Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by the selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, resulting in both motor and non-motor symptoms that substantially impair patients’ quality of life. With the rapid growth of the aging population, the global prevalence of PD is expected to increase significantly. However, early diagnosis remains difficult, as current clinical assessments and neuroimaging techniques often lack adequate sensitivity and specificity during the initial stages of the disease. Furthermore, despite extensive research, there is no curative therapy for PD, and existing pharmacological treatments primarily aim to manage symptoms rather than halt disease progression. Long-term use of conventional drugs such as levodopa and dopamine agonists is frequently associated with reduced efficacy and adverse effects. Recent advances in nanotechnology, particularly metallic-based nanomaterials (MNMs), have emerged as promising tools to address these challenges. Due to their unique physicochemical properties, MNMs can be engineered for targeted drug delivery, enhanced neuroprotection, and improved diagnostic imaging. Metallic nanoparticles, including gold and silver, have demonstrated the ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, enabling site-specific therapeutic delivery and real-time disease monitoring. This review highlights recent progress in MNM-based strategies for PD diagnosis and treatment, discusses the limitations of traditional approaches, examines preclinical advancements, and addresses potential toxicity concerns, emphasizing the transformative role of nanotechnology in Parkinson’s disease management.
Kumar et al. (Wed,) studied this question.