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Updated: May 20, 2026

Dynamic Digital Biomarkers of Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: July 24, 2019
Biomarkers in Parkinson's disease: an update
Alexander Shtilbans1, Claire Henchcliffe
1Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weil Cornell Medical College and Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, New York 10021, USA. als9096@med.cornell.edu
The search for Parkinson's disease biomarkers is ongoing, with molecular, imaging, and neurophysiological approaches showing promise. A combination of methods may be needed for diagnosis and monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Biomarker Research
- Neurodegenerative Diseases
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) diagnosis relies on clinical symptoms, necessitating objective biomarkers.
- Biomarker research is crucial for early detection, disease monitoring, and therapeutic development in PD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in Parkinson's disease biomarker studies.
- To highlight promising research areas and future directions in PD biomarker development.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular-genetic and biochemical studies.
- Analysis of transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches.
- Evaluation of neuroimaging (e.g., SPECT with 123I-ioflupane) and neurophysiological tests.
Main Results:
- No single biomarker is established for PD, but various methods show potential.
- 123I-ioflupane SPECT imaging approved for PD diagnosis in the US; other imaging modalities under investigation.
- Promising data emerging from neurophysiological tests adapted for biomarker research.
Conclusions:
- The development of effective Parkinson's disease biomarkers is an active and ongoing area of research.
- A multi-modal biomarker approach may be necessary to meet clinical needs for PD diagnosis and surveillance.
- Collaborative efforts, including centralized tissue repositories and clinical research infrastructure, are vital for advancing the field.
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