New developments in understanding the etiology of Parkinson's disease and in its treatment

Important recent advances have been made in understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, as well as in developing novel treatments. Two newly identified genes, alpha-synuclein and parkin, have been linked to parkinsonism. In addition, disturbances to the normal basal ganglia circuits in Parkinson's patients are being described at both anatomical and physiological levels. These developments provide a strong scientific basis for novel medical and surgical strategies to treat the profound motor disturbances in patients with Parkinson's disease.

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