Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the complexities and challenges associated with diagnosing and treating Parkinson's disease, highlighting the increasing prevalence due to aging populations and the limitations of current treatment options [2][6][11]. Diagnosis Challenges - Parkinson's disease diagnosis lacks a "gold standard," relying on clinical assessments rather than specific biomarkers [3][4]. - Key diagnostic criteria include the presence of at least two core motor symptoms, with the requirement of bradykinesia [3][4]. - Non-motor symptoms such as olfactory dysfunction and sleep disturbances can also aid in diagnosis, but early-stage symptoms may not be recognized [4][5]. Treatment Difficulties - Current treatment strategies emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, with medication as the primary method, but there is no "one-size-fits-all" prescription [6][7]. - The treatment landscape includes six major classes of drugs, with dosages tailored to individual patient needs [6][7]. - The phenomenon of "treatment window crisis" arises as the disease progresses, complicating medication management and leading to fluctuating symptoms [7][11]. New Drug Developments - New medications, such as the third-generation MAO-B inhibitor, have emerged, but challenges remain, including the persistent feeling of drug shortages and the inability of current treatments to halt neuronal death [11][12]. - The need for "disease-modifying therapies" that not only alleviate symptoms but also repair neurons and slow disease progression is emphasized as a critical area for future research [11].

Core Insights - Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease among the elderly in China, following Alzheimer's disease, with a current patient population of approximately 3.62 million, projected to rise to 5 million by 2030, accounting for about half of the global cases [2][3] Group 1: Disease Characteristics - Parkinson's disease symptoms include both motor and non-motor symptoms, with motor symptoms characterized by slowness, tremors, stiffness, and postural instability, while non-motor symptoms may include constipation, low mood, depression, olfactory dysfunction, and sleep disturbances [3][4] - Non-motor symptoms can appear up to 20 years before the onset of motor symptoms, indicating a higher probability of developing Parkinson's disease [2][3] Group 2: Diagnosis and Treatment - Early diagnosis is crucial for improving patient outcomes, but there are significant challenges in identifying early-stage patients due to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment [3][4] - The latest treatment guidelines recommend that once Parkinson's disease is diagnosed, treatment should begin promptly, regardless of the impact on quality of life, emphasizing the need for long-term management and a collaborative approach involving healthcare providers, patients, caregivers, and society [4]