Parkinson's disease is more than a movement disorder — non-motor symptoms like sleep problems, constipation, and changes in mood often appear years before tremor. Research is pushing into earlier detection, gene therapy, and treatments that may slow the disease itself rather than just manage symptoms.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing alpha-synuclein-targeted antibodies, GLP-1 drugs repurposed from diabetes, gene therapy approaches, and improved deep-brain-stimulation devices. Researchers are also studying treatments for specific genetic forms like LRRK2 and GBA Parkinson's, and earlier diagnosis using skin biopsies and brain imaging.
Disease-modifying drugs
Antibodies targeting alpha-synuclein clumps and drugs aimed at LRRK2 and GBA genes are being tested to slow Parkinson's itself, not just treat tremor and stiffness.
GLP-1 medications
Diabetes drugs like exenatide showed promising slowing of Parkinson's in early trials. Larger studies are now underway to confirm the effect.
Better deep brain stimulation
Newer DBS systems sense brain signals and adjust stimulation in real time. Trials are testing them for tremor, stiffness, and even non-motor symptoms.
What to know before you search
Eligibility often depends on disease stage, current medications, presence of specific genetic mutations like LRRK2 or GBA, and overall health.
What types of trials are currently open
- Treatment trials — Testing new medications or combinations in people with Parkinson's to improve movement, sleep, or mood symptoms.
- Device trials — Studies of newer deep-brain-stimulation systems or focused ultrasound for Parkinson's symptoms.
- Disease-modifying trials — Testing drugs designed to slow Parkinson's itself, not just manage symptoms.
- Lifestyle and behavior trials — Testing structured exercise, balance training, and other programs that may slow progression.
- Observational studies — Following people with or at risk for Parkinson's to learn about early signs and progression.
Recently added Parkinson's Disease trials
Individualized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Parkinsonian Disorders
This clinical trial aims to evaluate whether individualized targeted repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with parkinsonian disorders. The main question it aims to answer is: * Does individualized targeted rTMS alleviate symptoms of parkinsonian disorders? * Which clinical manifestations of parkinsonian syndromes are responsive to individualized targeted rTMS, and to what degree? Procedures: * Preparation (Screening) Participants will undergo clinical assessments, MRI, and EEG before the treatment. * Treatment (2 Weeks) Participants will receive a 10-day TMS treatment (once daily, Monday-Friday). Each treatment day takes approximately 3-4 hours. Participants need to keep stable medications and rehabilitation routines during this time. * Follow-up (10 Weeks) Participants will undergo follow-up assessments at the end of treatment and 10 weeks after treatment. Assessments include clinical scales, MRI, and EEG.
Impact of Force Control of Hip Abductor Muscles in Healthy Adults and Individuals With Parkinson's Disease
Both aging and Parkinson's disease (PD) negatively affect postural control and increase the risk of falls, with frontal plane balance being particularly challenging for these populations. While previous studies have mainly focused on sagittal plane balance, the contribution of hip abductor muscles remains unclear, especially regarding their force production and control abilities. Therefore, this study aims to investigate hip abductor muscle force production and force control, and to examine whether these factors are associated with postural control, gait, and balance performance in individuals across different ages and those with PD.
Find Parkinson's Disease trials matched specifically to you
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll show you trials that fit your situation.