Parkinson’s disease in the Era of Precision Medicine: From Early Detection to Disease Modification

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is no longer seen as a single condition but a group of subtypes influenced by genes and environment. While known for movement problems like tremors, stiffness, and slowness, PD affects much more. Symptoms such as loss of smell, constipation, sleep issues, and depression often appear years before movement problems in the “prodromal” stage. As the disease advances, difficulties with thinking, balance, and body functions like blood pressure and digestion become prominent. At its core, Parkinson’s disease involves misfolding of the protein alpha-synuclein, which clumps and damages brain cells, along with inflammation and oxidative stress. Beyond dopamine, other brain chemicals noradrenaline, serotonin, glutamate, and adenosine are also disrupted, explaining the wide range of symptoms. A major challenge is the lack of reliable biomarkers to track progression, but new therapies are emerging. Scientists are testing vaccines, antibodies, and drugs that target toxic alphasynuclein or genetic forms like GBA and LRRK2. Alongside disease-modifying strategies, advances in symptom-control drugs, targeted medication delivery, and surgical options offer new hope for managing Parkinson’s Disease.