Progress in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease(PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by degeneration of dopamine-containing neurons located in substantia nigra. Up to now, the specific etiology and pathogenesis of PD are unknown. There has not yet a specific, sensitive predictive and early diagnostic system, and treatment is basically symptomatic. The incidence of PD is rising with the increase of aging population, and bringing great challenge to society and economy. So our country and government pay more and more attention to PD research. The Ministry of Science and Technology of China has approved two 973 projects, the Research of Pathogenesis andTreatment Strategy on Neurodegenerative Disease and the Research of Pathogenesis and Treatment Strategies on PD. The review mainly focuses on the etiology, pathogenesis, early diagnostic system and treatment strategies of PD. All the results will contribute to the progress of our country's PD research.