“The Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech initiative is a new, much needed way the Parkinson’s Foundation can directly make targeted investments that can have potentially great impact for people with Parkinson’s today,” said James Beck, PhD, Parkinson’s Foundation Chief Scientific Officer.

Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech is the international drug discovery and development program and joint venture/partnership of the Parkinson’s UK and the Parkinson’s Foundation. This groundbreaking global effort is working to spur the development of life-changing new Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatments in years, not decades.

“These investments can exponentially advance the opportunities for new Parkinson’s medications,” said Dr. Beck. “With the support of our community, this new initiative balances our portfolio of research investments. We can now broaden our research to support every type of research from basic science to clinical studies.”

Today, Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech funds 11 new medications and therapies already in research and development stages. Here are the six new drug development programs that energize us:

1.     Project Galaxy: Addressing Inflammation in Parkinson’s

Stage: In Development

This project aims to find a way to stop harmful inflammation from damaging brain cells. Inflammation is a process that is vital for defending the body against harm from things like infection, injuries and toxins. If inflammation is chronically active when it shouldn’t be — which might be the case in PD — it can cause harm to healthy cells.

Key Takeaway: This project looks to uncover a way to reduce inflammation in the brain, in the hope to protect brain cells. This could pave the way for the design of a drug to help slow or stop the condition.

2.     Project Top Hat: Exploring the potential of ondansetron for treating hallucinations in people with PD or Lewy body dementia

Stage: Clinical Trial

It is estimated that around 75% of people with Parkinson’s experience hallucinations during the course of PD. However, current treatment options are limited. The drug used to alleviate nausea after chemotherapy called ondansetron (brand name Zofran) is being tested as a treatment for visual hallucinations in people with PD or Lewy body dementia.

Key Takeaway: This study is a phase 2 clinical trial with 306 people with PD or Lewy body dementia enrolled. With safety data available from ondansetron’s current use in treating sickness, positive results from this study could see this repurposed medication quickly progress to become an available treatment.

3.     Project Sheffield: Optimizing molecules that restore the power plants of brain cells

Stage: In Development

University of Sheffield researchers are developing molecules that can boost the function of mitochondria (the power plants of brain cells). Over the next 12 months, the team will develop and test the drug-like molecules in cells from people with PD. If successful, the molecules will then move forward into testing, before moving into clinical trials in people with Parkinson’s.

Key Takeaway: This research takes important steps toward creating a drug that can protect dopamine-producing brain cells and slow the progression of PD.

4.     Project Pharmaxis: New treatment aims to relieve PD-like symptoms and target inflammation to slow onset

Stage: Clinical Trial

Inflammation is vital for defending the body against harm from things like infection and toxins. Researchers believe that inflammation may be linked to the causes and progression of Parkinson’s. Pharmaxis is investigating whether a drug called PXS-4728 can reduce inflammation in the early stages of Parkinson’s. This study will enroll 40 people who experience the sleep disorder known as isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). As many as 70% of people with iRBD go on to develop Parkinson’s.

Key Takeaway: The hope is this drug might be able to slow the onset of Parkinson’s symptoms in this group of people that are at a high risk of developing the condition. This could help find a way to the slow the progression of Parkinson’s.

5.     Project NRG: Targeting the power plants of brain cells to slow the progression of Parkinson’s (I-1903)

Stage: In Development

NRG Therapeutics Ltd is investigating ways to boost the functioning of mitochondria in Parkinson’s. Mitochondria (the power plants of the cell) play an important role in both sporadic and inherited forms of Parkinson’s. The aim of this project is to identify new molecules that can enter the brain and support the mitochondria.

Key Takeaway: If successful, these protective molecules could provide a safe and effective new treatment that will protect brain cells, slow the progression of Parkinson’s and extend quality of life. In 2022, NRG secured additional funding to progress toward clinical trial.

6.     Project Eurofins: Creating new drugs to improve symptoms and slow Parkinson’s

Stage: In Development

Eurofins, a leading contract research company in the UK, is working to create molecules that can increase activity of a selection of genes. Dialing up the activity of these genes has the potential to increase dopamine production and boost the production of protective proteins to slow or halt the damage and loss of precious brain cells.

Key Takeaway: If successful, this could lay the foundation for research into new treatments that could not only improve Parkinson’s symptoms, but also slow, stop or even reverse the underlying condition.

Learn more about all 11 Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech drugs under research and development right now.  

Many people don’t realize just how much a social worker can help them because the profession is so diverse. Social workers can be found in many settings including hospitals, mental health care facilities, long-term care facilities, veteran centers and non-profit organizations. Although there are many kinds of social work, members of the profession all share common core values such as service, social justice, worth of the person and the importance of human relationships.

When it comes to living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) or helping a loved one, social workers can often provide counseling in clinics, leading support groups, engaging in research and more. 

March is Social Work month. In celebration, we are highlighting social workers who break barriers in the PD community and how they can help you navigate Parkinson’s:

1. Social workers connect you to community resources.

As the Southeast Parkinson’s Disease Research, Education, & Clinical Centers (PADRECC) Senior Social Worker at the Central Virginia VA Healthcare System, I break barriers in the Parkinson’s community by trying to connect the VA and available community resources for our veterans and their caregivers to ensure that any and every resource is being utilized to address their whole health needs. 

As part of our Interdisciplinary Clinic Care Team, I work to address any psychosocial barriers that may be impacting the veteran’s ability to participate in any of our team’s recommended medical or therapeutic services. We assist with addressing barriers to care by completing assessments for utilization of VA-issued iPad devices to bring therapists into the home for those unable to afford their own smart-devices and have difficulty leaving the home for face-to-face appointments.

–  Emily Hall, LCSW, Southeast PADRECC Senior Social Worker, Central Virginia VA Healthcare System

Read More: Veterans & Parkinson’s

2. Social workers help ensure that your voice is heard in Parkinson’s research.

As the social worker, education and outreach coordinator for Jefferson Health's Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center, I break barriers by ‘showing up’ and amplifying the voice of individuals who are not in the room.

I recently had the opportunity to serve on a Patient Advisory Board where I was able to make sure those missing from the table had an advocate to keep them in mind as policy and programming was being created. Working with this population directly grants me the privilege to hear from those impacted by Parkinson's care and hear what they feel is most important, and I get to bear witness and advocate on their behalf.

– Lance M. Wilson, MSS, LSW, C-SWHC, ASW-G, Social Worker / Education & Outreach Coordinator, Jefferson Health's Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center

Visit our Join A Study page

3. Social workers provide ongoing support through palliative care. 

When the opportunity came to start a neuro-palliative clinic, I was quickly on board and ready to work in collaboration with a neuro-palliative physician to meet the ongoing needs of people living with Parkinson's disease. By walking this PD journey alongside them we could be that extra layer of support to help them avoid crisis.

As a team made up of a physician, social worker, chaplain, and nurse case manager, we worked together to break the barrier of fear around "palliative care" and brought some peace to many of the anxieties experienced by people with Parkinson’s. Utilizing the palliative care lens enabled us to have difficult conversations, support families in documenting their wishes to ensure quality of life all the way through to their end-of-life experience.

– Adriana González, LCSW, Parkinson & Other Movement Disorders Center, UC San Diego Department of Neurosciences

Read More: Planning Ahead

4. Social workers organize and lead support groups.

As Director of Care Lift Corp, which provides advocacy, education and support for care partners, I break barriers in the Parkinson's community by connecting people with Parkinson’s and their care partners whose first language is not English with Parkinson's Foundation programs and resources. Care Lift has monthly support groups in Korean for the people with Parkinson's and their care partners — in-person in Metro Atlanta and virtually nationwide.

– Haejin Ban, LMSW, Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassador; Director, Care Lift Corp

FIND LOCAL RESOURCES: CONTACT OUR HELPLINE

5. Social workers help plan educational programs about Parkinson’s. 

Sometimes barriers exist because of unintentional ignorance of facts...a lack of information or knowledge. To me, part of breaking barriers as a social worker is done by increasing awareness. Next month, our team will be holding an awareness event in our center, educating people about PD as well as highlighting what the person with PD and their families can do to achieve wellness while living with PD. Breaking barriers to live a full life!

– Elaine Book, MSW, RSW, Clinic Social Worker, Movement Disorders Clinic, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, Pacific Parkinson's Research Centre

Explore our in-person and virtual events

6. Social workers create programs for special populations within the Parkinson’s community.

As the coordinator of WellnessWorks programs at the Center of Excellence at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, I break barriers by creating and launching programs for people with PD and care partners that go beyond the pill bottle. A recent Parkinson’s Foundation-funded program, “Parkinson’s Pride” reached out to individuals identifying with the LGBTQ+ community who have Parkinson’s, offering an opportunity to share experiences, network with others around the country and learn about resources. 

One participant described “Parkinson’s Pride” as a powerful, “life-changing” experience. Parkinson’s Foundation community grants provide a yearly challenge for me to think outside the box, to dream about bold programs and then have the good fortune to implement them. 

– Lissa Kapust, LICSW, Health and Wellness Program Coordinator, Palliative Care Champion, Parkinson’s Center of Excellence at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Read More: LGBTQ+ & Parkinson’s

Learn more about how social workers can help you navigate a new Parkinson’s diagnosis in our podcast episode, How Social Workers Can Help Ease Anxiety About the Unknown.

Did you know that physical therapy can help delay the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms? Jenny Wilhelm, PT, DPT, NCS, is a physical therapist at Oregon Health and Science University, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. We asked Jenny the most frequently asked questions about Parkinson’s disease and physical therapy.

What is the difference between physical therapy and exercise?

Exercise is a tool that physical therapists use to treat people with Parkinson's disease. Exercise can take several different forms such as aerobics, strengthening, stretching and balance.

Physical therapy can help you design an exercise program that will benefit you personally. In addition to the movement symptoms addressed by exercise, physical therapy can also improve your non-movement symptoms such as pain, low blood pressure and bladder or bowel problems. We teach people with Parkinson’s life strategies so they can stay safe at home, and we also train care partners to help support their loved one with PD.

How can physical therapy benefit people with Parkinson’s disease?

I would give my hats off to occupational therapists first, for teaching people with PD how to adapt their behavior and how to move. Physical therapists are next in line in helping with activities of daily living: getting on and off the toilet, sitting down and standing up from the couch and getting in and out of bed.

Physical therapy can help people with Parkinson's throughout the stages of the disease. Early on, we educate clients about the types of exercises that might be most effective for them. Later in PD, the physical therapist can help problem solve and make modifications to address new or changing symptoms. We help people with Parkinson’s adapt to everyday life scenarios in a way that is easier, safer and more enjoyable.

Is seeing a physical therapist who specializes in movement disorders more effective than seeing a general physical therapist?

In a perfect world, all people with Parkinson’s disease would be seen at a Center of Excellence by an interdisciplinary team. Research has shown that people with PD do better if they see someone who knows a lot about Parkinson’s.

For people who live in rural areas, however, it may be difficult to find a physical therapist who specializes in Parkinson’s. If you do not have access to a PD specialist, try to see someone who at least knows neurological physical therapy. Or you could try virtually seeing a physical therapist who specializes in Parkinson’s. Even if you only check in with this person a few times per year, their guidance will help with your overall symptom management.

Why did you become a physical therapist?

The story of how I became a physical therapist is a little unique. I've always been interested in research. I started doing research at the University of Nebraska when I was 16. Then I grew into basic neuroscience research but as I was doing that, I really missed people. I ended up in physical therapy for myself for a low back injury, and it seemed like a good fit.

I got into physical therapy school, and my combined interest in physical therapy and neuroscience led me to specialize in neurological conditions.

Can you share a feel-good story about helping people with PD?

Last year, I supported a van full of people who were doing a 130-mile relay race to raise awareness for Parkinson’s. I met with half a dozen people with Parkinson's (most of whom I had never met before) and assessed them on their symptoms and ability to walk two legs of a relay, to help them finish this race successfully.

During the race itself, we encountered some obstacles due to various PD symptoms. I had to get out of the van and massage someone’s foot at 2 a.m. because her dystonia was so bad that she couldn't walk. I had to help someone with gait training because they were pushing themselves and walking fast. I had to help hydrate someone who had low blood pressure. Despite these setbacks, however, everyone was determined to complete the race.

The important thing is that we were able to successfully support this team and get them across the finish line. I think the experience was empowering for this small group of individuals. The hope is that their success can inspire other people to step up to the challenge and raise awareness for Parkinson’s.

What do you do to manage the stress of your job?

I'm a part of a huge team, which is super helpful. In clinic, I work primarily with people with Parkinson's, but I see patients who are living with all neurological diseases. With PD, I have such a functional team that it makes a huge difference in being able to treat patients effectively. When there are issues, I can lean on other people to help me through problems that I might be having.

I am also a big fan of vitamin N: nature. My family and I do a lot of outdoor activities — being outside is my biggest stress management tool.

Is it ever too late to start physical therapy?

It is never too late to start physical therapy. People with PD may want to see a physical therapist for numerous issues throughout the course of the disease. I see a lot of people who have back pain or shoulder pain. They may not be coming to me directly because of Parkinson's, but I can help address their pain issues so they can continue to exercise.

Ideally, you would begin seeing a physical therapist shortly after diagnosis. But even if you are in the late stages of PD, there are still ways that physical therapists can help you move better and improve your quality of life.

If you have not yet seen a physical therapist, talk to your movement disorders specialist or neurologist to get a referral.

What is one takeaway the PD community should know about physical therapy?

I have never seen someone living with Parkinson's with an issue that physical therapy can't address. No matter what stage of PD you are currently in, there is a role for physical therapy to make your life a little bit easier.

For help finding a physical therapist near you, contact our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).

Research brings hope to those living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their families. Knowing about the current Parkinson’s research studies can be empowering. Our Science News blog series focuses on the latest Parkinson’s studies and what they can mean for you or your loved one living with this disease.

The Parkinson’s research realm is vast. A breakthrough in treatment can stem from any lab or researcher, which is why we fund numerous research grants every year. Ready to participate in Parkinson’s research? Visit our Join A Study page to learn more.

Catch up on our top 5 Science News articles of 2022:

1. Aerobic Exercise Positively Alters Parkinson’s Brain

Multiple clinical trials have shown that aerobic exercise can enhance cognitive functioning, such as learning, thinking, remembering and problem solving. We know brain heath and cardiovascular fitness are connected. What we don’t know is how and where in the brain aerobic exercise is enhancing cognitive functions and reducing movement symptoms for people with PD.

This study sought to investigate how aerobic exercise may influence PD-related changes in the brain. Researchers also explored the effects of aerobic exercise on the substantia nigra, the area in the brain that plays a key role in dopamine production.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

2. Freezing of Gait: Comparing Treatments Options

The sudden feeling that your feet are glued to the floor when trying to take a step is called freezing of gait — or more commonly, “freezing.” Unfortunately, freezing can happen often for people with Parkinson’s.

A new analysis compared the 11 most common techniques used to help a person with PD recover from a freezing episode. Some of these techniques include general exercise, verbal cues (like counting or clapping) and gait training. Find out the top three techniques that help with freezing.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

3. The Unmet Needs of Women with Parkinson’s

When it comes to PD research, women are woefully underrepresented. Compared to men living with Parkinson’s, women with PD experience different symptoms, risk factors, side effects to treatments and have more difficulty getting a diagnosis and, later on, care.

We know these health inequalities exist, so how is research addressing them? A study authored by women sought to rigorously document the current knowledge, gaps and possible ways to address the unmet needs of women living with PD.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

4. Dopamine Medication May Help with Sleep, Depression and Pain

Think of non-movement symptoms in Parkinson’s as fingerprints — everyone has them, but they’re different for every person. These symptoms can include depression, anxiety, problems sleeping and more. They often go under-reported and under-treated in people with Parkinson’s.

A type of drug known as a Monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibitor helps make more dopamine available to the brain. These drugs can mildly improve some PD movement symptoms, but we do not if or how these medications help with non-movement symptoms. Parkinson’s Foundation National Medical Advisor Michael S. Okun, MD, co-authored a study analyzing a total of 60 MAO-B inhibitor studies and how they impact non-movement symptoms in Parkinson’s. Find out which symptoms improved, and which ones did not.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

5. PD & Pollution: Something in the Air

Air pollution is linked to heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases, and diabetes, as well as neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Mounting evidence suggests that Parkinson’s might be added to the list soon.

A new study shows that air pollution is an emerging risk factor in the development of Parkinson’s. Exactly how do polluted air particles negatively impact the brain? From the lungs to the gut, study authors explain the pathways air pollution takes to enter the brain — all of which are linked to an increased risk of developing PD.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE