The preclinical stage of movement disorders

Findings from both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have indicated a long preclinical period characterizing most neurodegenerative diseases. The study of presymptomatic movement disorders has implications for our understanding of their pathophysiology, early functional compensation and subclinical disease progression. This might lead to earlier diagnosis, might shift current disease staging and might help define at-risk populations amenable to preventive or disease-modifying therapeutic intervention. Here, we provide an up-to-date overview of the current knowledge about the preclinical stages of common movement disorders.