Conventional and Modern Treatment Options in Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in the world, having doubled in prevalence in the past 25 years. Conventional treatment options primarily alleviate the motor symptoms of the disease, with relatively little impact on the non-motor symptoms. Furthermore, they are symptomatic treatments that do not alter, slow, or cure the disease. Consequently, there is a growing interest in novel therapeutic approaches that target the underlying disease mechanisms, including gene therapy, stem cell transplantation, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and neuroprotective agents. By comparing the efficacy, safety, and limitations of both conventional and novel therapies, this work aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of current and future treatment options for Parkinson’s disease.