EAN 2023 | Unraveling subtypes of Parkinson’s disease: a focus on biomarkers

Carlo Colosimo, MD, FEAN, Santa Maria University Hospital, Terni, Italy, discusses the evolution in understanding neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Historically, these conditions were seen as singular entities, but recent perspectives highlight the existence of distinct subtypes based on age at onset, rate of progression, and associated comorbidities. The emphasis now is on the discovery of reliable biomarkers, not just for diagnosis but for patient stratification. In the field of Parkinson’s disease, the search centers around detecting alpha-synuclein pathology in tissues other than the brain. Techniques being explored include examining cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), skin biopsies, saliva, and the olfactory mucosa to detect abnormal alpha-synuclein accumulations. Hopefully, these methods will pave the way for more personalized therapeutic approaches for patients with Parkinson’s. This interview took place at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) 2023 Congress in Budapest, Hungary.

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