Science News

New Molecule Designed to Block the Protein Buildup Behind Parkinson's

🧠 What will you learn in this article?

This article highlights a new study that found a potential way to treat the underlying cause of Parkinson’s disease, not just its symptoms. It discusses how:

  • In the brain, the abnormal clumping and spread of a protein called alpha-synuclein leads is tied to Parkinson’s. Current therapies address PD symptoms, not this process.

  • Researchers developed SK-129, a molecule that can stop these clumps from forming and spreading in various models of Parkinson’s.

  • In different models, SK-129 saved dopamine neurons and improved outcomes — protecting neurons even after damage began and boosting mouse survival while preventing movement impairment and brain inflammation.

Parkinson's Foundation Science News blogs

In Parkinson’s disease (PD), a protein called alpha-synuclein misfolds and clumps together inside brain cells. These clumps are thought to damage neurons over time and can spread from cell to cell, driving the disease forward. Currently, treatments for PD only manage symptoms — none can slow or stop this underlying process.

Scientists are working hard to find disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson’s. A new study published in Science Translational Medicine may offer a path forward. Researchers at the University of Denver and NYU Abu Dhabi — co-led by Sunil Kumar, PhD, a Parkinson's Foundation Stanley Fahn Junior Faculty Awardee — have developed a special molecule called SK-129 that shows promise in blocking alpha-synuclein from clumping and spreading in the brain. The Parkinson’s Foundation directly funded this work.

Think of alpha-synuclein clumping like a chain reaction: one misfolded protein causes the next one to misfold, and so on, eventually building up harmful deposits. SK-129 is designed to interrupt that chain reaction before it gets started.

Because the SK-129 molecule interacts with important regions of alpha-synuclein, it can latch onto the misfolded protein and prevent it from recruiting others into clumps. Importantly, it targets the toxic, clumped forms of the protein rather than the healthy form, which has normal functions in the brain.

What is SK-129 and how does it impact Parkinson’s?

In Parkinson's, a protein called alpha-synuclein clumps inside brain cells.

                                                                 ➡️

These clumps are thought to damage neurons and spread, making PD symptoms worse over time.

                                                                 ➡️

Researchers developed a molecule called SK-129 that can stop these clumps from forming and spreading — stopping a chain reaction before it starts.

“Our study is unique in that it targets the most toxic forms of α-synuclein — oligomers — offering a new way to significantly slow disease symptoms. This approach creates hope for disease-modifying therapies not only for Parkinson’s, but also for related disorders like Lewy body dementia. That gives us real hope that disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson’s are within reach.”

- Dr. Kumar, study lead and Parkinson’s Foundation research grantee

Key advantages of SK-129 are its size and shape. Other strategies to block alpha-synuclein clumping, such as antibodies, are large molecules that struggle to cross the blood-brain barrier (the protective layer between the bloodstream and the brain). SK-129 is small and compact enough to cross this barrier. Additionally, once in the brain, the molecule was able to stay there for multiple days, which is essential for sustained treatment.

Study Results

The research team tested SK-129 across a remarkably wide range of models — from human cells and patient-derived tissue to worm and mouse models of PD.

In worm models of PD, untreated worms lost most of their dopamine-producing neurons over time. Worms treated preventatively with SK-129 retained nearly all of them, along with restored movement and behavior. Critically, SK-129 may be more than a preventive measure. When given after disease had already set in — after about 30% of dopamine neurons had already been lost — it still rescued a significant number of remaining neurons. This is important because people with Parkinson’s are typically diagnosed after symptoms have already appeared.

In a mouse model of PD, untreated mice survived an average of about 175 days, with fewer than 20% surviving to 270 days. Those that survived showed severe movement problems. In contrast, mice treated with SK-129 had 100% survival to 270 days and showed no signs of movement impairment. Brain tissue from treated mice showed no harmful protein deposits or signs of brain inflammation.

To test the molecule in human samples, the researchers tested SK-129 using exosomes — tiny cellular packages — isolated from the blood of people with Parkinson’s. These exosomes carried misfolded alpha-synuclein that could trigger clumping in cells grown in a petri dish. Adding SK-129 blocked this process.

Another interesting finding was that SK-129 also blocked alpha-synuclein from clumping together with tau, a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Tau is increasingly recognized as being important in Parkinson’s too; about half of people with PD also have tau-related brain changes, which can worsen both movement and cognitive symptoms. In the mouse model, treated mice showed no evidence of combined alpha-synuclein and tau deposits, while untreated mice did. In short, while SK-129 is designed to target harmful alpha-synuclein deposits, it also prevented alpha-synuclein from clumping with tau as well.

Highlights

  • Researchers developed a molecule, called SK-129, that can make it to the brain and attach to toxic forms of the protein associated with Parkinson’s called alpha-synuclein.

  • SK-129 latches onto the hallmark PD protein and prevents it from launching a clumping chain reaction.

  • In multiple models of PD (including cells, worms, mice and human-derived tissue), treatment with SK-129 prevented alpha-synuclein clumping and rescued signs of neurodegeneration.

  • SK-129 shows promising therapeutic properties, including the ability to effectively reach the brain, preferentially bind to toxic forms of alpha-synuclein, and remain in brain tissue for a prolonged period of time.

What Does This Mean?

While early, SK-129 has the potential to be a breakthrough Parkinson’s treatment. This study represents an important step toward a long-sought goal: a disease-modifying treatment that addresses the underlying cause of Parkinson’s disease instead of only symptoms.

This research supports a promising strategy at the forefront of Parkinson’s research: targeting the clumping and spread of alpha-synuclein, a suspected driver of PD progression. Earlier approaches have struggled because they were not specific enough, couldn’t enter the brain or didn’t last long enough in the brain to be effective.

Importantly, SK-129’s unique features have overcome many of these challenges, making it a promising potential therapy. Despite this progress, SK-129 still needs thorough safety testing and studies in more complex models before clinical trials can begin, so it will likely be years before it is available. This is why funding a diverse range of Parkinson’s research studies is so important.

What Do These Findings Mean for People with Parkinson’s Right Now?

SK-129 is not yet a treatment available to people. It is still in the preclinical stage, with next steps already underway.

“Next, we’ll move SK-129 toward clinical development by testing its safety and dosing,” said Dr. Kumar. “A key priority is to establish a clear link between dose, effectively targeting the harmful alpha-synuclein and producing real benefits in animal models. At the same time, we are optimizing related molecules to improve strength, access to the brain and stability, to help identify the best candidate for future clinical trials.” 

For people with Parkinson’s, continue current care — medications, exercise, therapy) — and consider clinical trials if interested. While SK-129 is likely years away from human testing, the development of molecules like this represents meaningful progress and demonstrates the importance of supporting preclinical Parkinson’s research.

Learn More

The Parkinson’s Foundation believes in empowering the Parkinson’s community through education. Learn more about PD treatments and ongoing research through our resources below, or by calling our free Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) for answers to your Parkinson’s questions.

Advancing Research

Inside the Science: Parkinson's Research Today

🧠 What will you learn in this article?

This article highlights three key Parkinson’s research areas scientists are exploring right now. It discusses:

  • How Parkinson’s research is accelerating because there’s no cure, cases are rising globally and the U.S. economic burden is significant.

  • Three especially active research targets are alpha-synuclein protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction and brain inflammation — and how they interact.

  • New tools are underway to help with earlier and more precise detection, better tracking of progression and moving toward personalized, disease-modifying treatments.

Team of scientists in a lab

Parkinson’s disease (PD) research is advancing rapidly, with breakthroughs on the horizon that could transform treatment and offer hope to millions.

Three key research areas are among the most active and promising: alpha-synuclein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Learn what these terms mean, where the science is headed and how advances in these areas may lead to new treatments and disease-modifying therapies.

This article is based on a Parkinson’s Foundation Expert Briefing exploring advances in Parkinson’s research hosted by Laurie Sanders, PhD, Associate Professor, Neurology and Pathology, Movement Disorders and Translational Brain Sciences divisions, at Duke University School of Medicine, a Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence.

Urgency is Driving Research

The pressing need to crack the code behind the causes of Parkinson’s has never been greater. Though there are a wide variety of treatments to manage PD symptoms, there is no cure. More than 11 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s, including more than 1 million in the U.S.

PD cases are expected to exceed 25 million globally by 2050. The economic impact is staggering: Parkinson's cost the U.S. $82.2 billion in 2024. More than $23 billion went toward direct medical costs, while nearly $60 billion reflects indirect costs, including lost income and burdens on care partners.

The determination to solve the Parkinson’s mystery is possibly best reflected in the number of current studies in the research pipeline. The National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) ClinicalTrials.gov shows more than 200 Parkinson’s-related clinical trials either actively recruiting or about to recruit. In addition, foundational research that advances our overall understanding of Parkinson’s biology continues to take place, especially in the following areas.

3 Key Parkinson’s Research Areas Right Now

Parkinson’s is complex, as scientists believe a combination of environmental and genetic factors are the cause of Parkinson's. Research requires attacking the problem from multiple angles. Studies suggest the development and progression of Parkinson’s involves interactions among three key biological areas:

1. Protein Aggregation: Alpha-synuclein

Parkinson’s involves the loss of dopamine-producing neurons and a buildup of alpha-synuclein, a normally useful protein found in the brain that helps brain cells communicate. There is very strong genetic evidence linking alpha-synuclein to Parkinson’s disease via the SNCA gene, which was the first PD-associated gene to be identified.

Alpha-synuclein becomes problematic when it misfolds, gathering into clumps called Lewy bodies that can spread between brain cells. Many PD treatments target and remove these alpha-synuclein clumps. However, while Lewy bodies are a hallmark of Parkinson’s, there is still some controversy over whether they are part of the Parkinson’s problem or act as a protective factor.

2. Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Mitochondria are energy powerhouses that are critically important to good health. They malfunction in Parkinson’s, impacting cellular energy and contributing to cell death. Neurons — brain cells that send electrical and chemical communications — are especially vulnerable to mitochondrial dysfunction.

Certain gene mutations can impact mitochondrial function, as can environmental toxins like pesticides (such as paraquat).

Genetic risk factors, including PINK1 and PRKN that are specifically related to mitochondria, can also influence PD development and severity.

3. Brain Inflammation

When combined with the other two factors, studies suggest that brain inflammation (the brain’s protective response to harm, which may become overstimulated in Parkinson’s) can make those problems worse. In addition, inflammation can weaken the blood-brain barrier that may allow immune cells from the blood to enter the brain, which can accelerate neurodegeneration.

Advances Accelerating Parkinson’s Research

Once considered solely a movement disorder, we now know Parkinson’s is a multisystem disease that can affect the whole body — including urinary problems, gut issues and changes to thinking, sleep and mood.

Patient engagement is essential for PD research progress. Major influences that deepen our understanding of PD risk include studies with global reach like PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation, which is providing insights as to how Parkinson’s is tied to genetics through providing genetic testing and counseling to people with a confirmed PD diagnosis. Importantly, the biological discoveries made about Parkinson’s via genetic testing may also apply to Parkinson’s cases that do not have a known genetic link.

New tools are being developed that hold the possibility to detect Parkinson’s earlier, better understand its progression and help track the effectiveness of PD therapies. These tools include:

  • Brain imaging to help researchers visualize the spread of Parkinson’s, identify specific areas of brain pathology and increase diagnosis accuracy including advances in developing positron emission tomography (PET) ligands, high-resolution MRI and diffusion imaging.

  • Ultrasensitive lab tests to measure new Parkinson’s biomarkers from spinal fluid and other fluids such as blood. These tests include:

    • alpha-synuclein seeding assays (SAAs) to detect tiny amounts of misfolded alpha-synuclein.

    • tests that can identify neurodegeneration, such as for the protein neurofilament light, which has been linked to PD, and other markers of inflammation.

    • Tests for mitochondrial DNA damage, such as MitoDNADX, a recent blood test developed by Duke University researchers for use as a potential biomarker in PD.

  • Improved disease models, including:

    • induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), developed by recoding cells from people with PD to become dopamine neurons, allowing for the study of PD-related cell dysfunction in patient tissue. 

    • organoids, which are miniature brains that allow scientists to study Parkinson’s mechanisms and test possible therapies.

    • refined animal models, that are genetically engineered to better model Parkinson’s symptoms.

Research Breakthroughs and Targets

Scientists are investigating ways to slow or halt Parkinson’s, identify people for participation in relevant PD trials and deliver targeted treatments.

Nearly 100 forms of alpha-synuclein have been identified, with research to determine which are most toxic. As scientists dig deeper into PD progression, they have also discovered alpha-synuclein pathology along the GI tract of people with PD.

Parkinson’s and GI research is expanding, including through the Gut-Brain Communication in Parkinson’s Disease Consortium, a joint effort between the NIH and the Duke Clinical Research Institute.

Many people with Parkinson’s also experience the buildup of other proteins such as Beta-amyloid plaques and Tau tangles, key hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. One promising study under way is exploring whether oral therapy buntanetap is safe for long-term use in people with PD. Buntanetap aims to reduce other toxic proteins. Investigational Parkinson’s treatments also include immunotherapies that use antibodies to target harmful protein clumps and approaches that help cells manage or remove misfolded proteins.

Mutations in the GBA1 gene, a common genetic risk factor for Parkinson’s, reduce the activity of the glucocerebrosidase enzyme, contributing to alpha-synuclein buildup. New treatments are being developed to boost glucocerebrosidase activity to help cells more effectively remove harmful buildup. A variety of therapies are also in the research pipeline to rescue mitochondrial function.

The Way Forward

Parkinson’s research is fundamental for progress toward new disease-modifying therapies that can slow or stop disease progression. By improving our understanding of the ways in which alpha-synuclein, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation interact, we get closer to having personalized, precision-medicine treatments for PD. When we combine this knowledge with patient participation in research, breakthroughs in technology and new biomarker discoveries, we continue to advance closer to a cure for Parkinson’s.

How to get involved:

Advancing Research

Meet the Researcher Working to Develop an Imaging Biomarker for Parkinson’s

🧠 What will you learn in this article?

This article highlights a researcher working to develop a biomarker tag called a PET tracer for Parkinson’s disease (PD). It discusses: 

  • What a PET tracer is and how it could track misfolded alpha-synuclein clumps.

  • How a PET tracer could track disease progression and test therapies.

  • How support from the Parkinson’s Foundation makes research like this possible.

Sarah Shahmoradian headshot

Tracking Parkinson’s disease (PD) progression is challenging, and doctors currently rely on how a person’s symptoms change over time. This method is difficult because symptoms vary from person to person and can fluctuate, making it hard to evaluate if treatments are helping.

For other brain diseases like Alzheimer’s, scientists have developed small molecules that can attach to disease-related protein clumps and make them visible on brain scans such as PET (positron emission tomography). These imaging tools allow researchers and clinicians to see where harmful proteins are building up in the brain, providing a clearer way to track disease progression and test therapies. In short, these imaging tools can act as a biomarker for the disease.

What is a biomarker?

Biomarkers are biological signs that can be measured to help diagnose a disease, track its progression and evaluate if treatments are working.

Sarah Shahmoradian, PhD, recipient of a Parkinson’s Foundation Impact Award, is exploring whether a similar biomarker tag could work for Parkinson’s. Working with collaborators at Massachusetts General Hospital, a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence, Dr. Shahmoradian is studying a specially designed small molecule that appears to bind to toxic forms of the protein connected to Parkinson’s (called alpha-synuclein). 

“Currently, we do not have a PET tracer that reliably marks clusters of the protein alpha-synuclein when it goes bad, so we can’t tell when these clusters are starting to grow or when they are starting to spread in the brain,” said Dr. Shahmoradian.

Having a Parkinson’s-specific PET tracer to track the alpha-synuclein protein would help PD doctors and care teams:

  • Detect Parkinson’s earlier

  • Monitor how PD spreads over time

  • Evaluate if experimental therapeutics are reducing the clustering and accumulation over time

  • Distinguish Parkinson’s from other conditions with overlapping symptoms

From her lab at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Dr. Shahmoradian will use high-resolution imaging methods — developed through her earlier research, which was supported by a Parkinson’s Foundation Stanley Fahn Junior Faculty Award in 2022 — to see precisely how this new molecule attaches to alpha-synuclein. Understanding this interaction at the molecular level will help scientists fine-tune the tracer for future clinical imaging.

The next step is to adapt the molecule so it glows under the microscope. By applying it to neurons grown in the lab that model Parkinson’s disease, or to slices of PD brain tissue, Dr. Shahmoradian and her team hope to track where alpha-synuclein clumps appear and how they move inside cells.

If successful, this work will demonstrate that the molecule can serve as a powerful diagnostic and research tool for Parkinson’s.

“There is real momentum in Parkinson’s disease research right now. We understand more about the problematic protein alpha-synuclein now than we did a decade ago. Cell models are becoming increasingly sophisticated and there are newer imaging agents and disease-modifying therapies on the horizon.” - Dr. Shahmoradian

Dr. Shahmoradian believes her work brings hope to the Parkinson’s community because through it, researchers like herself can look at problematic alpha-synuclein clumps at extremely high resolution to figure out exactly where the protein goes wrong.

She is grateful for the community she has found through the Parkinson’s Foundation, and the connections she has made with other researchers who are also focused on finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

“This research would not be possible without the Foundation’s support, and the donors who made these grants a reality. Your investment is not abstract. You are helping support experiments right now, in real time, that help diagnose and treat Parkinson’s disease. You are accelerating and empowering scientists like myself toward the shared common cause of curing Parkinson’s disease,” said Dr. Shahmoradian.

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

My PD Story

Lynn Scott climbing stairs
Health Professionals

Lynn Scott

I am a clinical assistant professor at the University at Buffalo’s School of Nursing in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program. I was extremely fortunate to be chosen to be an attendee at the Edmond J. Safra Nurse Educator at Parkinson’s Foundation Fellowship in 2025 at the Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Center at the University of Pennsylvania, a Center of Excellence.

The process of acceptance started six months before the fellowship. Once notified, I completed highly informative and eye-opening learning modules including the Fundamentals of Parkinson’s for Professionals, Expert Care Experience: The Role of Nurses in Caring for Patients with Parkinson’s, and Hospitalization in Parkinson’s Disease through the Parkinson’s Foundation Learning Lab.

Why was I interested in this fellowship? We are all, in one way or another, affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD). We all know or will know someone in the future who has the disease.

Throughout the many years of my nursing education, I learned about the pathophysiology of PD and the pharmacology of the few medications that exist. Given all that we had to learn about the neurological system, it was a brief and cursory introduction to the disease. As a lifelong learner, I wanted to obtain as much information about PD as possible because, as a committed nursing educator, I wanted to broaden my students’ knowledge base about providing care for their patients affected by this disease.

I traveled with a colleague to Philadelphia, and the weather was warm — an autumnal gift. We explored the city and familiarized ourselves with the local attractions and cuisine. We arrived at the center Monday morning, eager to go with a good cup of local coffee in hand.

We had a full day of didactics from the clinic’s top specialists in PD and Movement Disorders. To say that we were overwhelmed, even as educators ourselves, was an understatement. We delved into all things Parkinson’s: alpha synuclein, DaTscans, bradykinesia and tremors, “on time” and “off time,” movement vs. non-movement symptoms, Sinemet, dopamine agonists, and catechol-o-methyltransferase inhibitors.

We experienced firsthand the high demand on our nursing students’ bodies and brains that learning imposed. We were full of information and questions by the end of the day, all of which were addressed and answered during the immersion as observant clinicians into the everyday functioning of the clinic for the next two days.

Tuesday arrived, and we arrived with extra coffee on board. The hospitality of Penn Medicine and the welcoming nature of the patients and families embraced us as though we were employees, not just observers into the very private nature of life with PD. We were assigned to movement disorders physicians who were hosting medical school students, residents and fellows.

We attended patient appointments. We listened, observed and learned all the things that we could not or would ever learn about PD in nursing school. Even the neurologists said their experiences were similar in medical school — just too much to learn about the neurological system, too many conditions, and so little time.

During the two days in the clinic, I observed how Botox injections helped with severe foot cramps, adjustments of carbidopa-levodopa, introduction of adjunctive therapies, some pharmacological and some therapeutic and deep brain stimulation (DBS) adjustments. I watched in awe of the impact that the tiniest micro-adjustment of the DBS had on symptoms — a worsening of speech but an improvement in tremors, and then the sweet spot that instantly improved the patient’s symptoms and, thus, quality of life. I attended physical therapy sessions where patients and their families were educated about the importance and impact of exercise on slowing the progression of PD.

After returning home to digest everything, I had the opportunity to attend a support group, also hosted by Penn Medicine, for those new to PD. All the supportive resources (social work, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, clinical trial opportunities, and treatment options) that were highlighted made me aware of the incredible advances that support and treat people with PD.

It became a mission to extend our nursing curriculum to include some of the most important things our nursing students and healthcare providers can learn — the importance of maintaining PD patients’ medication schedules, the promotion of mobility and exercise, and fall prevention during hospitalization.

Since attending the fellowship, my colleague and I presented this information to our entire nursing faculty. Our educators were amazed at how little they had learned in their education and how this had been perpetuated in nursing education. In addition, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing was contacted, provided with some of the information we obtained during our fellowship, and was asked to consider including even two of the NCLEX Board questions on caring for PD patients while in the hospital.

It is my hope that, by sharing this incredible eye-opening experience, other nurse educators will apply for these fellowships that are held throughout the year and throughout the U.S. It is an amazing opportunity!

I promise that you will not return without the desire to broaden the knowledgebase of your students with the goal of improving the lives of people with PD.

Explore our vast resources for professionals — from special programs to virtual Learning Lab courses, complete with continuing education credits. 

Videos & Webinars

Latest Advances in Parkinson’s Treatments: What Veterans Need to Know

April 23, 2026

The landscape of Parkinson’s treatment is constantly evolving, with exciting advances in medications, therapies, and technologies aimed at improving quality of life and symptom management. In this webinar, we’ll explore the latest evidence-based treatments available to veterans living with Parkinson’s, including emerging therapies and clinical trial opportunities. Learn how to access treatments through the VA system and understand which options may be right for you or your loved one. This session is designed to empower veterans and care partners with up-to-date knowledge and tools for informed decision-making.

Download Slides

Additional Resources

Presenters

Dr. Pavan Vaswani 
Associate Program Director, Movement Disorders Fellowship, Department of neurology, University of Pennsylvania
Attending Neurologist, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Philadelphia VA Medical Center, University of Pennsylvania 

Dr. George Kannarkat
Assistant Professor of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Neurology Consultant, Penn Neurology, Grandview Hospital, Sellersville, PA

Raise Awareness

Los consejeros genéticos responden a las preguntas más frecuentes sobre el Parkinson

Genetic Counselor

Este blog se publicó originalmente el 3 de agosto de 2021.

A través de su estudio global, PD GENEration: Impulsado por la Parkinson’s Foundation, la Parkinson’s Foundation ofrece a las personas con enfermedad de Parkinson (EP) acceso a información genética sobre su enfermedad y oportunidades para tomar decisiones informadas. Además, contribuye al avance de nuevos tratamientos para la EP. La consejería genética, disponible en inglés y español, es un componente fundamental y distintivo de este estudio.

Genetic Counselor
Genetic Counselor

Las consejeras genéticas certificadas Jeanine Schulze, MS, CGC, y Jennifer Verbrugge, MS, CGC, forman parte del Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics at the Indiana University School of Medicine (Departamento de Genética Médica y Molecular de la Facultad de Medicina de la Indiana University), un Centro de Excelencia de la Parkinson’s Foundation. Ambas han participado en diversas iniciativas de investigación relacionadas con las pruebas genéticas en la enfermedad de Parkinson, incluyendo PD GENEration.

Su colaboración aborda preguntas clave que destacan la importancia de identificar factores biológicos en la enfermedad de Parkinson en personas que viven con esta condición, así como el papel fundamental de la consejería genética en la interpretación de los resultados de las pruebas genéticas.

P: ¿Por qué son importantes las pruebas genéticas para las personas con Parkinson?

R: Las personas con Parkinson pueden solicitar pruebas genéticas por varias razones. Algunas personas desean comprender mejor por qué desarrollaron la enfermedad de Parkinson o saber más sobre su enfermedad en particular. A otras les preocupa el riesgo para su familia.

Las pruebas genéticas pueden identificar si un cambio en un gen, conocido como variante genética, contribuyó al desarrollo de la enfermedad de Parkinson. Si se identifica una variante genética, esta información puede ayudar a comprender cómo se hereda dentro de la familia, si otros miembros podrían estar en riesgo y cuál podría ser ese nivel de riesgo. En algunos casos, los resultados también pueden aportar información sobre posibles síntomas, opciones de tratamiento o la progresión futura de la enfermedad.

Identificar una variante genética en una persona con Parkinson también puede abrir la puerta a estudios de investigación, como ensayos clínicos. Las personas con Parkinson que son portadoras de variantes genéticas pueden desempeñar un papel fundamental a la hora de ayudar a los investigadores a conocer mejor las causas del Parkinson y cómo podríamos tratarlo. Existen diferentes tipos de estudios de investigación que buscan personas con variantes genéticas específicas; algunos evalúan nuevos tratamientos, mientras que otros realizan un seguimiento de las personas a lo largo del tiempo para conocer mejor cómo las variantes genéticas influyen en los síntomas y la progresión del Parkinson.

P: ¿Qué hace una consejera genética?

R: Una consejera genética brinda información, orientación y apoyo emocional a las personas con enfermedad de Parkinson y a sus familias. Durante la consejería genética, ayuda a comprender el historial biológico, explica las opciones de pruebas genéticas y guía a las personas para tomar decisiones informadas basadas en sus resultados.

P: ¿Cómo está estableciendo PD GENEration un estándar en los informes genéticos y la consejería genética específicos para la enfermedad de Parkinson?

R: PD GENEration establece un estándar al ofrecer un enfoque integral y centrado en la persona participante. El estudio garantiza que todas las personas reciban consejería genética para comprender sus resultados, junto con informes genéticos claros y clínicamente relevantes. Además, utiliza pruebas genéticas de alta calidad que analizan las principales variantes genéticas asociadas con la enfermedad de Parkinson, incluidas aquellas relevantes para ensayos clínicos y oportunidades de investigación, facilitando así la participación informada en estudios futuros.

P: ¿En qué se distingue la consejería genética de PD GENEration?

R: Este estudio ofrece acceso sin costo a pruebas genéticas y consejería genética para personas con enfermedad de Parkinson en todo Estados Unidos. La opción virtual permite participar a personas que anteriormente podían estar demasiado lejos de un centro o no podían desplazarse.

Las personas participantes pueden resolver sus dudas con profesionales altamente especializados en la enfermedad de Parkinson y en genética. La consejería genética se ofrece en inglés y en español.

P: ¿Qué deben saber las personas sobre las pruebas genéticas en casa?

R: Existen diferentes tipos de pruebas genéticas en casa. Algunas, conocidas como pruebas genéticas directas al consumidor, se realizan sin la participación de un médico o profesional de la salud. Estas pruebas no siguen las mismas directrices que aquellas solicitadas a través de un profesional clínico y, en muchos casos, pueden ofrecer información limitada o incompleta.

En PD GENEration, la prueba genética en casa se solicita a través de un profesional de la salud del estudio. El equipo envía por correo un kit con instrucciones, y el personal de coordinación brinda orientación durante una visita por videoconferencia sobre cómo tomar la muestra genética.

La muestra se envía a un laboratorio clínicamente certificado que realiza el panel de pruebas genéticas de PD GENEration. Esta prueba ha sido cuidadosamente diseñada y los resultados son analizados de forma rigurosa. La información genética de cada participante está protegida tanto por el estudio como por el laboratorio.

Los resultados se comparten a través de una sesión de consejería genética con un profesional capacitado, quien puede responder preguntas y explicar cualquier aspecto relevante.

P: ¿Qué puede esperar una persona con enfermedad de Parkinson al reunirse para una sesión de consejería genética?

R: Una sesión de consejería genética puede realizarse de forma presencial, por teléfono o mediante videoconferencia. La duración suele variar entre 20 y 60 minutos, dependiendo del tipo de visita, el número de preguntas y la complejidad de las pruebas o de los resultados.

Durante la sesión, se explica cómo la genética puede influir en la enfermedad de Parkinson, se recopilan antecedentes familiares y se analiza cómo los factores genéticos y/o los resultados de las pruebas pueden tener implicaciones para otras personas en la familia.

Para obtener más información sobre cómo participar en PD GENEration, ya sea en persona o desde casa, visite Parkinson.org/PDGENEration o llame a la línea de ayuda de la Parkinson’s Foundation al 1-800-4PD-INFO.

Videos & Webinars

Expert Briefing: Inside the Science: Parkinson's Research Today

April 8, 2026

Parkinson’s research is moving quickly, offering new insights for people living with the disease. This Expert Briefing will highlight how our understanding of Parkinson’s has evolved and why researchers are optimistic about future breakthroughs. We’ll focus on three key research areas shaping today’s momentum: alpha-synuclein, mitochondrial function, and inflammation. Participants will gain a clear snapshot of the latest discoveries, where science is headed, and how these advances may guide new and more effective treatments.

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Webinar Summary

Additional Resources

Presenter

Laurie Sanders, PhD
Associate Professor, Departments of Neurology and Pathology, Divisions of Movement Disorders and Translational Brain Sciences
Center for Neurodegeneration and Neurotherapeutics, Duke Clinical Research Institute,
A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence

Advancing Research

Visit the Parkinson’s Foundation Booth at WPC

🧠 What will you learn in this article?

  • Six ways participants can engage with the Parkinson’s Foundation at the 2026 World Parkinson Congress (WPC).

  • The 2026 World Parkinson Congress takes place from May 24 - 27 in Phoenix, AZ.

  • Visit the Parkinson’s Foundation at booth 301 and take part in exclusive research opportunities and guest visitors during the event.

Group photo by WPC booth

For the first time in a decade, the 2026 World Parkinson Congress (WPC) will be held in North America, from May 24 - 27 in Phoenix, AZ. The Parkinson’s Foundation is proud to be a WPC Champion Double Platinum event partner, offering support to the global Parkinson’s disease (PD)community.

Please join us at WPC and learn more about our mission to make life better for people living with PD. Here are six ways you can engage with the Parkinson’s Foundation at WPC:

1. Visit us at booth 301!

People at the WPC

Check out booth 301 to meet staff, take some special giveaways and learn how the Parkinson’s Foundation is here to support you with tools, resources and information to help you build a better life with Parkinson’s.

Visit our booth often to meet special guests who are excited to interact with WPC participants, including our Chief Medical Officer, Sneha Mantri, MD, MS, FAAN.

2. Receive genetic testing through PD GENEration.

PD GENEration is our research study that offers genetic testing and genetic counseling at no cost to people living with Parkinson’s. For the first time, we are partnering with WPC to bring PD GENEration genetic testing to people with Parkinson’s at the 7th World Parkinson Congress. 

During WPC, visit the PD GENEration Pavilion to:

  • Enroll and take part in on-site genetic testing for PD-associated gene variants in English and Spanish.

  • Participate in research, with opportunities for new and prior PD GENEration participants.

  • Meet our research team to learn more about genetics, Parkinson’s and how we are to accelerating PD research.

This opportunity is available for people with a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson’s attending WPC. The Foundation is thankful for continued support from the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) and Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2) and for sponsoring this opportunity. 

Learn more.

3. Exclusive giveaway of The Parkinson’s Plan.

The Parkinson's Plan book cover

During exhibition hours, visit our booth to receive a complimentary copy of The Parkinson’s Plan, the new book by world-renowned movement disorders specialist Michael S. Okun, MD, co-authored with Ray Dorsey, MD.

4. Explore the latest breakthroughs in PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation.

The international research study, which continues to advance, has empowered more than 30,000 people with Parkinson’s with information on genetic risk factors than can influence the course of their disease. We will present PD GENEration posters and a special session about the study at WPC.

5. Empowering pre-congress session about advocating for yourself and your community.

Join us before WPC for an exclusive session with key Foundation staff and contributors. This session will empower people with Parkinson’s, care partners and professionals to advocate for high‑quality care, influence public policy and engage in research. We’ll highlight the role of genetics in precision medicine, share PD GENEration findings and addresses barriers to participation in genetic‑focused clinical trials.

The session will be led by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mantri; Chief Strategy & Public Policy Officer, Andi Lipstein Fristedt; and Chair of our People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council, Kathleen Blake, MD, MPH.

6. Sharing research findings.

7th World Parkinson Congress

WPC will host an incredible space to share research findings submitted by leading researchers, clinicians, advocates and non-profits like us. Parkinson’s Foundation staff will participate in Poster Tours to highlight key findings that matter to the PD community and answer questions onsite.

Join us! Learn more about the 2026 World Parkinson Congress.

Science News

Tests Show Promise for Diagnosing Parkinson's and Dementia with Lewy Bodies

🧠 What will you learn in this article?

This article highlights a new study that found a potential way to identify Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies through a protein. It discusses:

  • Biomarkers are biological signs that can be measured to help diagnose a disease, track progression and evaluate whether treatments are working.

  • A protein called DDC plays a role in producing dopamine, so changes in DDC levels may make it a potential biomarker for PD and dementia with Lewy bodies.

  • A new study developed a test to measure DDC as a biomarker. The test showed accuracy in distinguishing PD and DLB from both people without disease and people with Alzheimer’s disease.

  • While a DDC biomarker test is not yet ready for widespread use, it represents progress toward more accurate and earlier diagnosis of Parkinson’s and dementia with Lewy bodies.

Parkinson's Foundation Science News blogs

Diagnosing Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) remains a challenge. There is no single definitive test, and misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatments. That is why finding reliable biomarkers — measurable signs in the body that can indicate disease — is a major focus of PD research today. Biomarkers hold the promise of earlier, more accurate diagnosis, tracking disease progression and evaluating whether treatments are working.

PD and dementia with Lewy bodies are both Lewy body disorders. They both lead to the abnormal buildup of a misfolded protein called alpha-synuclein and the loss of dopamine. A protein called DDC plays a role in producing dopamine, so in Lewy body disorders such as PD, DDC levels change — making it a potentially useful signal (or biomarker) that the disease is present.

A new study published in Nature Medicine — featuring former Parkinson's Foundation awardee Giovanni Bellomo, PhD — highlights DDC as a promising new biomarker. Using cerebrospinal fluid collected through a spinal tap, the research team developed new tests to measure DDC levels and confirmed their accuracy across more than 1,100 people.

This study adds to a growing wave of biomarker discoveries that are transforming how we understand and diagnose PD. Last year, a study showed that a skin biopsy test could reliably detect phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (another potential biomarker) in people with PD and related disorders, which is now commercially available to help support diagnosis.

Together, these advances are moving us closer to an era where biological tests might offer earlier and more precise diagnosis.

Study Results

The researchers developed two new tests to measure DDC levels in cerebrospinal fluid and then confirmed their accuracy across more than 1,100 people. This included people with PD, dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer’s disease and people without these conditions.

Overall, DDC levels in spinal fluid were significantly and consistently higher in people with PD and dementia with Lewy bodies — up to 2.5 times higher compared to people without these diseases and nearly twice as high as those with Alzheimer’s disease. The test accurately distinguished PD and dementia with Lewy bodies with 94% to 97% accuracy. It also differentiated these conditions from Alzheimer's disease.

Interestingly, people with Parkinson’s movement symptoms had higher DDC levels, but those levels didn’t increase as symptoms worsened. This suggests DDC may be most helpful for confirming a diagnosis rather than tracking disease progression.

In brain tissue examined after death, higher DDC levels measured during life matched up with greater buildup of alpha-synuclein — the hallmark protein involved in PD and DLB — reinforcing DDC’s connection to the underlying biology of these diseases.

Highlights

  • A new test uses the protein called DDC as a biomarker to help identify PD with the hope that it could be a diagnostic tool one day.

  • DDC levels in spinal fluid were significantly higher in people with PD and dementia with Lewy bodies —up to 2.5 times higher than in people without these diseases and nearly twice as high as in those with Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Overall, the tests were accurate at distinguishing PD and dementia with Lewy bodies from people without these diseases and reliably differentiated these conditions from Alzheimer’s disease. These results suggest these tests could eventually be useful diagnostic tools for doctors. 

  • People with symptoms (for example, movement problems in PD) had higher DDC levels. However, DDC levels didn't increase as symptoms got worse.

  • In brain tissue examined after death, higher DDC levels measured during life matched up with greater buildup of alpha-synuclein.

What Does This Mean?

Doctor Working With Test Tubes

This research points to a potential new biomarker — a protein called DDC — that may help diagnose Parkinson’s and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) more accurately and earlier than current methods.

The DDC test showed high accuracy in distinguishing PD or DLB versus people without these conditions, as well as compared to people with Alzheimer’s disease. This accuracy is crucial for a neurological diagnostic test, especially for conditions where misdiagnosis is common due to overlapping symptoms and a lack of established biomarkers.

In the near future, this could help people be diagnosed with Parkinson’s and DLB more accurately and faster, which can dramatically improve treatment outcomes. However, in its current form, the results of this study suggest that the DDC biomarker may be best for confirming a diagnosis, but less helpful for tracking how the disease develops.

What Do These Findings Mean for People with Parkinson’s Right Now?

The DDC biomarker is not yet available as a clinical test. However, as we saw with the skin biopsy test (Syn-One), biomarker advances can quickly move from a research study to being used in-clinic. Additionally, considering that very few tests are 100% accurate, the concept of having multiple different biomarkers available to identify PD will help validate diagnoses and improve rigor in the field.

Studies like this one could help bring peace of mind to people with Parkinson’s and support diagnosis based on biological evidence, not only a doctor’s assessment.

For people with Parkinson’s, this study reinforces that the symptoms they experience reflect measurable brain changes in the brain. People who are concerned that they might have Parkinson’s disease or dementia with Lewy bodies should talk to their doctor.

Learn More

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

Policy & Advocacy

5 Ways Policy Affects Your Life with Parkinson’s

🧠 What will you learn in this article?

This article introduces five policies at the federal and state levels that directly influence the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). It highlights how:

  • Increased federal and state funding is essential to accelerate Parkinson’s research and support breakthroughs.

  • Policies directly influence access to timely high‑quality Parkinson’s care and can speed up a PD diagnosis.

  • Environmental health regulations, such as banning paraquat, can reduce risks linked to developing Parkinson’s.

Group at Parkinson's Policy Forum

When you’re living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), the decisions made on Capitol Hill and in state capitals across the country can directly shape daily life. Whether it’s the funding that drives breakthrough research, the policies that determine whether you can access a specialist, or the environmental protections that could prevent PD in the first place, policy is personal.

Last month, that truth came to life in a powerful way. From March 15-18, more than 300 advocates from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. for the 2026 Parkinson’s Policy Forum, an event that united people living with PD, care partners, clinicians, researchers and advocates to carry the message of the Parkinson’s community to Congress.

The Forum was an inspiring reminder of what we can accomplish when we speak with one voice. While the Forum has wrapped, the momentum it generated is just beginning. The policy priorities that advocates championed on Capitol Hill affect every person living with Parkinson's and there are still powerful ways to make your voice heard.

Here are five key Parkinson’s policy areas where your voice can make a real difference.

1. Implementation of the National Parkinson’s Project

The National Parkinson’s Project is a historic milestone: the first-ever federal initiative dedicated to Parkinson's disease. Congress passed a law to create the National Parkinson’s Project in 2024, but that is only the beginning. Implementation requires continued pressure and advocacy to ensure the initiative moves forward without delay.

The Parkinson's Foundation is working to protect this landmark project and build momentum as the government moves to put it into action. That means urging the Department of Health and Human Services to seat the National Parkinson’s Project Advisory Council so they can begin their vital work to help prevent, diagnose, treat and ultimately cure Parkinson’s and recommendations to improve quality of life for those living with PD. This project represents a generational opportunity, and advocates like you help keep it on track.

2. Increased Investment for PD Research

We are closer than ever to developing treatments that could slow or stop Parkinson's, not just manage its symptoms. But that progress depends on sustained investment. Federal support for PD research has not kept pace with the rapid growth of the disease, and funding uncertainty puts critical breakthroughs at risk.

The Parkinson's Foundation is advocating for increased investments, including $600 million a year in National Institutes of Health-funded Parkinson's research, as well as complementary investments at the state level that build on and expand what federal funding makes possible.

Every dollar invested in research brings us one step closer to a cure — and every advocate who makes the case to a lawmaker helps secure that funding.

3. Timely, Affordable and Quality Parkinson’s Care

Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease, with 90,000 new diagnoses every year. Yet access to quality care is increasingly out of reach for many people. Shortages of movement disorders specialists mean long travel distances. Coverage gaps and unpredictable costs create added stress. Quality of care varies widely depending on where you live.

The Parkinson’s Foundation supports policies that change this reality by making it easier to diagnose and treat PD, stabilizing and expanding telehealth coverage to reach people wherever they are, and ensuring robust public health programs that support both care and research. Quality Parkinson’s care should not be determined by your zip code.

Whether it’s expanding telehealth access or strengthening Medicare coverage, these policy changes have a direct impact on your ability to get the care needed to live well with PD.

4. Address Environmental Health Threats Linked to Parkinson’s

The causes of Parkinson’s are complex, but research has linked environmental risks — including certain chemicals like paraquat and trichloroethylene (TCE) — to an increased risk of developing PD. Even though paraquat has been banned in more than 70 countries, including China, this pesticide is still sold and used in the U.S.

The Parkinson’s Foundation is pushing the Environmental Protection Agency and state governments to end the use of paraquat in the U.S. This policy change could prevent countless future cases of PD, particularly in rural communities where pesticide exposure is most common.

Policy change can protect future generations from ever receiving a Parkinson's diagnosis. That is a powerful thing to advocate for.

5. Education: Access to PD Information

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to early diagnosis and living well with Parkinson’s. Yet too many people with PD, their families, and even their healthcare providers lack access to timely, high-quality, tailored information about the disease.

The Parkinson’s Foundation is advancing policy changes that improve PD education for people with Parkinson’s, care partners and healthcare professionals. Better-informed healthcare professionals mean earlier diagnoses and better care. Better-informed patients and families mean more confident, empowered decision-making at every stage. Access to PD information also support prevention, helping communities recognize risk factors and take action before a diagnosis occurs.

People with Parkinson’s are at the center of everything we do, and ensuring they have the information they need is one of the most meaningful ways policy can improve lives right now.

Your Voice Can Change Everything

There is a direct connection between the actions we take today and the future we want to see. The research funding secured this year can become the new treatment option available in five years. The telehealth policy passed today means your neighbor in a rural county can see a specialist next month. The paraquat ban advocated for now could mean one fewer diagnosis in your community.

Ready to make a difference? Visit our Advocacy Center to join our Advocacy Network, contact your representatives, and take action on the issues that matter most to the PD community today.

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