How Lazy Reading and Semantic Sloppiness May Harm Progress in Synucleinopathy Research

Abstract

While confronted with the increasing complexity of the neurobiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD), we face the ever-increasing sloppiness of the conceptual definitions associated with poor methodological characterizations and the use of unacknowledged proxies, all of which are harmful contributors to the overall slow progress of PD research. In this opinion paper, I share part of my frustration, acknowledge how I participate in this trend, and propose a simple remedy. Fighting against semantic or conceptual sloppiness is of paramount importance, notably for the benefit of newcomers to the field who otherwise would take for granted the classic assertions found ad nauseam in the literature.