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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
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Ole Isacson: Development of New Therapies for Parkinson's Disease
Published on: April 29, 2007
There is no Parkinson disease.
1Department of Neurology, Maryland Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S Greene St, N4W46, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. wweiner@som.umaryland.edu
Archives of Neurology
|June 11, 2008
Summary
The term Parkinson disease may be too narrow, potentially hindering research. This review suggests renaming it "Parkinson diseases" to encompass a broader spectrum of related conditions for better clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Research
- Medical History
Background:
- The current definition of Parkinson disease (PD) is a specific clinical syndrome.
- Historical understanding of PD has evolved, leading to potential diagnostic limitations.
- Misinterpretations of PD may impede the progress of clinical research and therapeutic development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical evolution of the concept of Parkinson disease.
- To analyze how the current understanding of Parkinson disease may hinder clinical research trials.
- To propose a revised nomenclature for Parkinson disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical texts and scientific publications on Parkinson disease.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria and clinical trial methodologies.
- Conceptual framework development for a broader classification of parkinsonian syndromes.
Main Results:
- The historical concept of Parkinson disease has been narrowly defined.
- This narrow definition may be a significant barrier in recruiting appropriate participants for clinical trials.
- A broader classification is needed to accurately represent the spectrum of parkinsonism.
Conclusions:
- The term 'Parkinson disease' may not encompass all related conditions.
- Renaming the condition to 'Parkinson diseases' or 'parkinsonism type 1 through infinity' could improve research inclusivity.
- A revised nomenclature is crucial for advancing the understanding and treatment of parkinsonian disorders.
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