## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Advancing Research](/advancing-research) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [Advancing Research](/advancing-research) # Understanding Research ## 💡 Quick Summary - Research helps scientists understand Parkinson’s, improve care and work toward better treatments. - Research may take place in laboratories or involve volunteers in other types of studies. - Researchers are studying many new treatments to see if they are safe and effective. - You can learn about research opportunities, find out whether you are eligible to participate, understand your rights and decide whether to take part. ![Researchers in a lab looking at a computer](/sites/default/files/styles/no_sizing/public/images/understanding-research-hero.jpg?itok=PpTYRBJ3) ## Why does research matter? Research has led to important advances in understanding and treating Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, there is still a lot more to learn. Research continues to help scientists understand what causes PD, develop new treatments and improve care. ## What is research? Research is how scientists learn more about diseases like Parkinson’s. It involves asking questions, collecting information and drawing conclusions. Each study builds on what is already known to deepen understanding and improve care and treatment. Sometimes studies repeat earlier work to confirm findings and see how treatments affect people differently over time. The Parkinson’s Foundation funds a range of initiatives geared toward ending Parkinson’s and helping people live better with it. We spur discovery by funding cutting-edge research through grants, [innovative drug discovery](/advancing-research/parkinsons-drug-discovery "Drug Discovery and Development") and a groundbreaking [global genetics study](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation"). ## Where does research take place? Research takes place in many settings, depending on the question being studied. Studies can: - Be carried out in laboratories. These may look at cells or genes to learn more about Parkinson’s. - Involve animals or computer-based models to better understand the disease. - Enroll human participants and take place in hospitals or clinics, but some can be done from home or online. ## Which studies involve people? Clinical research involves human participants. This may include people living with a condition, as well as those without it, such as care partners. These studies look at how diseases affect people and how different approaches to care and treatment work. [Learn more about the types of studies](/advancing-research/understanding-research#types "Understanding Research") ## What Parkinson’s research is underway right now? Researchers are exploring many approaches in clinical trials to see if they are safe and effective. The PD Trial Navigator program helps guide people who may be a good fit for these studies. [Learn more](/blog/research/pd-trial-navigator "How PD Trial Navigator Engages People with Parkinson’s to Accelerate Clinical Trials") or email . - ### Disease-Modifying Therapies This area of research focuses on therapies that may slow or stop the progression of Parkinson’s disease. **How do Disease-Modifying Therapies work** In Parkinson’s, changes in the brain affect how some brain cells work and survive. Through disease-modifying therapies, researchers are targeting these changes to improve overall brain health. **Why do Disease-Modifying Therapies matter** - Disease-modifying therapies look beyond treating symptoms - If this area of research is successful, it may lead to an approved therapy that slows or stops the progression of Parkinson’s and lessen Parkinson’s impact on daily life - ### Precision Medicine This area of research explores how genes, lifestyle, environment and medical history may help guide more personalized treatments. **How precision medicine works** Precision medicine focuses on three main areas to understand what makes each person unique to guide treatments: 1. Biolgoical cues like genes, proteins and other measurable signs called biomarkers that explain why Parkinson’s affects each person differently. 2. Symptom tracking over time which helps researchers understand how each person responds to treatment 3. New therapies that consider biomarkers and symptoms to better match each person’s Parkinson’s disease. **Why precision medicine matters** - It may help explain why treatments work well for some and not others - Could help guide treatment choices and remove side effects - Over time, may lead to treatments that target what is driving Parkinson’s, not just symptoms. - ### Gene-Based Therapies This research looks at ways to protect or repair brain cells using targeted genetic approaches. **How gene-based therapies work** Researchers are studying two main gene-based treatment approaches. 1. Gene therapy which often involves using surgery to add a healthy gene to brain cells to help them function better. 2. Gene targeted drugs that are designed for people with specific gene changes and act on the problems those changes cause in the brain. **Why gene-based therapies matter** - Gene based research may lead to treatments that protect or repair brain cells - It could help slow or stop the progression of Parkinson’s, not just treat symptoms - Over time, gene based research may help the broader Parkinson’s community, not just those with gene changes. - ### Cell-Based Therapies This research explores whether replacing or supporting brain cells, including those involved in dopamine, may help improve symptoms and quality of life. These are also called stem cell therapies. **How cell-based therapies work** Cell therapy research (also called stem cell therapy research) focuses on three main steps to see whether replacing dopamine-producing cells could help treat Parkinson’s: 1. Transforming stem cells into dopamine-producing brain cells 2. Placing these new, transformed cells, into the brain during surgery 3. Seeing if these implanted cells can survive, make dopamine and connect with other brain cells. **Why cell-based therapies matter** - Explores a new approach beyond dopamine-replacement medications - May keep dopamine levels more consistent, with less “off” time - Could reduce reliance on medication and related side effects. ## Types of Research Studies There are several types of clinical research studies, and each involves different steps. Some studies are less involved, such as surveys or one-time tests. Others may include follow-up visits, monitoring or more complex procedures. Understanding the difference between different types of studies can help you decide what feels right for you. - ### Clinical Trials These studies test new treatments, therapies, devices or care approaches in people. They help researchers learn whether these approaches are safe and how well they work. Clinical trials play an important role in developing new treatment options. **Preclinical Research** New treatments are first studied in cells and animals before they are tested in clinical trials. These studies look for possible benefits and safety concerns and help researchers decide if testing in people should begin. Learn more about **[clinical trials](/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/clinical-trials "Clinical Trials")**. - ### Observational Studies Researchers observe or collect information, often about people’s health and experiences, without changing a person’s care. Participants may complete surveys, take part in interviews, provide biological samples (such as saliva or blood) or allow researchers to review health records. These studies help researchers learn about the underlying nature of PD, its symptoms and their impact on quality of life. - ### Biomarker Studies These studies look for measurable signs of Parkinson’s in the body, such as changes in blood, spinal fluid or other biological samples. These markers may help with earlier diagnosis and tracking disease progression. - ### Genetic Research Genes are parts of your DNA that carry instructions for how your body works and are passed down in families. Genetic research studies how genes may be linked to diseases. Research initiatives like **[PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation")** help people learn about their genetic connection to Parkinson’s while contributing data to research. Learn more about **[PD GENEration](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation")**. - ### Imaging Studies These studies use brain scans, which are pictures of the brain taken with special machines. They help researchers understand how Parkinson’s develops and progresses. - ### Epidemiology and Population Studies These studies look at patterns in large groups of people. They help researchers understand who is affected by Parkinson’s and which factors may influence risk or how it changes over time, including lifestyle, diet, environmental factors (such as air or chemicals) and measurable signs in the body (called biomarkers). ## Your Rights and Safety in Research When you take part in research, you have rights that protect you. You will receive clear information about the purpose of the study and what you will be asked to do. You have the right to: - Ask questions at any time - Choose whether to take part - Change your mind later and leave the study, even if you already agreed Your safety is a priority. Researchers must follow rules designed to protect you and your personal information. An independent ethics board (Institutional Review Board, or IRB) reviews every study to help make sure it is fair, respectful and as safe as possible. Your privacy is protected, and your data is handled with care. You are a partner in research. Your voice matters, and you should feel respected, informed and supported. ### How to Get Involved in Research Here are some tips to help you get started: **1. Talk to your doctor.** If you are considering a study, talk to a doctor you trust to discuss your options. **2. Find research opportunities.** Visit our [**Join A Study**](/advancing-research/join-study "Join A Study") webpage to explore available studies. **3. Choose studies from trusted sources.** Look for studies led by major medical centers or universities, including [**Parkinson’s Foundation Centers of Excellence**](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/global-care-network "Global Care Network"). **4. Take time before your decide.** You can look up clinical trials on [**ClinicalTrials.gov**](http://ClinicalTrials.gov). If a study is not listed or you are unsure, talk to your doctor before you agree to take part. **5. Explore other ways to get involved.** You can also become a [**Research Advocate**](/advancing-research/advocate-research "Advocate for Research") to help shape research and support the development of new treatments. *Page reviewed by Dr. Michael Schwarzchild, Movement Disorders Neurologist at Massachussets General Hospital, Dr. Ruth Schneider, Movement Disorders Neurologist at Strong Memorial Hospital at the University of Rochester , and Dr, Roy Alcalay, Movement Disorders Neurologist at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center* ## Resources to Download [Disease-Modifying Therapies](/sites/default/files/documents/DMT-1PGR.pdf "DMT-1PGR.pdf") [Precision Medicine](/sites/default/files/documents/Precision-Med-1PGR.pdf "Precision-Med-1PGR.pdf") [Gene-Based Therapies](/sites/default/files/documents/Gene-1PGR.pdf "Gene-1PGR.pdf") [Cell-Based Therapies](/sites/default/files/documents/Cell-1PGR.pdf "Cell-1PGR.pdf") ## Related Materials Podcasts ### [ Episode 15: Why and How to Participate in Parkinson’s Research ](/library/podcast/15) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/15) Fact Sheets ### [ Getting Involved in Research ](/library/fact-sheets/research) [Read Now](/library/fact-sheets/research) Podcasts ### [ Episode 14: Clinical Trials for Parkinson’s ](/library/podcast/14) [Listen Now](/library/podcast/14) ## Related Blog Posts ![Marilyn Neault ](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/parkinsonsresearch-blog.png?h=ed9ce7df&itok=5GQ_JMlg) Advancing Research ### [ The Ins and Outs of Participating in Parkinson’s Research ](/blog/research/participating-research) READ NOW ![Specialist consulting a patient at the clinic](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/pd-navigator-hero.jpg?h=ed9ce7df&itok=RQ-OhTeP) Advancing Research ### [ How PD Trial Navigator Engages People with Parkinson’s to Accelerate Clinical Trials ](/blog/research/pd-trial-navigator) READ NOW ![Older man playing with his granddaughter](/sites/default/files/styles/500x360/public/images/pdgeneration-blog_0.jpg?h=e285aa82&itok=oN9B94P2) Advancing Research ### [ How exactly does PD GENEration work? ](/blog/research/how-pdgeneration-works) READ NOW [VIEW ALL BLOGS](/resources-support/blog) ### Subscribe for the latest news ### Join the PD GENEration Today PD GENEration is an initiative that offers genetic testing and genetic counseling at no cost for people with Parkinson’s disease. 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