Abstract
In the aging population of many countries, neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease (PD) are becoming an increasing burden. Therefore, early diagnosis, therapy and ultimately disease prevention is essential. However, until now, treatment in PD is only symptomatic and curative therapy is still missing. Possible diagnostic approaches are detecting biomarkers and molecular mechanisms leading to PD. Therapeutic goals for PD are neuroprotection such as preventing free radical injury and lowering brain metal ions through the administration of chelators as well as neuroregeneration (e.g. activation of neuronal progenitor cells) and more effective drug delivery systems through the blood brain barrier. A key role in developing such new diagnostic and therapeutic tools in PD will play nanotechnology. This review gives an overview of new nanomedical approaches in diagnostic and therapeutic tools in PD.
Fluri, F Eur J Nanomed 2009; 2:48-53