Parkinson’s Disease Treatment Shifts from Symptom Control to Disease Modification
Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment is undergoing a significant transformation. Historically, the focus has been on managing motor symptoms through dopamine replacement therapies. However, recent scientific advancements are steering the field towards biologically defined subtypes and biomarker-guided development. This shift aims to not only control symptoms but also slow or alter the disease's progression. PD is the fastest-growing major neurodegenerative disorder globally, with prevalence expected to more than double by 2050. The disease is characterized by the accumulation of misfolded alpha-synuclein protein within neurons, leading to the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Current treatments like levodopa remain foundational, but innovations such as continuous subcutaneous levodopa delivery and receptor-selective dopamine agonism are improving patient outcomes. The focus is now on disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that aim to slow neuronal loss, with several late-stage trials expected to report results... 
