First-Ever Parkinson’s Prevention Think Tank Identifies Actions to Take for a World without Parkinson’s

For the first time, Parkinson’s disease (PD) experts came together to explore how we can prevent Parkinson’s on a global scale. Over two days, the Parkinson’s Disease Prevention Think Tank reviewed the current state of PD prevention research, examined lessons learned from prevention research in other disorders, and identified opportunities to advance research and policy actions focused on preventing PD. 

The Think Tank met on November 20-21, 2025, in Gainesville, FL, at the Fixel Institute, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. Attendees included Parkinson’s Foundation leaders — movement disorders specialist Sneha Mantri, MD, Chief Medical Officer, James Beck, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, and Michael S. Okun, MD, National Medical Advisor — alongside experts across fields including medicine, epidemiology, agriculture and journalism

The Think Tank recently published its position paper in the medical journal, npj. The paper serves as an initial call-to-action for those at-risk of developing Parkinson’s, the clinicians who care for them and policymakers.

“This Think Tank set out to answer the bold question: what will it take to get to Parkinson’s Zero, a world where no one has Parkinson’s?” said Dr. Mantri. “Our goal is to draw attention to primary prevention by advancing research and shaping policy. Our report outlines the actions needed on the individual and system level to make this vision a reality.” 

Here are the eight actions (or eight C’s) the Think Tank recommends we take to create a world without Parkinson’s: 

1. Count Incidence and Prevalence

We need better data. Studies show that the incidence and prevalence of PD are rising worldwide at a rate too high to be explained by the aging of the population or genetic factors. 

• Incidence: A measure of new cases arising in a population over a period of time. Typically, incidence is measured as the number of people diagnosed per year.
• Prevalence: A measure of all individuals affected by the disease at a particular time.

To better understand PD and develop ways to prevent it, researchers need consistent and accurate data on how many people are living with PD. For instance, creating a global PD database could help measure the impact of prevention efforts. Comparing regions where new PD policies are enacted against regions without policies could also show if these efforts are working. 

2. Conduct Studies

No two people experience the same PD symptoms or progression. This is not only a challenge in treating PD, but also in preventing it. Researchers need well-documented common traits of PD across diverse populations living with PD, using different data sources. 

Combining genetic, clinical, digital and exposure data will help researchers better understand how genetics and environmental exposures cause Parkinson’s. These insights can lead to new treatments that slow or stop PD. 

3. Create Policy Change

Having a better picture of what causes PD — and the role environmental exposures play — can inform the policy and regulatory changes that are urgently needed to reduce exposure to the toxins linked to PD.  

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and similar agencies around the world should take regulatory action to protect people from toxic chemicals linked to PD, such as paraquat, chlorpyrifos, trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene. 

The EPA should ban pesticides in areas where scientific evidence shows residents have a higher risk of developing PD. The EPA should also regularly review new research on health and environmental exposure risks to determine if people are at an unreasonable risk. In the U.S., states have the authority to limit the use of certain chemicals, and several states have already begun taking action.

4. Counsel: Share Ways People Can Reduce Their Risk of Developing PD

Since Parkinson’s is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, we need to educate people on the different ways they can actively reduce their risk of developing PD. This includes: 

• Chemical exposure: Educate people on how to protect themselves from chemical exposure, including using protective equipment, improved hygiene practices and more. 
• Lifestyle changes: Exercise and diet are associated with a lower risk of PD. Those with genetic risks and family history of PD may be particularly motivated to make these changes. 

Finally, educating people and policymakers on the risks of passive exposure — the contamination of air, water and soil — to toxicants remains critically important. 

5. Communicate with the Public and Leaders

The public needs clear and consistent messaging about Parkinson’s, infused with ways they can take action. Researchers, health care professionals and policymakers should all engage with educating their audiences about Parkinson’s in a clear way. 

6. Form Coalitions: We’re Stronger Together 

Those in the PD space can learn from other disease organizations and leverage what worked for them. Changes at the individual, community and national level that worked for one disorder may have beneficial effects for Parkinson’s. Strong coalitions across multiple diseases have the potential to attract attention that may reach beyond one disorder. 

7. Apply Cross-disciplinary Approaches

A diverse multidisciplinary approach is likely to have the greatest impact on preventing PD. We need different health care backgrounds to weigh in. For instance, psychologists can provide insight into the decision-making processes for people with PD. Health economists can provide data on the disease-related financial and non-financial burdens families and communities face. Molecular biologists and toxicologists can help us understand the impact of toxins on disease progression. 

Most importantly, the voices of people with PD will continue to be critical to preventing PD and moving the think tank’s work forward. 

8. Financial Commitment to Prevention Efforts 

The only way we can cure or prevent Parkinson’s is through research. Federally funded PD research has remained flat since 2021 — with inflation, PD research has seen a decrease of 20%. Disease-specific organizations are working to bridge the gap by providing additional funding for research and innovation. Some states are even considering their own research investments.

However, in the U.S., without stable federal funding, research may never impact people with PD. As a starting point, the Parkinson’s Foundation is championing $600 million a year in National Institutes of Health-funded PD research.

Next Steps 

The rate of new diagnosis and the number of people living with PD are rapidly rising. By doing nothing to prevent Parkinson’s on a global scale, rates will continue to rise. This means increasing rates of disability and premature death from PD, with profound economic consequences. The think tank urges the greater PD community to keep these eight components of prevention in mind. 

Next, the think tank meets in November 2026 to dive into specific policy needs that align with PD prevention strategies.

Take action today in helping prevent Parkinson’s. Share this article on social media or write to your representatives to support Parkinson’s policy priorities.