The diagnosis and differential diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and Parkinson’s syndromes have changed significantly over the last 30 years. The heterogeneity of clinical presentations has led to descriptions of discrete non-motor, motor, and overlapping subtypes on the one hand, while on the other hand, better and more precise differentiation of the various atypical Parkinson's syndromes should be mentioned. The role of new diagnostic options has thus expanded and become more personalized, facilitating more precise differentiation of the various Parkinson's syndromes and allowing for personalized, bespoke therapies.

The heterogeneity of clinical presentation in Parkinson syndromes points toward multiple dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic deficits and consequent subtypes. Diagnostic pathways, therefore, need to be adapted. Our goal is to present current diagnostic options and possibilities, draw meaningful conclusions from them, and also identify existing gaps as well as potential future directions.

In this Research Topic, we aim to publish reviews that outline the current state of respective methods and address their limitations. Furthermore, we welcome articles that explore future opportunities and perspectives, and provide suggestions for a standardized approach based on the latest scientific data.

We will showcase articles focusing on, but not limited to:

• The current state of Parkinson syndrome understanding

• The non-motor subtypes and bespoke diagnostics

• The emerging diagnostics and limitations

• New approaches in differential diagnosis

To ensure that each method is covered comprehensively and exclusively, we kindly ask potential contributors to check in advance whether their intended review topic or manuscript has already been accepted.

Topic Editor Prof Wolfgang H. Jost is consultant and speaker for: Abbvie, Bial, Desitin, Merz, Mitsubishi, Zambon. Topic Editor Prof Kallol Ray Chaudhuri has recently been in the Advisory board of: AbbVie, UCB, GKC, Bial, Cynapsus.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Current Status of Diagnosis and Differential Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's syndromes