Parkinson's Disease Research

There has been considerable progress made within Parkinson's research in recent years. Ongoing studies aim to discover better ways of relieving the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and ultimately preventing or halting the disease. New Parkinson's disease research is focusing on many areas, including brain anatomy, dopamine, environmental factors, genetics, mitochondria, and cell transplantation.

Parkinson's Disease Information

Research on Parkinson's Disease: An Overview

While Parkinson's is a complex disease, research for this brain condition has significantly progressed in recent years. Halting the progression of Parkinson's disease, restoring lost function, and even preventing the disease are now considered realistic goals.

Parkinson's disease research scientists have identified many susceptibility genes and potential environmental risk factors for the disease, and these studies are contributing to a much-improved understanding of how the disease develops. A number of promising therapies have been developed as a result of this understanding and are now being tested in humans and animals.

(Click Gene Therapy and Parkinson's for more information on this potential future treatment.)

Continuing studies to improve understanding of the underlying biology of the disease will lead to better ways of relieving Parkinson's disease symptoms and, ultimately, preventing or halting the disease.

Focus Areas of Parkinson's Disease Research

Parkinson's disease research focuses on many areas. These areas include but are not limited to:

Brain anatomy
Dopamine
Environmental factors
Genetics
Mitochondria
Cell transplantation.

Brain Anatomy

Some investigators are studying the functions and anatomy of the motor system in the brain, including how it regulates movement and how movement relates to major command centers in the brain.

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