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6734735 
Journal Article 
Parkinson's disease research: adopting a more human perspective to accelerate advances 
Marshall, LJ; Willett, C; , 
2018 
Yes 
Drug Discovery Today
ISSN: 1359-6446
EISSN: 1878-5832 
ELSEVIER SCI LTD 
OXFORD 
1950-1961 
30240875 
WOS:000454466100006 
Parkinson's disease (PD) affects 1% of the population over 60 years old and, with global increases in the aging population, presents huge economic and societal burdens. The etiology of PD remains unknown; most cases are idiopathic, presumed to result from genetic and environmental risk factors. Despite 200 years since the first description of PD, the mechanisms behind initiation and progression of the characteristic neurodegenerative processes are not known. Here, we review progress and limitations of the multiple PD animal models available and identify advances that could be implemented to better understand pathological processes, improve disease outcome, and reduce dependence on animal models. Lessons learned from reducing animal use in PD research could serve as guideposts for wider biomedical research.