus / surgery
  • Humans
  • Iron Chelating Agents / therapeutic use
  • Nanotechnology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Nicotine / therapeutic use
  • Parkinson Disease / drug therapy
  • Parkinson Disease / surgery
  • Parkinson Disease / therapy*
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / drug therapy
  • Parkinsonian Disorders / prevention & control
  • Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Vaccination
  • Vitamins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Antiparkinson Agents
  • Cholinergic Antagonists
  • Dopamine Agonists
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Iron Chelating Agents
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Vitamins
  • Nicotine