This Research Topic is part of a series with:
Neuroprotection and Disease Modification in Parkinson’s Disease, Volume ICurrently, Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most frequent neurodegenerative disease in the world after Alzheimer’s Disease. It affects about 1% of adults aged 65 years or older and its prevalence is expected to increase in the upcoming decades as the world’s population ages. The main symptoms of PD include bradykinesia, tremor, and rigidity. Patients are also affected by a myriad of non-motor symptoms, such as mood disorders, sleep troubles and autonomic dysfunction that significantly impair their quality of life. Current treatments address symptoms of PD, but do not alter the progression of the disease. Furthermore, there is no treatment for preventing the development of PD.
The identification of drugs and therapies that can modify the course of PD is one of the most critical, yet unmet, needs in current pharmacological approaches to this disease. Past efforts have been ineffective in identifying these desired pharmaceuticals. Therefore, basic studies aiming at testing the potential neuroprotective properties of new molecules are greatly needed.
The aims of this Research Topic are to address neuroprotective and disease-modifying strategies for PD, their target biological pathways, and the study of their effects in humans. Additionally, we aim to explore new pharmacological targets and strategies for neuroprotection in PD. By researching these areas, we aim to help the development of new therapeutic strategies to prevent PD and halt its progression.
In this Research Topic, we invite researchers to submit basic and clinical studies on neuroprotective treatments in pre-clinical PD models, clinical studies of potential disease-modifying strategies in patients, and methodological studies proposing better clinical study designs or outcomes. In connection with this, we also welcome studies on the natural history of PD and its pharmacological treatments. All article types are welcomed.
Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Pathophysiological aspects and natural history of PD, and pharmacological and genetic targets;
• Beneficial effects of neuroprotective agents on neuron survival, neuroplasticity, and behavior;
• Integrative in-silico approaches for neuroprotective agents;
• Clinical-related perspectives of neuroprotective agents on PD-associated damage and recovery;
• Comprehensive reviews about previous assays (clinical or basic) of neuroprotective and disease-modifying pharmacological strategies.
Topic Editor Professor Paolo Gubellini has previously received financial support from Lundbeck Research USA, Inc. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.