The current issue of Neurodegenerative Disease Management explores evolving viewpoints on the role of mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's Disease (PD-MCI), a medical issue which currently lacks consensus. Neurodegenerative Disease Management is published by Future Science Group. The article is also available free of charge to members of Neurology Central, FSG's online community for the international neurology community.
The article explores the growing acknowledgement of mild cognitive impairment as both a construct of and a risk factor for dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease. The authors review lessons learned from Alzheimer's disease research that has already explored disease precursors and biomarkers, disease trajectory and clinical trial considerations.
"Recent research on mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD-MCI), has sought to define its characteristics and risk factors as well as possible precursors of Parkinson's dementia," said Jennifer Goldman, MD, MS, who co-authored the article with Neelum T. Aggarwal, MD, and Cynthia D. Schroeder, MHS colleagues from Rush University Medical Center Department of Neurological Sciences.
"Precursors under investigation include serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and neuroimaging biomarkers, some of which may be similar in concept or in scientific findings to those found in Alzheimer's disease," said Goldman. "Lessons learned from the Alzheimer's disease field may help Parkinson's disease clinicians and researchers further the development of good screening and accurate diagnostic algorithms, which may predict future cognitive decline, and ultimately assist in making treatment decisions."
The article explores MCI-AD research, including the evolution of MCI definitions over the years, clinical trials that now incorporate biomarkers and genetics in the study design, and emerging therapeutic strategies targeting specific biological mechanisms, novel compounds and delivery systems, and earlier stages of cognitive impairment with potential disease-modifying or prevention trials.
"The authors elegantly synthesize advances and challenges in PD-MCI, a complex field which currently lacks consensus, and make comparisons with the more advanced field of AD-MCI," said Daphne Boulicault, Commissioning Editor. "We are pleased to offer this thoughtful review in both our MEDLINE-indexed journal, and free of charge on our industry portal, Neurology Central."
###
Neurodegenerative Disease Management presents findings, analysis and commentary in the ongoing battle with this range of debilitating illnesses. The journal provides guidance to the multidisciplinary disease management community regarding the most effective treatment strategies and the implications of cutting-edge research as it emerges.
Neurology Central, which is free to registered users, features breaking news within the field of neurology, essential information about clinical trials and drug development, and access to peer-reviewed content from FSG neurology journals.
About Future Science Group
Founded in 2001, Future Science Group (FSG) is a progressive publisher focused on breakthrough medical, biotechnological, and scientific research. FSG's portfolio includes two imprints, Future Science and Future Medicine. Both publish eBooks and journals. In addition to this core publishing business FSG develops specialist eCommunities. Key titles and sites includes Bioanalysis Zone, Epigenomics, Nanomedicine and the award-winning Regenerative Medicine.
The aim of FSG is to service the advancement of clinical practice and drug research by enhancing the efficiency of communications among clinicians, researchers and decision-makers, and by providing innovative solutions to their information needs. This is achieved through a customer-centric approach, use of new technologies, products that deliver value-for-money and uncompromisingly high standards. http://www.future-science-group.com