Parkinson’s Disease and Beyond: Challenges and Perspectives

PD patients fight against a range of physical motor and nonmotor symptoms, which affect their daily living. Because of the complexity of the disease, each patient has different combination symptoms, and consequently, difficulties in daily life. This complexity means that therapy for advanced stages of disease will vary from patient to patient—and might be an innovation in care, new nonpharmacological interventions, new ICT–IoT solutions or a new cocktail of drugs. In the case of complementary therapies (e.g., psychomotor rehabilitation, music therapy, dance therapy, museotherapy, acupuncture, nutriceutics), the latter must be modulated according to the individual.

Not only must the treatment be highly personalized, but all the potential obstacles to implementing that treatment plan also need to be assessed. An increasing attention in the characterization of the neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric profile in Parkinson's disease is necessary. Among all parameters, behavioral alterations (e.g., ICD), metacognitive–executive dysfunctions, and dyskinesia-reduced-self-awareness must be diagnosed and monitored. Importantly, a correct management might also take into account patient’ vulnerability. Parkinson’s disease and frailty may overlap, and screening for frailty in PD patients may be warranted.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to gather visionary ideas and perspectives on the main treatment approaches (pharmacological, rehabilitative, neurosurgical), evaluating benefits and potential iatrogenic effects on the quality of life, emotion, cognition, and autonomy of the Parkinsonian patient. Aspects concerning the caregiver’s burden are also taken into consideration.

Dr. Sara Palermo
Guest Editor

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