Introduction: In recent years, neurodegenerative diseases have increased significantly. As a result, the quality and lifestyle of patients is declining considerably. 

Objective: The present study investigates the role of 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D (vitamin D) in the monitoring of patients with Parkinson's Syndromes or Primary Idiopathic Tremor (PIT). 

Patients and Methods: Thirty patients were examined; 17 men and 13 women with a mean age of 58 ± 8 years. All the patients presented with parkinsonian symptomatology. The patients with suspected Parkinson’s Disease (PD), were referred, examined and monitored at the Nuclear Medicine Department, located at the General University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Greece. The patients underwent tomographic (single photon emission tomography, SPET) brain scintigraphy with 123I - Ioflupane along with a blood sampling to determine the levels of vitamin D in their serum. Vitamin D levels were measured by the method of radioimmunoassay (RIA). 

Results: In a descending order as to the severity, extent and intensity of lesions in 123I - Ioflupane- SPET scintigraphy, patients with PD were followed by the patients with atypical Parkinson's Syndromes, and finally by the patients with Primary Idiopathic Tremor. Among patients with PD, 42.9% were found deficient in vitamin D. In patients with Parkinson's Syndromes, 35.7% were found deficient in vitamin D. Finally, vitamin D insufficiency was observed in around 66.7% of people with PIT. 

Statistical Analysis: The statistical analysis was performed using the x2 test. 

Conclusions: Brain scintigraphy with 123I - Ioflupane is a very accurate method in diagnosing Parkinson's Syndromes. Patients with PD showed very low levels of vitamin D, while their scintigraphy showed ample lesions. Patients with Parkinson’s Syndromes and Primary Idiopathic Tremor, exhibited slightly higher levels of vitamin D as well as fewer damaged areas on their scintigraphy evaluation. Even higher Vitamin D values were established in PIT coupled with verifying normal scintigrams. Vitamin D values could  potentially be used in conjunction with other parameters, as a prognostic factor in determining the severity of PD.

the Master’s Programme of “Bioethics” of the Department of Medicine of Democritus University of Thrace, as well as a postgraduate medicine student in the same University. He has been certified with diploma for Pedagogical and Teaching Adequacy (experience in this particular domain) and he is also a member of the Nuclear Medicine Department Lab in Democritus University of Thrace.