British Medical Bulletin Advance Access originally published online on April 8, 2008
British Medical Bulletin 2008 86(1):109-127; doi:10.1093/bmb/ldn013
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A review of Parkinson's disease
The Royal Free Hospital NHS Trust, Hampstead, London NW3 2QG, UK
Correspondence to: C. A. Davie, The Royal Free Hospital NHS Trust, Hampstead, London NW3 2QG, UK. E-mail: c.davie{at}medsch.ucl.ac.uk
Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders.
Sources of data: Literature search using Medline with keywords Parkinson's disease supplemented with previously published papers known to the author.
Areas of agreement: There have been significant recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease. There has also been a greater realization that the disorder may be associated with significant non-motor disturbances in addition to the more commonly recognized motor complications.
Areas of controversy: Although there is growing circumstantial evidence, it remains to be proven whether any of the current treatments for PD have a neuroprotective effect.
Areas timely for developing research: Although there is no cure, there are several management options for the early treatment of PD. As the disease progresses, further treatment options are available; however, the management of late-stage motor complications and non-motor symptoms remains particularly challenging and will benefit from further clinical research.
Keywords: Parkinson's disease motor complications non-motor complications
Accepted for publication February 13, 2008.