Title:New Targets for Treating the Underlying Pathophysiology and Nonmotor Aspects of Parkinson's Disease
Volume: 13
Issue: 7
Author(s): Jonathan T. Butler and Christopher Tolleson
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Anxiety, autonomic failure, cognitive disorders, depression, nonmotor symptoms, Parkinson’s disease, sleep.
Abstract: Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disease diagnosed by well established clinical motor
symptoms. However, the disease also encompasses many nonmotor issues that can impact a myriad of processes such as
cardiovascular status, gastrointestinal function, autonomic function, mood and sleep. These issues can be more
debilitating and impactful on health status in part because of a lack of effective treatments. The pathophysiology of the
disease process is under active investigation with postulated mechanisms involving both the central nervous system and
the periphery. More in depth examination of the many nonmotor symptoms may aid in the discovery of the overarching
pathological origin and progression of Parkinson’s disease. Examining the disease process from the perspective of
nonmotor symptoms may also provide additional target pathways and potential drug development options not considered
previously.
