“I study the brain’s immune cells, called microglia,” said Lindsay Mitchell De Biase, PhD, from the University of California, Los Angeles. “Any population of neurons, including dopamine neurons, are intimately surrounded by and permeated by these cells. Whenever there is a challenge to the central nervous system, whether that is an injury or an infection, these cells change the way they function and interact with neurons.”

Through her 2021 Parkinson’s Foundation Stanley Fahn Junior Faculty Award, Dr. De Biase is studying how microglia influence vulnerability of dopamine neurons to Parkinson’s disease (PD). She and her research team hope to find ways to harness the transformative nature of microglia to preserve dopamine neurons and slow PD progression.

Microglial cells regulate central nervous system inflammation and the signaling connections between neurons. Emerging research suggests that mitochondria, organelles which generate the energy necessary to power cells, play an important role in regulating how microglia function. Understanding this interaction between mitochondria and microglial function, particularly the ability of these cells to influence the health of dopamine neurons, is where Dr. De Biase’s research comes into play.

“Many gene mutations that increase the risk for Parkinson’s are mutations in genes related to mitochondrial function,” said Dr. De Biase. “We think that some of these mutations are increasing disease risk, not only by affecting energy production within neurons, but by pushing microglial cells into a damaging, inflammatory state.”

Dr. De Biase is using novel technology to study the role of microglial mitochondria in a mouse model of PD. The intervention strategy she developed could be used in people who are at high risk for developing Parkinson’s, to delay disease development or prevent it. In people with PD, the strategy could create a more neuroprotective environment and preserve remaining dopamine neurons to delay PD progression.

Dr. De Biase’s research involves manipulating the function of microglia to see if it can protect midbrain dopamine neurons, which regulate movement, and play an important role in PD progression. Microglia play a key role in promoting neuronal health by mitigating overactivity and assisting in the formation of new connections between neurons. Dr. De Biase is working to harness these beneficial actions, seeking to “program” microglia to protect dopamine neurons and slow PD progression.

“Microglia are dynamic, malleable cells and could represent therapeutic targets that are highly distinct from others that have been explored thus far,” said Dr. De Biase.

“My greatest hope from our work comes from the fact that microglial cells are so dynamic,” she said. “These cells really can change their properties in many different contexts, and I think that makes them one of the most targetable cell populations in the brain. So, my hope is that what we are learning will reveal strategies that are really feasible for harnessing the neuroprotective abilities of these cells.”

Meet more Parkinson’s researchers! Explore our My PD Stories featuring PD researchers.

People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are at a higher risk of hospitalization and face many challenges while in the hospital.

Hospital staff may not be familiar enough with PD to understand symptoms or realize they can worsen if you do not receive Parkinson’s medications on time. Careful preparation and clear communication can help minimize complications and recovery time.

People with Parkinson’s and their care partner can use the Five Parkinson’s Care Needs from our Hospital Safety Guide, listed below, to communicate PD needs during a hospital visit, whether planned or unplanned.

1.  I need my hospital chart to include my exact medications and match my at-home schedule.

Why it’s important: Hospitals often follow standardized medication schedules to ensure timely administration for most patients, but this doesn’t prioritize the complex medication routines that people with Parkinson’s follow.

What to look out for: Make sure the hospital records your exact medication times rather than the number of times per day you take them. Otherwise, the hospital will

follow their schedule instead of yours.

What to ask for: Ask to verbally review your hospital medication list and schedule with the hospital care team, confirming that they ordered medications according to the correct specific times. You can also request a printout to review and compare to your Medication Form.

2.  I need to take my Parkinson’s medications within 15 minutes of my usual schedule.

Why it’s important: Delayed or missed doses can lead to falls, difficulty participating in rehabilitation and being less prepared to go home after leaving the hospital.

What to look out for: Many hospitals allow nurses to give medications up to an hour before or after the scheduled time.

What to ask for: Remind nurses when it is almost time for your medications. Ask nurses to help you take your medications according to your home schedule. Describe your symptoms and how they are affected when you do not receive medication on time, every time.

3.  I need to avoid medications that make my Parkinson’s worse. These medications include those that block dopamine, sedatives and certain pain medications.

Why it’s important: Lack of dopamine in the brain is the primary cause of Parkinson’s movement symptoms. When dopamine-blocking medications are given to someone with Parkinson’s, they can worsen the symptoms they are given to treat and cause harmful side effects.

What to look out for: Your care team may prescribe new medications to treat nausea, confusion and psychosis (hallucinations and delusions) without realizing they can worsen Parkinson’s symptoms.

What to ask for: Share the list of harmful medications on the Parkinson’s Care Summary and ask for a safe alternative.

4.  I need to move my body as safely and regularly as possible, ideally three times a day.

Why it’s important: For people with PD, regular movement — often coupled with physical and occupational therapy — is important for controlling PD symptoms, preventing falls and minimizing complications.

What to look out for: In the hospital, your care team may limit your movement to keep you safe, especially if you are weak after surgery, have low blood pressure or have other issues that put you at risk of falling.

What to ask for: Ask for rehabilitation therapy (physical and occupational therapy) if you need help moving safely. If it is safe, continue daily activities, such as dressing, walking to the bathroom, sitting in a chair for meals and taking short walks

5.  I need to be screened for swallowing changes to safely maintain my medication routine and minimize my risk of aspiration pneumonia and weight loss.

Why it’s important: Difficulty swallowing, called dysphagia, is common for people with Parkinson’s. Minor swallowing issues can worsen and create severe complications during a hospital stay.

What to look out for: Staff may order “NPO” (nothing by mouth) with the goal of preventing severe swallowing-related complications, stopping Parkinson’s medications, along with all other food, liquid, and medications. This can make swallowing issues worse!  

What to ask for: Instead of stopping Parkinson’s medications, you want to avoid medication pauses. Ask the nurse about ways to continue Parkinson’s medications safely.

In addition to providing useful information and tools to help you advocate for your best care, and explain the Five Parkinson’s Care Needs to hospital staff, the Hospital Safety Guide provides:

• Forms for you to fill out with personal care details and medication schedules.
• Tips for care partners.
• Parkinson’s care information to share with the hospital care team.

Order and download the free Hospital Safety Guide right now.

Start 2024 off strong! Living with or caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can change the way you look at new year’s resolutions, which is why we put together this list of goals that can help benefit different aspects of life.

For the Person Newly Diagnosed Person with Parkinson’s

• Find the resources that work for you. Access the resources that align with your learning style — from our PD Library, to our podcast to familiarizing yourself with Parkinson.org.
• Establish an exercise routine. Exercise (such as yoga, walking or swimming) can help improve flexibility and mobility and reduce muscle and joint pain. Find the workout that works for you through our virtual Fitness Friday exercise classes.
• Start building your PD community. On the social front, start exploring support groups, online groups or forums and find your Parkinson’s Foundation chapter. It takes time to build your PD support system, why not start this year? 
• Build your care team. A movement disorders specialist or neurologist is key to helping manage symptoms from the beginning. Start building your care team and ask for referrals for specialists who can help along the way — from a physical therapist to nutritionist.

For the Person Living with Parkinson’s

• Find your community. There is no break from Parkinson’s. Finding the right support group or exercise class can fight isolation. Contact our Helpline at 1-800-473-4636 or Helpline@Parkinson.org to find an exercise class or support group near you.
• Write your PD Story. Not only can writing help boost your brain and memory, but your story can also inspire others. Explore My PD Stories, and when you’re ready, submit yours.
• Prioritize self-care. With a myriad of symptoms that can impact mental health, try something new to help serve your mental health. Try a new type of complementary therapy (like a massage), start journaling or visit a new park.
• Become a Parkinson’s Ambassador. Ready to help spread Parkinson’s awareness? Explore the many ways you can volunteer and find the opportunity that works best for you.

For the Care Partner

• Schedule time for yourself. Regular breaks from caregiving are essential to balance. Take an hour daily, an afternoon weekly or a day monthly — whatever you can manage. Explore more ideas in Caring for the Care Partner.
• Plan for the future. While not an easy resolution, aim to get your plans in order and start bringing up the more complicated conversations. Our Planning Ahead article breaks down planning into sections.
• Try a new care partner resource. From care partner support groups to a PD exercise class, you can do with your spouse, find a new resource to take advantage of this year.
• Ask for help. Make this the year you don’t take everything on yourself. Schedule time for loved ones or friends to come over and leave the house for a few hours for yourself.

For Everyone in the Parkinson’s Community

• Attend one new event this year. We host in-person and virtual events year-round. Check out upcoming Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s, events and others. Explore events now.
• Plan a date with your loved one. Find a day this year to help your loved one with PD. From taking them to a movie or bringing a meal over to give the care partner a few hours off, spending time together can help in more ways than one. Learn more about Caring From Afar.
• Volunteer. Help make life better for people with Parkinson’s. Tell us your skills and interests in our volunteer interest form and we’ll reach out!
• More ways to give. From helping us advance critical research to funding life-changing wellness programs in local communities, there are many ways to give to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Overwhelmed? Not sure what Parkinson’s resources can help you? Call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for referrals and help finding local wellness and exercise classes