TITLE:
General Overview of Parkinson’s Disease
AUTHORS:
Ethan Long, William R. Reuther
KEYWORDS:
Parkinson’s Disease, Basal Ganglia, Dopamine, Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta, Genes, Neurotransmitters, Motor/Non-Motor Symptoms, Stem Cells
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Parkinson's Disease,
Vol.14 No.4,
October
17,
2025
ABSTRACT: Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta, located in the midbrain. Neurons in the SNc project extensively into the striatum, comprising the caudate and putamen, where dopamine regulates the activity of basal ganglia circuits involved in motor control and learning. While the cardinal motor symptoms of PD have long been attributed to dopaminergic loss, recent studies reveal that PD pathology is more complex. Understanding these mechanisms not only explains the disease’s diverse symptoms but also offers novel strategies for intervention. This essay examines the multifactorial pathophysiology of PD, focusing on clinical symptoms, basal ganglia circuitry, the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons, associated genes, and the role of other neurotransmitters. It also discusses stem cell therapies and future directions for treatment, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of Parkinson’s disease.