Pathophysiology to Treatment: A Comprehensive Overview of Parkinson's Disease

Abstract:
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting motor function, accompanied by a broad range of non-motor symptoms. It is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s and predominantly impacts individuals above 60 years of age. The hallmark feature of PD is the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, along with the accumulation of Lewy bodies composed of α-synuclein protein aggregates. Clinically, PD is characterized by bradykinesia, resting tremors, rigidity, and postural instability, in addition to cognitive decline, sleep disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction in advanced stages. While current pharmacological and surgical treatments such as levodopa and deep brain stimulation (DBS) provide symptomatic relief, they do not arrest disease progression. Recent advancements in genetics, biomarker discovery, and neuroimaging are paving the way for disease-modifying therapies. This review aims to consolidate recent findings related to PD's epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic interventions, including plant-derived compounds and emerging strategies.