Available and emerging treatments for Parkinson's disease: a review

Abstract

Parkinson's disease is a commonly encountered neurodegenerative disorder primarily found in aged populations. A number of medications are available to control symptoms, although these are less effective in advanced disease. Deep brain stimulation provides a practicable alternative at this stage, although a minority of patients meet the strict criteria for surgery. Novel medications that provide enhanced symptomatic control remain in developmental demand. Both gene and cell-based therapies have shown promise in early clinical studies. A major unmet need is a treatment that slows or stops disease progression.

Keywords: Parkinson’s disease; adenosine A2A antagonists; deep brain stimulation; gene therapy; levodopa; motor fluctuations.