Conventional vs. Emerging Therapeutic Approaches in Parkinson’s Disease: Challenges and Prospects

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes motor symptoms such as tremor, stiffness, bradykinesia, and postural instability, as well as a variety of non-motor consequences. Despite being the second most common neurodegenerative illness worldwide, effective disease-modifying medicines are still elusive. For decades, conventional therapy techniques such as levodopa, dopamine agonists, monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors, and deep brain stimulation (DBS) have served as the cornerstone of Parkinson's disease management. While these treatments relieve symptoms and enhance quality of life, their long-term efficacy is restricted by consequences like motor fluctuations, dyskinesias, and decreased responsiveness.

Recent advances in neuroscience have fueled the development of emerging therapies that aim to go beyond symptomatic relief. These include gene therapies targeting dopamine synthesis and α-synuclein aggregation, stem cell–based neuronal replacement strategies, novel neuroprotective agents, and precision medicine approaches. In addition, innovative drug delivery systems and non-invasive neuromodulation techniques are being explored to enhance treatment outcomes.

This review highlights the strengths and limitations of conventional therapies while critically evaluating the promise of emerging approaches. By comparing established practices with novel strategies, the paper underscores the evolving landscape of Parkinson’s disease management and the potential for future interventions to achieve true disease modification.