What’s New in Parkinson’s: Breakthroughs, Studies, and Support

Encouraging progress in Parkinson’s research continues as AC Immune receives a $4 million grant to extend its Phase 2 clinical trial of ACI-7104, an experimental vaccine designed to target the buildup of alpha-synuclein, a protein closely linked to Parkinson’s disease. This article explores how researchers hope the vaccine could slow disease progression, preserve function and independence, and potentially change the future of Parkinson’s treatment by intervening in the earliest stages of the disease. Read More

Promising new research suggests that combining advanced brain imaging with molecular testing may lead to more accurate diagnosis and monitoring of Parkinson’s disease. In this article, researchers explore how Neuropacs’ FDA-authorized imaging software can detect subtle brain changes associated with Parkinson’s, even in some individuals who test negative on standard biomarker tests, highlighting the potential for a more comprehensive approach to understanding and diagnosing the disease. Read More

The Parkinson’s Precision Medicine Initiative (PPMI), launched by The Michael J. Fox Foundation, is a landmark global study tracking people with and without Parkinson’s to better understand how the disease develops and progresses over time. Now expanded and renamed to reflect advances in precision medicine, PPMI continues to rely on volunteers to help drive breakthroughs in early detection, prevention, and future treatments. Read More

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai, as part of a global team funded by a $9 million Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) grant, are studying how environmental exposures such as pesticides and air pollution may interact with genetics to influence the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. By using stem cell models derived from individuals with and without Parkinson’s, the team aims to better understand why some people develop the disease under similar environmental conditions while others do not, with the goal of informing future prevention and personalized treatment approaches. Read More

Researchers have found that a specialized prebiotic supplement may help restore balance in gut bacteria for people with Parkinson’s disease, while also revealing a new way to monitor disease activity through a simple blood test. By analyzing tiny blood-borne particles called extracellular vesicles, scientists were able to track changes in gut and immune system signals after prebiotic treatment, suggesting a potential noninvasive tool for understanding and monitoring Parkinson’s progression and treatment response. Read More

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine found that a lab-designed molecule called SK-129 can block the formation and spread of toxic alpha-synuclein clumps, a key driver of Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. By crossing the blood-brain barrier and targeting these harmful protein aggregates in multiple lab and animal models, SK-129 shows promise as a potential disease-modifying approach rather than one focused only on symptom management. Read More

A new study published in Nature Microbiology suggests that a common class of Parkinson’s medications, catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors (COMT-Is), may unexpectedly reduce the effectiveness of levodopa by altering gut bacteria that can break the drug down before it reaches the brain. These findings highlight a previously unrecognized interaction between Parkinson’s treatments and the gut microbiome, underscoring the importance of considering microbial influences when evaluating how medications work together. Read More

A new study from UCSF demonstrates that a fully implanted brain device can detect when people with Parkinson’s disease are walking in their daily lives with more than 95% accuracy. This breakthrough lays the groundwork for more personalized, responsive therapies, including adaptive deep brain stimulation, that could one day improve mobility and quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s. Read More

The Michael J. Fox Foundation has updated its Parkinson’s Biochemical Biomarkers Pipeline Report, highlighting the latest advances in measurable indicators that can detect, track, and predict Parkinson’s disease. These biomarkers, including alpha-synuclein, genetic mutations, and indicators of inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, are helping researchers develop more personalized therapies and accelerate clinical trials for better treatments. Read More

A new study suggests that six months of regular aerobic exercise can partially “normalize” disrupted brain communication in people with Parkinson’s disease, particularly in networks involving dopamine and acetylcholine, which are critical for movement, balance, and memory. These findings highlight that structured exercise may help the brain reorganize circuits affected by Parkinson’s, providing a promising non-pharmacological strategy to support motor function and overall brain health. Read More

A recent study found that the Parkinson’s Image Self (PIS) Report app is a reliable tool for patients to report day-to-day Parkinson’s symptoms, such as pain, tremor, off episodes, and emotions, helping improve communication with doctors. Researchers noted that integrating the app with wearables and telemedicine could further enhance patient-centered care and allow remote monitoring between medical visits. Read More

A new study suggests that brief periods of breathing carbon dioxide (intermittent hypercapnia) may help activate the brain’s natural cleanup processes that remove toxic proteins linked to Parkinson’s disease. While more research is needed, these early findings lay the groundwork for future clinical trials exploring whether this non-invasive approach could support brain health and help manage disease progression. Read More

A new study suggests that eye-tracking technology using a standard webcam may offer a more sensitive way to track Parkinson’s disease progression than traditional clinical assessments. Researchers found that this machine learning–based approach detected subtle changes over time, pointing to a promising, more objective tool for monitoring Parkinson’s in both clinical care and research. Read More

The Michael J. Fox Foundation has awarded Enigma Biomedical USA a $2 million grant to develop and test a PET tracer that targets harmful alpha-synuclein clumps, a key driver of Parkinson’s disease. This breakthrough imaging tool could transform Parkinson’s research by improving diagnosis, guiding clinical trials, and accelerating the development of disease-modifying therapies. Read More

A recent study suggests that wrist-worn movement sensors may offer a more accurate and consistent way to track tremor in Parkinson’s disease than clinic visits or patient recall alone. The device continuously measures tremor strength, duration, and overall activity in daily life, providing detailed insights that could help improve diagnosis, monitor symptoms, and guide more timely treatment adjustments. Read More

A recent study in mice suggests that aerobic exercise may help improve motor symptoms and reduce anxiety in early Parkinson’s disease, though higher-intensity workouts could have mixed effects on the brain’s immune system. The findings highlight the benefits of regular, moderate exercise for movement, mood, and gut health, while underscoring the need to monitor exercise intensity carefully in Parkinson’s care and research. Read More

The Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2) has reached a major milestone, with over 100,000 DNA samples from participants worldwide now genotyped and sequenced, creating one of the most comprehensive and globally representative datasets for Parkinson’s disease. This unprecedented resource is already driving discoveries, including more than 50 new genetic risk factors, and, with over one-third of participants from historically underrepresented populations, offers the statistical power and diversity needed to accelerate research, improve understanding of disease mechanisms, and guide the development of targeted therapies for Parkinson’s patients around the world. Read More

Researchers have discovered that alpha-synuclein oligomers, protein clusters linked to Parkinson’s disease, form dynamic pores in nerve cell membranes, which may disrupt cell function and contribute to disease progression. Using innovative imaging techniques, the team observed how these oligomers bind, partially insert, and repeatedly open and close pores, particularly in membrane regions with certain lipid compositions. Understanding this process could lead to new strategies for blocking damage early, offering hope for future therapies to protect neurons in Parkinson’s. Read More

A pilot study found that noninvasively stimulating a leg nerve with Stimvia’s URIS device may safely ease motor symptoms and improve quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. Among participants with tremor, more than two-thirds experienced relief within six weeks, and by the end of the study, over 85% saw their tremors reduced by half. The device, which stimulates the peroneal nerve through skin electrodes, can be used independently at home and was well-tolerated with no serious side effects.

Researchers are now preparing for a larger international trial to confirm these promising results. READ MORE

Smell loss can be an early sign of brain disease, including Parkinson’s. The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) invites you to take a free smell test to help researchers better understand disease risk and progression. Participation takes less than five minutes and could play a vital role in shaping the future of Parkinson’s care. READ MORE

The PERSEVERE study is an important research project designed to support family care partners of individuals living with Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). This study focuses on providing education, resources, and mentoring to help care partners navigate the unique challenges of caring for a loved one with these conditions.

What is this study about?

The study is testing a 12-week educational program created specifically for family care partners of people with PDD or DLB. The goal is to provide practical knowledge, emotional support, and strategies that empower care partners in their role.

What’s involved?

Participants in the study will:

• Receive weekly guidance through short readings, resources, and activities.
• Complete all participation virtually—there are no in-person visits.
• Complete surveys and assessments at the start of the study, and every two weeks for nine months.

This structure ensures care partners can participate from the comfort of their own homes while gaining tools to support their caregiving journey.

Who can participate?

As a Care Partner Participant
You may qualify if you are:

• A family care partner of a loved one diagnosed with PDD or DLB, with cognitive symptoms or hallucinations for less than three years.
• Currently living with your loved one or providing at least 10 hours of care per week.
• Living in the United States.
• Have phone and internet access.
• Comfortable speaking and reading English.

As a Care Partner Mentor
You may qualify if you are:

• A family care partner of a loved one diagnosed with PDD or DLB, with cognitive symptoms or hallucinations for at least three years, or of a loved one who has passed away.
• Currently living with your loved one or providing at least 10 hours of care per week (or in the past if deceased).
• Living in the United States.
• Have phone and internet access.
• Comfortable speaking and reading English.

Study Sites

Participation is virtual, so care partners from across the United States are welcome to join. To learn more or complete the screening survey, visit: https://redcap.link/PERSEVERE1

Questions?

For more information about the PERSEVERE study, please email: persevere@rush.edu

Source: Information for this article was provided by the Lewy Body Dementia Association. 

A recent study found that women with Parkinson’s disease exhibit more uneven and unstable muscle contractions than men, even when clinical symptoms are similar, due to differences in motor unit firing. Researchers suggest that understanding these sex-specific differences could help develop personalized diagnostic methods and treatment strategies to improve interventions and quality of life for people with Parkinson’s. Read More