Disease Modification for Parkinson's Disease: Axonal Regeneration and Trophic Factors

Abstract

Disease modification and structural neuroprotection have been the holy grail for Parkinson's disease (PD) experimental therapeutics. Theoretically, there are a number of ways to implement such therapeutics, but to date all have failed. This review examines the potential of axonal regeneration and trophic factor delivery for the nigrostriatal system as 2 such approaches that historically have initiated much excitement. However, we conclude this discussion with the following question: has science passed these approaches by? © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.