September 23, 2024

The Parkinson’s research landscape

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, affecting around 153,000 people in the UK. It affects the dopamine-producing neurons in the brain and leads to many symptoms, mainly tremor, slowness of movement, and rigidity.

Currently, there are no specific diagnostic tests or disease-modifying drugs available to diagnose and treat Parkinson’s. Diagnosis is based on medical history, symptoms, and a neurological and physical exam. Treatments focus on replacing the lost dopamine but are associated with long-term side effects and do not stop remaining neurons from dying.

Remarkable progress is being made by scientists in the UK and globally to understand the mechanisms of neurodegeneration, develop diagnostics, stratify patients, and prevent/treat Parkinson’s. Journalists came to this Science Media Centre briefing to hear three leading experts discuss the current research landscape, including early detection, models to test the effect of genetics and environment and test new therapies, and the new Landmark programme; a consortium led by Parkinson’s UK using big data to accelerate treatments.

Speakers included: 

Professor David Dexter, Director of Research at Parkinson’s UK

Professor Alastair Noyce, Professor in Neurology and Neuroepidemiology at Queen Mary University of London and Consultant Neurologist at Barts Health NHS Trust

Professor Sonia Gandhi, MRC Senior Clinician Scientist, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology & Senior Group Leader, The Francis Crick Institute