Parkinson

Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system, particularly the areas of the brain that are responsible for controlling movement. It is characterized by a progressive loss of nerve cells in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra. This loss of nerve cells leads to a decrease in the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter important for the coordination of body movements.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the central nervous system, resulting in motor symptoms such as muscle stiffness, slowness of movement and tremors.

Biomarkers of Parkinson's disease are biological measures that can be used to diagnose the disease, track its progression, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.

Some of the most commonly studied biomarkers for Parkinson's disease include:

1. Alpha-synuclein protein: This protein is found in Lewy bodies, which are aggregates of abnormal proteins found in the brains of people with Parkinson's disease. Levels of this protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be used to help diagnose the disease.

2. Dopamine: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is produced in the brain and plays a key role in voluntary movement. Dopamine levels can be measured using brain imaging, which can help diagnose Parkinson's disease and track its progression.

3. Inflammatory markers: Studies have shown that elevated levels of inflammatory markers in the CSF and blood may be associated with Parkinson's disease.

4. Brain imaging: Various brain imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can be used to visualize changes in the brain associated with Parkinson's disease, such as loss of nerve cells and decrease in dopamine.