Parkinson's disease affects about one million people in the United States, causing tremor, stiffness, and slow movement as dopamine-producing brain cells die. Current treatments — levodopa, dopamine agonists, and deep brain stimulation — manage symptoms but don't stop the disease from progressing. Most people live with Parkinson's for 10 to 20 years, and research is now testing drugs that might slow or stop the underlying cell death.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing drugs that target alpha-synuclein, the protein that clumps in Parkinson's brains, and GLP-1 receptor agonists like exenatide that may protect dopamine cells. Researchers are studying gene therapy to restore dopamine production, stem cell transplants to replace lost cells, and new surgical approaches. Studies are also testing treatments for non-motor symptoms like cognitive decline, sleep problems, and constipation.
Alpha-synuclein targeting
Multiple antibodies are being tested to clear or prevent the spread of alpha-synuclein clumps between brain cells. Early results have been mixed, but several large trials continue.
GLP-1 receptor agonists
Diabetes drugs like exenatide and lixisenatide may protect dopamine-producing cells. Phase 2 trials showed some slowing of progression, and larger studies are underway.
Gene and cell therapy
Gene therapy trials are testing whether delivering genes for dopamine production can restore function. Stem cell transplants aim to replace lost dopamine cells directly.
What to know before you search
Eligibility often depends on how long you've had Parkinson's, whether you still respond well to levodopa, severity of symptoms, and whether you have certain genetic variants like GBA or LRRK2 mutations.
What types of trials are currently open
- Disease-modifying trials — Testing drugs that aim to slow or stop Parkinson's progression, not just manage symptoms. These often run for one to two years and track motor symptoms and brain imaging.
- Symptomatic treatment trials — Testing new medications or formulations to better control tremor, stiffness, dyskinesia, and off-time when symptoms return between doses.
- Non-motor symptom trials — Testing treatments for cognitive problems, sleep disorders, constipation, and other symptoms beyond movement.
- Surgical trials — Studies of deep brain stimulation with new targets or settings, and focused ultrasound as a less invasive option.
- Observational studies — Following people with Parkinson's over time to understand how the disease progresses and identify early markers.
Recently added Parkinson's Disease trials
Receive brain stimulation to test effectiveness for Parkinson's
This prospective, randomized, participant- and outcome-assessor-blinded, parallel-group exploratory trial will compare the target-dependent clinical, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological effects of temporal interference stimulation (TIS) targeting the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or globus pallidus internus (GPi) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Eighteen participants with idiopathic PD will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the STN-TIS or GPi-TIS group. Participants will receive one 20-minute TIS session daily for 7 consecutive days. Motor symptoms will be assessed using the MDS-UPDRS Part III immediately before and after each daily stimulation session. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and 64-channel electroencephalography (EEG) will be performed before the first stimulation session and immediately after completion of the 7-day intervention. The primary outcomes are: (1) change in MDS-UPDRS Part III score from Day 1 before stimulation to Day 7 after stimulation; and (2) changes in regional spontaneous brain activity and seed-based functional connectivity measured using resting-state fMRI. Secondary outcomes are: (1) daily immediate changes in MDS-UPDRS Part III scores and the proportion of participants achieving at least 30% improvement at Day 7; and (2) changes in resting-state 64-channel EEG relative bandpower. Safety and tolerability will be evaluated by monitoring adverse events and local skin reactions throughout the intervention. This study aims to provide preliminary evidence regarding target-dependent functional response patterns associated with STN- and GPi-targeted TIS in PD.
Try music therapy sessions for Parkinson's symptoms
This study aims to examine whether individual music therapy - involving the slow, gentle bowing of a string instrument, accompanied by the music therapist's singing and lyre playing - can have a relaxing and calming effect on patients with Parkinson's disease and improve anxiety, quality of life, and autonomic dysfunction such as unstable blood pressure. People with Parkinson's disease often struggle with anxiety, apathy, and depression, which can severely affect their quality of life. These symptoms are usually difficult to treat adequately with medication. They are frequently associated with dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system and a reduced variability of heart rate. Both are common in Parkinson's disease and can provide clues about stress and well-being. A healthy heart does not beat at completely regular intervals; instead, the time between beats constantly changes slightly. This fluctuation is called heart rate variability (HRV). Primary study outcome will be anxiety. Motivation, depression, individual quality of life, and severity of autonomic symptoms are also assessed using validated questionnaires. Physical study measures will be HRV, along with stability of blood pressure, intensity of tremor, ability to walk, and also electroencephalography (EEG) to assess brain activity. A subproject will explore whether listening to emotionally evocative music can specifically influence the brain in patients with Parkinson's disease (as measured by EEG) and autonomic functions (as measured by HRV). The effectiveness of an emotional response will be measured by a questionnaire (the Geneva Emotional Music Scale).
Find Parkinson's Disease trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.