Targeting Brain Structures and Novel Therapies to Manage Parkinson's Disease

Course overview

Recent advances in research have led to new drugs and techniques for managing Parkinson's Disease (PD). These treatments often delay the need for surgery and improve patients' quality of life and longevity. Pharmacological management is suitable for many newly diagnosed patients, with various medications contributing to improved life expectancy and quality of life for those with PD. These numerous treatment options have helped defer surgical intervention for many patients, sometimes for years or even decades. Non-pharmacological treatments for PD include ablative therapy, deep brain stimulation (DBS), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive training, and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). These therapies address motor symptoms, psychiatric comorbidities, and cognitive issues. Future directions in PD treatment focus on enhancing existing therapies and developing novel approaches, such as new medications, gene therapy, neural transplants, and improved DBS techniques. While some complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies show promise, further research is needed for many, including botanical supplements and cannabis, to establish conclusive evidence of effectiveness. Neuroprotective strategies are also a key area of research, such as neural transplants and gene therapy, though no definitive drug has yet been found to prevent the disease.