Core Viewpoint - The prevalence of Parkinson's disease is increasing, closely linked to population aging and the rise of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's [1][3]. Group 1: Understanding Parkinson's Disease - The understanding of Parkinson's disease has evolved significantly over the past 31 years, particularly with the introduction of PET imaging agents that allow for the visualization of dopamine transporters in the brain [3][4]. - The core issue in Parkinson's disease is the loss of dopamine neurons, which leads to symptoms such as tremors, slowness, and stiffness [3][15]. - Tremors are commonly associated with Parkinson's disease, but not all patients exhibit this symptom; slowness is considered the most critical feature for diagnosis [6][8]. Group 2: Diagnosis and Symptoms - Objective tests, particularly PET imaging, are emphasized for accurate diagnosis, as Parkinson's disease symptoms can be subtle and difficult to assess [4][5]. - Key symptoms include slowness, stiffness, and tremors, with slowness being a necessary condition for diagnosis [7][8]. - Distinguishing between age-related slowness and slowness due to Parkinson's is crucial, as they present differently [10][13]. Group 3: Treatment Options - Standard treatment primarily involves medication, particularly dopamine precursors like levodopa, which can improve symptoms significantly [18][19]. - Long-term use of medication may lead to diminished effectiveness, but it is essential for maintaining quality of life [20][22]. - Surgical options, such as Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), are available for patients who do not respond adequately to medication [23][24]. Group 4: Research and Future Directions - Research is ongoing into the role of alpha-synuclein protein aggregation in Parkinson's disease, with new imaging agents being developed to monitor this process [15][17]. - There is potential for stem cell therapy, but it remains in the clinical trial phase and requires careful evaluation [27][28]. - Preventive measures include lifestyle changes such as exercise and dietary adjustments, which may help reduce the risk of developing Parkinson's disease [32].