The era of the 20th century, while associated with tremendous progress, has also heralded the era of chronic diseases that were not prevalent in our ancestors. Stress has been portrayed, at least in the lay media and amongst patients, as an important factor in this. Stress is associated with definite physiological changes. In this issue of JNNP, Professor Andrew Lees proposes a link between chronic emotional stress and biological abnormalities that may contribute to development of neurodegenerative diseases such as PD. Importantly novel avenues for research are highlighted, that could yet unlock the mystery of PD.

Read more at: http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/85/8/878.full