Editorial: Neuroprotection and disease modification in Parkinson’s disease: Volume II

OTERO-LOSADA, MATILDE; GUBELLINI, PAOLO; CAPANI, FRANCISCO; PEREZ-LLORET, SANTIAGO

Frontiers in Pharmacology

Frontiers Media S.A.

Lugar: Lausanne; Año: 2023 vol. 13

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second prevailing neurodegenerative disease worldwide after Alzheimer’s. Nearly 1% of seniors over 65 suffer from this disease, and as old population grows rapidly, so does PD incidence. Early onset PD, before the 50s, is usually inherited, likely related to specific gene mutations. Added to the characteristic symptoms of PD, v.g., bradykinesia, shaking, stiffness, and handicapped balance and coordination, innumerable non-motor symptoms like changes in mood, sleep patterns and quality, and autonomic alterations impair patients’ life quality. Current treatments aim to mitigate PD symptoms, not decelerating disease progression. So far, no preventing approach is available against PD.Current pharmacology in this field has a clear priority, which is to identify or develop drugs and therapies to hold PD progression. Basic research to test the potential of new molecules and strategies in neuroprotection is thus mandatory.This Research Topic addresses some new pharmacological neuroprotective and disease-modifying strategies for PD, including possible target pathways, and effects on humans. We trust this updated information may help to devising new therapeutic strategies to prevent or delay PD onset and progression.