Parkinson's Disease: Pathophysiology, Treatment Strategies, Wellness Approaches, and Obstacles/Paths Forward.
Parkinson's Disease: Pathophysiology, Treatment Strategies, Wellness Approaches, and Obstacles/Paths Forward.
Where did the research take place?
The study site has not been established. Author addresses may differ from where the research occurred.
Chapel Hill, US · Author affiliation
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.Location evidence
Scottsdale, US · Author affiliation
Department of Neurology, Bob Bové Neuroscience Institute at HonorHealth, Scottsdale, AZ 85251, USA.Location evidence
Centro, IT · Author affiliation
Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurosciences, AUSL Toscana Centro, San Giuseppe Hospital, 50053 Empoli, Italy.Location evidence
Empoli, IT · Author affiliation
Movement Disorders Center, Department of Neurosciences, AUSL Toscana Centro, San Giuseppe Hospital, 50053 Empoli, Italy.Location evidence
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Original abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons. Its symptoms affect both motor functions-such as bradykinesia, rigidity, resting tremor, and postural instability-and non-motor functions, including neuropsychiatric issues, sleep disorders, and constipation. Drawing on the literature, the following topics were developed and presented: Pathophysiology; Treatment; Neuropsychiatric and Cognitive Function; Sleep Challenges; Exercise and Movement; Striving for Wellness; and Obstacles/Paths Forward. These seven categories form the foundation of this review, which centers on four main areas related to PD: dopamine biology and pathophysiology; management of key motor and non-motor symptoms; strategies for achieving wellness; and unresolved issues in PD. The complexity of PD's clinical features is highlighted by describing patient-healthcare provider interactions, elucidating disease mechanisms, managing motor and non-motor symptoms, highlighting the benefits of exercise, emphasizing the importance of sleep, addressing mental health challenges and cognitive changes, fostering a hopeful and resilient mindset, potentially slowing disease progression, treating comorbidities, and promoting overall wellness. Although there have been tremendous advances in the basic science and clinical management of PD in recent years, PD remains incurable. Thus, we describe several roadblocks that have hindered progress in understanding PD. Only by integrating historical insights with the latest PD advances can we acquire the knowledge needed to change the disease's trajectory. Finally, this review aims to provide a meaningful summary for healthcare professionals (and students) caring for patients with PD.