The Parkinson’s Foundation has provided funding to more than 550 researchers since 2010. These scientists and researchers receive Foundation awards to improve our understanding of Parkinson’s disease (PD), which will ultimately lead us to better treatments and a cure. We recently sat down with nine of them to get the latest highlights of their ongoing PD research:

Stay up-to-date on the latest Parkinson’s research:

1. Join our email list at Parkinson.org
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3. Watch the latest Parkinson’s disease videos on our YouTube channel.

One of the major genetic risk factors believed to contribute to the development of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is having a mutation in the gene called GBA1 (glucocerebrosidase). Unable to do its job correctly, this damaged gene leads to the build-up of unhealthy, misfolded clumps of alpha-synuclein in the brain. These clumps, called Lewy bodies, impact dopamine production and are the hallmark of PD. What if there was a way to prevent the build-up of Lewy bodies in the first place?

A 2020 study published in JAMA Neurology, titled, “Ambroxol for the Treatment of Patients with Parkinson Disease with and Without Glucocerebrosidase Gene Mutations: A Nonrandomized, Noncontrolled Trial” (Mullin et al., 2020), investigated whether an over-the-counter cough syrup, called Ambroxol, may be the key. The cough syrup, specifically, an expectorant, is used to break up phlegm.

Shown in previous studies to improve GBA1 function in neurons, this 2a study (known as a proof-of-concept study) set to find out if Ambroxol could cross the blood/brain barrier, and function as a molecular chaperone (in other words, physically help the GBA1 protein function properly).

This 186-day clinical trial of 17 people with PD ― with and without the GBA1 mutation ― involved participants taking progressively increasing doses of Ambroxol in the form of an oral tablet. Baseline measurements included physical and neurological examination, an electrocardiogram, blood sampling and spinal fluid examination obtained by lumbar puncture. Three additional in-person clinical visits were held on day 11, day 93, and day 186. Of note, at baseline, Ambroxol was undetectable in both the blood serum and spinal fluid. All study participants continued their normal L-dopa therapy throughout the trial.

Results

In study participants both with and without the gene mutation:

• Ambroxol successfully crossed the blood-brain barrier.
• Ambroxol was safe and well-tolerated at the administered dose. 
• Ambroxol successfully bound to the mutated genes’ protein, which physically helped the protein function properly.
• Healthy levels of alpha-synuclein increased in the spinal fluid. 

What Does This Mean?

This study showed that Ambroxol is safe to use as a treatment in people with Parkinson’s. Ambroxol may slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. How? Taking Ambroxol as a medication can prevent the negative effects of the GBA mutation ― including possibly reducing the formation Lewy bodies at the source. Ambroxol shows promise, and warrants further investigation ― including conducting larger, placebo-controlled trials.

Of note, while Ambroxol has been used as a safe and effective over the counter expectorant for adults and children in more than 50 countries for 30-plus years, the administered dose in this trial was approximately 10 times the specified dosage. Additionally, Ambroxol is currently not approved for prescription or over the counter use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any indication, at this time.

Learn More

The Parkinson’s Foundation believes in empowering the Parkinson’s community through education. Learn more about the Parkinson’s and the GBA mutation in the below Parkinson’s Foundation resources or by calling our free Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636).

• GBA Mutation May Lead to Novel Therapeutics
• Genetic Testing

At the Parkinson's Foundation, one of the ways we make life better for people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is through research. Every day, your generous donations help us fund cutting-edge PD research initiatives and support scientists working on the causes and treatments for Parkinson’s that could one day lead to a breakthrough.

In this Neuro Talk, our Chief Scientific Officer, James Beck, PhD, walks us through the research we’re supporting right now and how your support goes a long way at the Parkinson's Foundation. 

Learn more about the research you fund.

Does Parkinson’s disease (PD) only affect movement? Can doctors predict its progression? Can stem cells cure Parkinson’s? In this Neuro Talk, our Chief Scientific Officer, James Beck, PhD, debunks seven common myths about Parkinson's disease.

Watch the latest Parkinson’s disease videos on our YouTube channel.

Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is currently part of our daily lives, the Parkinson’s Foundation is addressing the top questions about the virus and Parkinson’s disease (PD). On March 18, 2020 Michael S. Okun, MD, Parkinson’s Foundation Medical Advisor, and Fred Southwick, MD, Infectious Disease Expert and Author, both from the University of Florida Health, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, answered the top COVID-19 questions from our community. View the event recording now. Of course, our Helpline Specialists, 1-800-4PD-INFO, are here to assist you with any other questions that are not covered here.

FAQ on COVID-19 and PD:

1. Are people with Parkinson’s more at risk of developing COVID-19?

Those living with Parkinson’s disease are in a “high risk group,” this includes all ages. We are learning that COVID-19 tends to be more severe in the elderly and those with chronic diseases. Currently, there is no evidence that a PD diagnosis makes you more vulnerable to contracting illness. The best advice for those with PD is prevention.

2. Do people with PD have a compromised immune system?

In short, those with PD have an intact immune system that functions well. We believe that in general the Parkinson’s disease immune system functions at a high level and is similar to the immune system in those without Parkinson’s.

3. Should I get the pneumonia vaccine?

Yes, regularly get pneumonia vaccinations if you have Parkinson’s.

4. Are people with PD more prone to lung issues?

Yes, people with PD are more prone to pneumonias and infections. Respiratory issues can make it difficult to take deep breaths, getting enough oxygen into the lungs. These potential issues are a reason those with PD are considered a high-risk group.

5. Should I get the flu vaccine?

Yes, every person with Parkinson’s should get the flu shot.

6. ​​Are over-the-counter cold and flu medications safe to use with levodopa-carbidopa? For example, Mucinex Fast-Max has a caution about MAOI drug interactions.

Over the counter medications are safe in general, but a few things to watch out for include MAO-B inhibitors (selegiline, rasagiline, Xadago, others) should not be mixed with dextromethorphan which is common in many cough syrups. Also, if you have high blood pressure avoid drugs with pseudoephedrine. Read our blog article on the topic.

7. Should I keep going to my scheduled doctor’s appointments?

Call your doctor’s office and ask if it is necessary to come in person for a visit. In many cases medication refills and adjustments can be performed over the phone or by telemedicine. If it is recommended you attend in person, wash your hands, call ahead and avoid crowded waiting areas.

8. Should I prepare for my doctor’s appointments being cancelled?

Yes, prepare for your routine doctor’s appointments to be cancelled and try to set up a phone or telemedicine follow-up.

9. When my mother goes to the hospital for other issues related to her Parkinson’s they usually keep her overnight for observation. If her symptoms are not severe or lasting 24 hours, should she stay home?

In general, try to avoid hospitalizations or clinic appointments if possible. In emergencies call the doctor’s office or emergency room and let them know you are coming, so preparations can be made for your arrival. Try to avoid crowded waiting rooms.

10. My Parkinson’s affects my blood pressure. How might COVID-19 affect me?

In general Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s medications both lower blood pressure. Watch out for “passing out” or dizziness when changing position (e.g. standing). Hydration, compression stockings, abdominal binders, and in some cases medications may be helpful. If the problem is blood pressure that is too high, then a conference between your Parkinson’s doctor and the internist would be the next step.  Sometimes it is supine hypertension and the head of the bed needs to be elevated.  Sometimes it is simply wearing off of the Parkinson's medications. It is important to establish cause before treatment is initiated.

11. Should I travel? Should I fly?

No. We do not recommend that people with Parkinson’s fly at this time. We recommend staying home and socially distancing.

12. If my state has a low incidence is it safe to travel within it?

No, do not travel.

13. Should I stay home? Should I go to group exercise classes and support groups?

Stay home, temporarily suspend going to in-person group exercise classes and support groups. We recommend safe exercise and support through resources on the internet such as the Parkinson’s Foundation YouTube channel and PD Conversations.

14. Rehabilitation facility and nursing home questions:

• Is it safer to keep my loved one in a nursing home or bring her/him home?

You should do everything you can to try to safely keep your loved one in the facility with the around-the-clock care and resources. Telephone calls and video-chatting may be useful. In rare cases, some families may have the resources and support to bring a patient home, however, remember this virus pandemic could last several months. Don’t be so quick to remove your loved one from a nursing home or facility. Talk to your doctor and medical team first. If you decide to make the move, make sure you have the right gear, medication and support.

• Where is my loved one most likely to get better care and access to treatment if they develop symptoms (at a nursing home or if I take them to the hospital)? 

It is best to employ the screening recommended for COVID-19 by the CDC.  Each nursing facility has a doctor and if the screening tests at the bedside suggest it, a COVID-19 a protocol will be activated, and the doctor will arrange isolation and appropriate next steps for potential transfer and formal testing.

• What should I do if my loved one is quarantined in a nursing home and I am not allowed to visit?

This is a tough situation and we recommend regular phone calls and video chats.

• My husband is in a nursing home and has dementia. He becomes delusional and hallucinates when he doesn’t see me regularly. How can I address the “side effects” of social isolation if I can’t visit?

First, our hearts go out to you and your family. A few strategies we have recommended include regular telephone calls, use of telemedicine and in exceptional situations sometimes moving back home, if support is available. This would apply only to families who have the right supplies and support to keep their loved one safe for several months.

• I live in a nursing home. Should I try to temporarily stay with a relative?

If it is possible and resources are available to completely support you for several months, this is worth consideration and should be discussed with your doctor.

• What can I do if I or my loved one is in a nursing home and plans to stay?

Nursing homes must follow strict CDC guidelines. It does not hurt to ask those in charge if they’re following these guidelines. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is to play a role in reminding the people who are taking care of you to follow protocol, like washing their hands. Try to stay clean and socially isolate, staying six feet away from others, when possible. Get on Facetime and call friends and family as often as possible.

15. Is there anything I can do to prevent getting COVID-19?

Regular handwashing, social distancing, avoid crowds and stay home. In your home, limit visitors and ideally take in no outside visitors.

16. Any advice for avoiding social isolation anxiety?

When you socially isolate it can be easy to become distant. Get on Facetime, especially with loved ones in nursing homes/facilities, but also reach out to friends and family. We want people to know they’re cared for, talk on the phone as much as you can. Decrease the anxiety around cabin fever. Reach out. The power of social interaction is powerful to calm people down.

17. Should I get dental work done?

Any elective procedures such as dental cleanings or procedures should be delayed, if possible.

18.  Should I avoid taking ibuprofen if I think I might have COVID-19?

There are many false stories on ibuprofen and COVID-19 circulating. Currently there is no evidence to support a worsening of COVID-19 with ibuprofen use. We will continue to monitor the situation, but in general we are trying to reassure patients that ibuprofen and other medications recommended by your doctor are safe. If you have concerns, consider Tylenol or another alternative.

If you have questions about Parkinson’s contact our free bilingual Helpline at
1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) or Helpline@Parkinson.org. 

“Parkinson’s disease (PD) is not only happening in the brain,” said Malú Tansey, PhD, Director of the Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease at the University of Florida (UF), a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. “It’s a multisystem disease with many non-motor symptoms that manifest in the gastrointestinal system.”

UF in collaboration with Emory University is a newly designated Parkinson’s Foundation Research Center — a medical or academic institution that receives Foundation funding to strengthen its PD research efforts. UF will receive $2 million to conduct three unique, PD-specific studies led by Dr. Tansey, an endowed chair of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health, that seek to establish key connections between the gut and Parkinson’s:

Study 1: Connecting Gut Bacteria to PD

Researchers suspect that alpha-synuclein (a key protein involved in the development of PD) levels change depending on the microbes and pathogens present in the gut. This study in collaboration with Emory School of Medicine led by Tim Sampson, PhD, will seek to find if this connection is a two-way street by assessing protein changes in the microbiome (the body’s storage of bacteria) and how it responds to inflammation in the gut. In short, can balancing your gut bacteria with a probiotic or diet help control alpha-synuclein levels and how the protein travels from the gut to the brain?

Study 2: What Is a PD Genetic Mutation Doing in the Gut?

LRRK2 is a common gene mutation linked to Parkinson’s. This study will help us understand the role LRRK2 plays in the gut-brain highway. In order to find out, researchers will use mouse models that have LRRK2 mutations to track if these mutations change the gut and how they affect the brain. Then, they will put the gut microbiota from the PD models in healthy mice to see how the gut is triggered. From there, researchers can figure out which parts of the system bring proteins to pathology (the potential effect and cause of a disease).

Study 3: Creating a PD-Colitis Molecular Signature

This study will cross-reference those with the inflammation of the gut (such as irritable bowel syndrome) and those living with Parkinson’s. Through analyzing samples of 120 participants, researchers seek to find relationships between inflammatory molecular signatures in the gut and Parkinson’s progression.

Interestingly, should a person with Parkinson’s know they have the LRRK2 genetic mutation, through the Parkinson’s Foundation genetic initiative for instance, they would be able to sign up for a study like this.

“Receiving Research Center funding is a way for me to say that the Parkinson’s Foundation believes in providing us the opportunity to become a truly interdisciplinary multi-center and reach out to experts in the GI, neurology, gut-immunobiology and immunology fields to help us understand the mechanisms of Parkinson’s in order to better develop new treatments,” Dr. Tansey said.

Research gives Dr. Tansey hope. “What is most exciting for me is that by understanding the gut-brain connection and how we can alter the microbiome through things that are in your control — from probiotics, diet, exercise or lifestyle — we may one day be able to delay the onset of Parkinson’s,” Dr. Tansey said.

This article was featured in our spring 2020 Parkinson Report.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is now the world’s fastest growing brain disorder, even faster than Alzheimer’s. Ten million people live with Parkinson's world-wide. Over the past 25 years, the number of people with Parkinson’s has more than doubled. At this current rate, the number will double again in the coming generation. In the U.S., the number of Americans with the condition has increased by 35% in the last 10 years alone. We must act to stop Parkinson’s disease.

Four authors (three PD specialists and a neuroscientist) wrote a book called Ending Parkinson’s Disease that highlights the rise of the disease, the factors contributing to the increase and what steps we can take together to help end the disease.

Our prescription for action includes a “PACT” that details steps we can do to:

1. Prevent the disease

Several environmental factors, including air pollution, heavy metals, certain pesticides, and industrial chemicals like trichloroethylene are linked to PD. One pesticide called paraquat more than doubles the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, kills the weeds that RoundUp cannot and has been banned by 32 countries, including China. Yet, use in the U.S. has doubled in the past decade. Despite a petition signed by more than 100,000 members of the Parkinson’s community, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has failed to act. We need to ban this pesticide and take other actions to minimize the risk of Parkinson’s disease from the foods we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe.

2. Advocate for better policies and resources 

In addition to better environmental policies, to end Parkinson’s disease will require additional resources. The National Institute of Health (NIH) funds $3 billion per year to enhance our understanding of HIV. This research has likely prevented millions, including many of us from ever developing the disease and led to numerous treatments that now makes a HIV a chronic, rather than rapidly fatal condition. By contrast the NIH funds less than $200 million per year for Parkinson’s disease. We need to change that.

3. Care for all affected 

Many individuals with Parkinson’s do not see a neurologist or specialist for PD. Those who do not are more likely to fracture their hip or be placed in a skilled nursing facility. Expert care models, like ParkinsonNet developed by Bas Bloem, MD, and his colleagues, telemedicine and Centers of Excellence can provide better care to almost anyone anywhere.  We need to embrace such models and ensure that Medicare, supported by taxpayers like you, does the same.

4. Treat the disease with novel therapies 

The most effective medication for Parkinson’s remains a 50-year-old drug, levodopa. While effective, it does not address the underlying disease and has its own complications. To develop a new generation of therapies aimed at the underlying pathology of the disease, we need better, objective measures of the disease and to support efforts to develop gene-targeted therapies.  The PD GENEration study and other efforts can help individuals better understand their genetic risk of the disease. Additional surgical interventions can also advance our treatment of those already affected by the disease.

All of these will require the collective action of all us. The same collective action that changed the course of polio through a March of Dimes and the course of HIV through a Quilt that covered the National Mall.  We hope that the book will help catalyze such action and we look forward to your thoughts and suggestions.  

Visit the Ending Parkinson’s Disease book website or email your suggestions to Info@EndingPD.org.  The book is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 
All proceeds will be donated to efforts to end this debilitating disease.

Article written by: Ray Dorsey, MD, and Michael Okun, MD.

James Beck, PhD, Parkinson's Foundation Chief Scientific Officer, gives us a high-level overview of what goes on in the brain that leads to a Parkinson’s disease (PD) diagnosis. In this Neuro Talk, Dr. Beck also discusses the key symptoms of PD ― motor and non-motor ― types of Parkinson’s, progression and ongoing research initiatives… all in less than four minutes.

Watch the latest Parkinson’s disease videos on our YouTube channel.

The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is expected to double in the next 20 years. To date, there are no proven strategies for slowing the progression of PD. A calcium channel blocker medication used to treat hypertension called, Isradipine, has been shown to be neuroprotective in animal models of PD. Several studies of people also indicated the possibility that taking Isradipine may reduce the risk for PD.

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine, “Isradipine Versus Placebo in Early Parkinson Disease: A Randomized Trial” (Parkinson Study Group, 2020), sought to determine if treatment with Isradipine was effective in slowing the progression early-stage PD (within three years of diagnosis). The study lead was Tanya Simuni, MD, of the Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. 

This double-blind, placebo-controlled study recruited participants from 57 Parkinson Study Group sites from the U.S. and Canada. All 336 participants (68% men, 32% women) had been diagnosed with early PD, were 30 years of age or older, had minimal disability and none were taking any dopamine medication.

For 36 months, approximately half of the participants were given 5mg of immediate release Isradipine twice daily, and 166 were given a placebo, also twice daily. Motor function, cognitive function, global measures of disability, functional status and quality of life were measured at baseline, and again at the study conclusion.

Results

While the study research was sound, unfortunately the data revealed that Isradipine did not slow PD progression. Unwanted side effects occurred in less than 5% of the participants, with dizziness and edema (water retention) being the most common.

What Does This Mean?

Compared to taking a placebo, taking 5mg of Isradipine twice daily over the course of 36 months confers no protective benefit in slowing the progression of PD. In other words, the Isradipine did not work as hoped.

Important Recommendation

It is recommended that those who decided to take Isradipine ― who were not part of the study ― discuss the next steps with their doctors. Long-term use of anti-hypertensives in Parkinson’s can sometimes lead to passing out especially if not monitored and managed. This is because in Parkinson disease, both progression and dopamine medications can lower blood pressure. Long-term, many patients cut down anti-hypertensive drug dosages and sometimes even discontinue these medications.

Learn More

Learn more about Parkinson’s and medications in the following Parkinson’s Foundation resources or by calling our free Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636):

• Podcast Episode 14: Clinical Trials for Parkinson’s
• PD and Medication: What’s New?
• What's Hot in PD?: What Are the Disease Modifying Therapies in Trial for Parkinson’s Disease?

Many people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have looked to medical cannabis (marijuana) to provide some relief to their range of non-motor and motor symptoms. However, little is known about the effects of medical cannabis for PD symptoms or their potential side effects and safety issues. To address this, the Parkinson’s Foundation published a statement to help guide the PD community in making informed decisions about using cannabis for Parkinson’s.

The statement is based on the input from experts who attended the Parkinson’s Foundation first-ever medical marijuana convening in March 2019. These 46 experts included neurologists, scientists, a pharmacist, a PD nurse, non-profit organizations, people with Parkinson’s and Foundation staff.

The primary goal of the statement is to provide guidance to people with Parkinson’s and their physicians for the safe use of medical cannabis for PD. The secondary goal is to establish cannabis and PD topics that should be addressed through rigorous research studies.

Regardless of whether a medical cannabis product is approved for Parkinson’s in the future, this statement will help to inform that it is used in the safest, most effective way possible.

Top Takeaways on the Use of Medical Cannabis for PD

1. Our experts urge caution. There are adverse effects, toxicity issues and drug to drug interactions, and we do not fully know what this means for people with PD who are taking PD medications.
    
2. We cannot endorse the use of medical cannabis for PD symptoms or disease progression because we need more data. However, because we realize that people with PD are interested in cannabis, we feel it is necessary to provide guidance for general safety as well as working with dispensaries.
    
3. We need better studies. Some studies have suggested cannabis may be beneficial for non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances, pain, anxiety and gastrointestinal issues. However, these studies are generally small and are not conducted the most reliable kind of research studies.

Guidance for Using Cannabis for Parkinson’s

Without any clear data supporting the use of cannabinoid products in PD, while the Parkinson’s Foundation does not endorse their use in PD, we recognize that people may decide to try cannabinoid products for certain symptoms. If you decide to try cannabinoid products:

• Discuss the use of cannabinoid products with your healthcare providers. These products may interact with other medications or cause side effects that could influence your PD care.
• Treat cannabis products as you would any new medication. Always start at a low dose and go up slowly. CBD-only products may also be less likely to cause side effects and could be considered before trying products also containing THC.
  • For pain in one specific area, consider creams or patches to reduce general side effects.
• Be cautious when ingesting edible products, as they can have delayed side effects and increased toxicity.
• Consider staying with the same dispensary. Since cannabis products are not regulated, do not assume the “dose” on a label from one dispensary will have the same effects as one obtained from a different dispensary.
• Be aware of potential side effects, particularly dizziness, problems with balance, worsening motivation, dry mouth and impaired thinking and memory.

Read our Consensus Statement on the Use of Medical Cannabis for Parkinson’s Disease, which includes these sections:

• 

  Available Evidence for Using Medical Cannabis for Parkinson’s

• Drawbacks of Previous Study Findings
• Possible Benefits of Cannabis
• Potential Side Effects and Safety Issues
• Areas of Interest for Future Researchers
• Guidance for Using Cannabis for Parkinson’s
• Obtaining Medical Cannabis Through a Dispensary
• Obtaining A Medical Marijuana License

Learn More

Learn more about Parkinson’s and medical cannabis in the below resources or by calling our free Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636):

• Parkinson.org/Marijuana
• Ask the Experts: The Challenges of Using Marijuana as a Parkinson’s Treatment, Part 1 and Part 2
• Marijuana and Parkinson’s: What Do We Really Know?