Symposium on the Etiology, Pathogenesis, and Prevention of Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

In the past decade, investigative interest in Parkinson's disease has shifted from examining the consequences of neurodegeneration to those factors that appear to play a role in the pathogenesis of nigral dysfunction and death. These developments have been fostered by expanded epidemiologic studies, an improved understanding of the neurotoxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine, and new perspectives on the experimental therapeutics of neurodegenerative diseases. The Parkinson Study Group (Rochester, NY) and the Movement Disorder Society (New York) were founded in 1985. The Parkinson Study Group represents a consortium of clinical investigators from medical centers in the United States and Canada who are dedicated to cooperative clinical trials for Parkinson's disease that are aimed at slowing the progression of illness. The Movement Disorder Society provides a forum for sharing ideas and for advancing research in the discipline of movement disorders. Menbership in the society is open to clinicians, clinical investigators, and basic scientists from