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Short -communication | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2642-973X/098
*Corresponding Author: Mahdi Naeim, Research Department, Psychology and Counselling Organization, Tehran, Iran.
Citation: Mahdi Naeim, (2024), Emerging Therapeutic Approaches for Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders, J. Brain and Neurological Disorders. 7(2): DOI: 10.31579/2642-973X/098
Copyright: © 2024, Mahdi Naeim. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of The Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Received: 05 February 2024 | Accepted: 15 February 2024 | Published: 27 February 2024
Keywords: parkinson's disease; movement disorders; emerging therapeutic approaches; deep brain stimulation; gene therapy
An overview of the newest treatment modalities for Parkinson's disease and movement disorders is given in this paper. Motor deficits are a defining feature of neurological illnesses such as Parkinson's disease and movement disorders. The article focuses on the most recent developments in therapeutic approaches, such as targeted pharmaceutical medicines, deep brain stimulation (DBS), gene therapy, cell replacement therapy, and newly developed non-invasive procedures. These strategies seek to improve dopamine function, address underlying causes, improve symptom control, and offer possibilities for precision therapy. The study highlights how these new treatments have the potential to completely change the treatment and outlook for people with Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders.
Movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD), are a spectrum of neurodegenerative illnesses marked by motor function abnormalities. These illnesses provide major difficulties for patients as well as medical professionals around the globe [1]. This study examines the most recent developments in treatment modalities for movement disorders and Parkinson's disease, emphasizing novel tactics that could enhance patient outcomes.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Enhancing Symptom Control
One well-known neurosurgical treatment for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders is deep brain stimulation (DBS). Electrodes are inserted into predetermined brain areas, and then electrical impulses are delivered to adjust neural activity. It has been demonstrated that DBS is remarkably effective in reducing motor symptoms such as bradykinesia, stiffness, and tremors. To maximize symptom control and reduce side effects, ongoing research aims to improve programming algorithms, pinpoint the best stimulation targets, and hone DBS procedures [2].
Gene Therapy: Targeting Underlying Causes
Targeting the underlying genetic or molecular defects, gene therapy holds great promise for treating Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders. The goal of experimental gene therapies is to return normal function to damaged cells by introducing therapeutic genes. To restore dopamine levels in the brain, for instance, ongoing clinical trials are looking into the use of viral vectors to transfer genes encoding enzymes involved in dopamine production. Although gene therapies are still in their infancy, they present encouraging paths toward long-term disease modification and possible treatments [3].
Cell Replacement Therapy: Restoring Dopaminergic Function
To replace the missing or damaged neurons in Parkinson's disease, dopaminergic cells are transplanted into the brain as part of cell replacement treatment. Therapeutics based on stem cells, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs), can produce dopaminergic cells that are unique to each patient. New understandings of the growth and transplantation of these cells have been made possible by recent developments in stem cell research and regenerative medicine. There are still issues to be resolved, such as maximizing cell survival, integration, and functional development; also, possible immunological reactions and moral dilemmas must be taken into account [4].
Targeted Pharmacological Therapies: Precision Medicine Approaches
The development of targeted pharmaceutical therapy for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders has been made possible by advances in molecular biology and our comprehension of disease mechanisms. These strategies entail the creation of medications that precisely alter molecular targets or disease-related pathways. For example, preclinical and clinical trials are being conducted to examine potential medications that target inflammation, mitochondrial failure, or alpha-synuclein aggregation. The selection of the best course of treatment for better therapeutic outcomes may be made possible by precision medicine techniques that take into account unique patient characteristics, such as genetic profiles or biomarkers [5].
Emerging Non-Invasive Therapies: Expanding Treatment Options
The use of non-invasive therapies as possible supplements or substitutes for conventional treatment methods for Parkinson's disease and movement disorders is growing. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) are examples of non-invasive brain stimulation treatments that affect neuronal activity without requiring invasive procedures. These methods appear to be promising in improving cortical plasticity and mitigating motor symptoms. Furthermore, novel technologies that can non-invasively target particular brain regions and modify neuronal activity—like focused ultrasound—are being investigated [6].
Treatments for Parkinson's disease and movement disorders are developing at a rapid pace. Innovative non-invasive methods, focused pharmaceutical therapies, deep brain stimulation, gene therapy, cell replacement therapy, and tailored pharmaceutical therapies provide novel ways to improve patient outcomes and reduce symptoms. To turn these promising methods into practical and affordable medicines, academics, doctors, and industry partners must continue their cooperation as research advances. Ultimately, the treatment and prognosis of people with Parkinson's disease and movement disorders could be completely transformed by incorporating these cutting-edge treatments into all-encompassing management plans.