This b00k reviews the recent advances in the research on Parkinson's disease. It contains review articles from basic to clinical researches including the historical introduction and the molecular biological approach to Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is the most representative, age-related neurodegenerative disease. It is clinically characterized by movement disorders such as muscle rigidity, akinesia and tremor. The elucidation of its biochemical and molecular mechanisms has rapidly been progressing and is expected to contribute to the understanding of normal brain aging in general. This project is supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Priority Areas, "Molecular Biology of the Motor System", Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Japan, for 3 years from 1987 to 1989. We are grateful for the support. These reviews are a part of the works which have been supported by this Grant-in-Aid. The characteristics of this research project on Parkinson's disease are interdisciplinary approach from basic, molecular biology to clinical medicine, and the molecular biological approach is expected to be the most promising for the elucidation of the pathogenesis. The collaboration and discussion between basic and clinical researchers in this Priority Area Project has been efficient and productive. We hope that this book can mark another new milestone in the studies on Park,oson's disease and in neuroscience. We are very grateful to Nippon Schering for their generous support for the publication of this book. Last but not least, we thank Springer-Verlag Wien New York for the excellent production of this book and the excellent cooperation.

Parkinson's disease (PD) refers to a type of long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system which primarily impacts the motor system. It is clinically categorized through movement disorders, including tremor, muscular stiffness and akinesia. The study of its molecular and biochemical mechanisms aids in better understanding of the normal brain ageing. The cause of PD is still unknown, but both environmental and inherited factors are assumed to have a role in the disease. A separate set of genes whose dysfunctional regulation is significantly linked to the disease. These genes comprise DJ-1, ATP13A2, alpha-synuclein, PTEN induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), leucine rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) and parkin. In clinical practice, a range of medications are utilized for treating PD, the majority of which work by raising dopamine levels in the midbrain. This book provides significant information to help develop a good understanding of Parkinson's disease. It aims to shed light on clinical aspects and molecular basis of this disease. This book will serve as a reference to a broad spectrum of readers.

This comprehensive reference provides a detailed overview of current concepts regarding the cause of Parkinson's disease-emphasizing the issues involved in the design, implementation, and analysis of epidemiological studies of parkinsonism.

The Molecular and Clinical Pathology of Neurodegenerative Disease brings together in one volume our current understanding of the molecular basis of neurodegeneration in humans, targeted at neuroscientists and graduate students in neuroscience, and the biomedical and biological sciences. Bringing together up-to-date molecular biology data with clinical evidence, this book sheds a light on common molecular mechanisms that underlie many different neurodegenerative diseases and addresses the molecular pathologies in each. The combined research and clinical background of the authors provides a unique perspective in relating clinical experiences with the molecular understanding needed to examine these diseases and is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about neurodegeneration. Provides an up-to-date summary of neurodegeneration at a molecular, cellular, and tissue level for the most common human disorders Describes the clinical background and underlying molecular processes for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s, Prion, Motor Neuron, Huntington’s, and Multiple Sclerosis Highlights the state-of-the-art treatment options for each disorder Details examples of relevant cutting edge experimental systems, including genome editing and human pluripotent stem cell-derived neuronal models

This book represents the third in a series of International Conferences related to Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD) diseases. The first one took place in Eilat, Israel, in 1985; and the second one in Kyoto, Japan, in 1989. This book contains the full text of oral and poster presentations from the Third International Conference on Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases: Recent Developments, held in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. on November 1-6, 1993. The Chicago Conference was attended by 270 participants. The Scientific Program was divided into nine oral sessions, a keynote presentation, and a poster session. The conference culminated in a Round Table Discussion involving all of the participants in the conference. The four and one-half day meeting served as an excellent medium for surveying the current status of clinical and preclinical developments in AD and PD. There were 59 oral presentations and 93 posters. This book incorporates a majority of both.

The Molecular and Cellular Basis of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Underlying Mechanisms presents the pathology, genetics, biochemistry and cell biology of the major human neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, frontotemporal dementia, ALS, Huntington’s, and prion diseases. Edited and authored by internationally recognized leaders in the field, the book's chapters explore their pathogenic commonalities and differences, also including discussions of animal models and prospects for therapeutics. Diseases are presented first, with common mechanisms later. Individual chapters discuss each major neurodegenerative disease, integrating this information to offer multiple molecular and cellular mechanisms that diseases may have in common. This book provides readers with a timely update on this rapidly advancing area of investigation, presenting an invaluable resource for researchers in the field. Covers the spectrum of neurodegenerative diseases and their complex genetic, pathological, biochemical and cellular features Focuses on leading hypotheses regarding the biochemical and cellular dysfunctions that cause neurodegeneration Details features, advantages and limitations of animal models, as well as prospects for therapeutic development Authored by internationally recognized leaders in the field Includes illustrations that help clarify and consolidate complex concepts