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Advanced Neurology George Cotzias and L-DOPA therapy

To the memory of his brilliant achievements, the insistent seeker and established the connection between
American Academy of Neurology added the “George cancer and L-DOPA. 3,7,46
Cotzias Lecture” to its annual meeting, and the American His outstanding career, marked by numerous awards
Parkinson Disease Association founded the “George C. and recognition of his great achievements, is a priceless gift
Cotzias Memorial fellowships.” The Cornell Medical Center to science and many patients worldwide. 1,2,7,38,46,73-75,82 Today,
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created the “George Cotzias Distinguished Professorship,” his legacy endures, with numerous institutions worldwide
and the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center added hosting academic events bearing his name, celebrating
7
the “G.C. Cotzias Neuro-oncology Division”. In Europe, the indomitable spirit and unparalleled contributions of
7
the Spanish Neurological Society established the “Cotzias George Cotzias to medical history.
Lecture” at its annual meeting. 7
George Cotzias’s legacy, along with the practical
11. Discussion application of L-DOPA, stands as a testament to his
immense contributions to the world of medical science. 73-75
George Cotzias, a brilliant physician from Greece, stands
as a great figure in the annals of international medical 12. Conclusion
history, notably for his pioneering work in PD. 7,46,82 Being
the son of highly educated parents, he had eminent The Greek doctor George Cotzias started his medical
academic qualifications and accomplishments. 7,38,46 His studies in Athens and accomplished them at Harvard
studies journey commenced in Athens and culminated at University. He had an extraordinary career in the USA
Harvard University. 7,33,38,46 and left an important scientific route behind. The immense
discoveries of Cotzias were the practical and remarkable
Cotzias’ groundbreaking discovery on the therapeutic therapeutic use of L-DOPA in treating PD. Cotzias
implications of L-DOPA for PD and manganese poisoning proved the efficacy of L-DOPA using tools that no one
has been of enormous international benefit. 7,8,10 His has used before, including cinematographic recording
methodology, encompassing innovative techniques to closely monitor the patient’s reaction to the therapy
like cinematographic recording and meticulous patient and adjust the L-DOPA dose. He also discovered new
observation, was revolutionary in its own right. 2,3,7,8,19,21,26,33,47,59 dyskinetic abnormalities associated with the therapy and
Such techniques ensured accurate assessments of L-DOPA’s demonstrated the therapy’s positive effect on individuals
efficacy and provided deeper insights into the disease poisoned by manganese. L-DOPA was a common substance
progression and treatment response. In addition, his in all the complex and beneficial drugs composed by
7,19
revelations about the dyskinetic distortions associated Cotzias for PD patients. No one before Cotzias provided an
with L-DOPA therapy and its potency on individuals impactful treatment for PD. L-DOPA was a hallmark in the
poisoned with manganese comprise significant milestones advancement of neurology. Successfully advancing to this
in neuroscientific research. 7,8,10 stage not only extended life expectancy but also made PD
Each medication he formulated provided much- a more manageable condition. The hypothesis that future
needed relief to patients grappling with PD, a disease therapies could transform PD into a common, mild disease
once deemed refractory. In this light, L-DOPA stands as – one that no longer causes suffering or death – may not
a pivotal stepping stone in neurology’s evolution. 7,46,56 be an exaggeration. Cotzias died from cancer while
Cotzias demonstrated the brain’s ability to retain the conducting original scientific research on the disease. He
chemical “memory” of a medication. It is noteworthy that received many awards in recognition of his contribution.
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Cotzias viewed L-DOPA not as an end but as a significant Many academic events and awards have since been named
milestone in the journey toward a comprehensive solution in his honor at several institutions worldwide. In addition,
for PD. Given the invaluable impact of L-DOPA, bringing a fictional movie illustrates the valuable influence of
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longevity 17,34,37,68,69,71 and alleviating the suffering of PD L-DOPA.
patients, 4,20,28,34,35,37,66 his vision of transforming PD into a This paper gives a concise but clear image of George
mild, non-lethal ailment seems not only hopeful but also Cotzias’ great achievements and the tools that could lead
attainable. Beyond L-DOPA, Cotzias’ endeavors led to the to breakthrough research in neuroscience, brain function,
genesis of a new generation of drug synthesis to combat and brain response.
PD. To date, carbidopa/L-DOPA is the most effective
and well-developed medication among the available opti Acknowledgments
ons. 2,3,5,8,10,17,19,23,32,39,81 The authors thank the Metropolitan Hospital of Greece
His battle with cancer, while tragic, did not defeat (https://www.metropolitan-hospital.gr/en/) and the staff
his research spirit. Until his last breath, he remained an from Advanced Neurology for their excellent collaboration,

Volume 4 Issue 2 (2025) 49 doi: 10.36922/an.5177