Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic degenerative process caused by the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease. Various etiopathogenic mechanisms may be involved and there is great variability in terms of symptoms expression and progression among patients. The diagnosis of PD is clinical and there is currently no curative treatment, but there are many symptomatic therapies available, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, that can be beneficial for patients. This review, especially aimed to general neurologists, intends to summarize in a simple way the most relevant aspects regarding the diagnosis and treatment of PD.