Work

Nanotechnology-based advancements in Parkinson's therapy: Exploring animal models and clinical insights in neurodegenerative disorders

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by loss of body movement control due to dopamine abnormalities. PD leads to various pathological symptoms, including muscle stiffness, bradykinesia, tremors, and postural disturbances. As a severe disease, PD caused approximately 329,000 deaths worldwide in 2019. However, PD treatment is very challenging; thus, alternative therapeutic strategies are in high demand. The primary therapeutic hurdle in PD therapy is the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This biological barrier further protects against dangerous foreign substances and drugs in the brain, which limits therapeutic action in PD. Currently, there are several approved medications for PD therapy, although the majority only address associated symptoms. Unfortunately, because of related adverse effects, existing treatments have not been able to slow the severity of PD. This illness is initiated and progresses by specific pathogenic mechanisms like α-synuclein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. As a result, a patient with PD has a limited chance of surviving roughly about 14.5 years. Therefore, to better understand and improve the overall survival rate, it is necessary to understand the different pathogenic processes behind the progress of PD. However, in the current and past decade, nanotechnology has rapidly expanded into the field of treatment and diagnosis of mental illnesses. Therefore, the review underscored recent insights into PD pathogenesis, neuropathogenic mechanisms, advancements in theragnostic and therapeutic strategies, nanotherapeutics, current clinical trial updates, and emerging PD therapeutic development. That has aided scientists in developing alternative approaches to deal with the drawbacks of PD's conventional therapies.

Source: Ageing Research Reviews

DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2026.103026