Here, we list some of the latest research and advancements in the area of understanding and combating PD using multidimensional approaches. The brief descriptions of these studies are given for a quick glance. For more details, please click the link below.

1. Skin test for the detection of PD and related neurodegenerative disease

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA, 2024) found that a skin biopsy can effectively detect Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. Researchers examined a biomarker known as phosphorylated alpha-synuclein (P-SYN) in skin samples. In individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s, 92.7% of biopsies showed the presence of P-SYN, whereas only 3.3% of those without a neurodegenerative condition tested positive. Additionally, the levels of P- SYN in the skin samples were linked to the severity of symptoms in participants.

2. Protein that offers protection against brain cell degeneration associated with PD

A recent study led by Dr. Scott Waldman, MD, PhD, explores the role of Guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C) in protecting dopamine neurons from degeneration—a key characteristic of Parkinson’s disease—by supporting mitochondrial function. The study found that individuals with Parkinson’s produce more GUCY2C receptors in dopamine neurons. By comparing mice with and without the GUCY2C receptor, researchers observed that its absence led to mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and cell death in the brain region affected by Parkinson’s. This indicates that GUCY2C has a neuroprotective function. Additionally, when a neurotoxin known to induce neurodegeneration was introduced to neurons in a petri dish, a molecule that boosts cGMP (a product of GUCY2C activation) helped protect the neurons from mitochondrial damage. Since people with Parkinson’s show increased levels of GUCY2C, the study suggests this may be the body’s natural attempt to shield dopamine neurons from harm.

3. Non-invasive Focused Ultrasound Ablation improved Motor symptoms in PD

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that individuals with Parkinson’s disease experienced improvements in tremors, mobility, and other movement-related symptoms after undergoing a minimally  invasive procedure using focused ultrasound. While Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) remains the standard surgical option for patients who do not respond well to levodopa, it requires implanting tiny wires in the brain to deliver electrical stimulation. In contrast, focused ultrasound is a non-invasive technique that uses high-intensity sound waves, guided by MRI, to target and destroy a specific brain area linked to tremors. A clinical trial evaluating focused ultrasound for improving movement symptoms found that nearly 70% of participants in the treatment group showed significant improvement after three months, compared to 32% in the control group who did not receive the procedure. Additionally, about 66% of those who initially benefited from focused ultrasound maintained their positive response a year later.

4. Plastic Waste Contaminants increases the risk for Parkinson’s disease

A study published in Science Advances suggests that tiny plastic particles, formed from the breakdown of plastics, could be an environmental factor contributing to Parkinson’s disease.

Researchers found that nanoplastics triggered or accelerated α-synuclein clumping in three different models: test tubes, brain cells cultured in a petri dish, and mouse brains. The study identified a specific region in the α-synuclein protein where polystyrene nanoparticles interact. Additionally, brain tissue samples from individuals with Lewy body dementia showed traces of polystyrene, indicating that plastic nanoparticles may be present in human brains and could play a role in Parkinson’s disease development.

5. Personalized Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

A recent study introduced adaptive DBS, a novel approach that could further personalize deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. This method was evaluated in a small clinical trial involving four participants, with findings published in Nature Medicine. In this trial, participants underwent adaptive DBS that provided individualized stimulation to alleviate symptoms. All four participants experienced close to 50% reduction in time spent with their most troublesome symptom when adaptive DBS was active. Moreover, the treatment did not worsen any other Parkinson’s disease-related symptoms. Adaptive DBS showed promising results compared to the conventional DBS.

6. Molecular Profiling of Identified Unique Neuron Cluster in Parkinson’s Disease Brain

Parkinson’s disease is mainly defined by the degeneration of dopamine- producing neurons in the substantia nigra. However, whether other cell types are also affected remains uncertain. A recent study published in Science Advances identified a previously unrecognized neuron type linked to Parkinson’s. Researchers created a comprehensive “atlas of gene expression” by analyzing which genes were active or inactive across hundreds of thousands of cells in the substantia nigra. These findings could provide deeper insights into the disease and potentially inform the development of new treatments.

7. Screening for Depression Can Improve Parkinson’s Care

Although the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are commonly known to be associated with movement, non-motor symptoms like depression are often overlooked and untreated. Research indicates that up to half of Parkinson’s patients experience depression at some stage, significantly affecting their quality of life. Despite this, many never receive appropriate treatment or therapy. To address this gap, improving depression screening and treatment is crucial. A recent study found that implementing a brief, five-minute questionnaire—the 15-question Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15)—can enhance depression detection and follow-up care in Parkinson’s patients, enabling broader and more effective screening efforts.

8. New Continuous Pump Medication for Parkinson’s Disease

PRODUODOPA, a newly developed Parkinson’s drug, is administered continuously through a pump, much like insulin pumps used for diabetes management. Clinical trials in Europe suggest it could be a viable option for individuals experiencing medication wear-off or dyskinesia. By delivering the drug in a controlled manner, the pump may also help reduce daily pill intake. While most side effects were mild, a Phase III clinical trial reported that 23% of participants discontinued use, primarily due to infusion site complications such as swelling, pain, or infection.

9. Wearable sensors to track the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Given the significant variability of symptoms between patients and the fluctuations of symptoms within the same patient, innovative tools are essential for tracking disease progression. Advancements in wearable technology have led to devices capable of monitoring Parkinson’s symptoms, such as motor fluctuations and dyskinesia that are being used by patients in Europe.

These sensors provide continuous, real-time data, aiding in personalized treatment adjustments and better disease management.

10. Portable symptom monitoring devices for tracking Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

In Parkinson’s disease, emergent tremor differs from action tremor as it arises during sustained postures or movements. During finger-tapping tasks, this tremor can affect the clinical assessment of bradykinesia. Currently, no reliable method exists to isolate emergent tremors and assess primary motor symptoms solely through voluntary movements. Stanford Medicine researchers investigated whether tremors occurring during repetitive alternating finger tapping (RAFT) on a quantitative digitography (QDG) device could be accurately identified and differentiated from intentional tapping.