An overview: Radiotracers and nano-radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a widespread progressive neurodegenerative disease. Clinical diagnosis approaches are insufficient to provide an early and accurate diagnosis before a substantial of loss of dopaminergic neurons. PET and SPECT can be used for accurate and early diagnosis of PD by using target-specific radiotracers. Additionally, the importance of BBB penetrating targeted nanosystems has increased in recent years. This article reviews targeted radiopharmaceuticals used in clinics and novel nanocarriers for research purposes of PD imaging. [Display omitted] • An extensive review of radiotracers used for Parkinson's disease imaging and recent developments are focused. • Molecular imaging techniques and limitations of conventional diagnostic methods in Parkinson's disease are mentioned. • Challenges in imaging of PD and BBB penetration are explained. • Nanocarriers as novel radiopharmaceuticals are mentioned in place of Parkinson's disease imaging that is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]