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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 research is focusing on many areas, including brain anatomy, dopamine, environmental factors, genetics, mitochondria, and cell transplantation.
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.
Researchers have identified many susceptibility genes and potential environmental risk factors for Parkinson's 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.
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.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD