Parkinson's disease affects around one million Americans, causing tremor, stiffness, and slow movement as dopamine-producing brain cells die off. Current medications replace dopamine or mimic its effects, which helps symptoms but doesn't slow the underlying loss of neurons. Deep brain stimulation can reduce tremor and dyskinesia when medications lose effectiveness.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing drugs that might slow or stop neuron loss, including GLP-1 receptor agonists like exenatide, alpha-synuclein antibodies targeting the protein that clumps in Parkinson's, and genetic therapies for people with specific mutations. Researchers are also studying new delivery methods for levodopa, better deep brain stimulation techniques, and treatments for non-motor symptoms like cognitive decline and sleep disorders.
GLP-1 receptor agonists
Diabetes drugs like exenatide and lixisenatide appear to protect brain cells in early studies. Several trials are testing whether these weekly or daily injections can slow Parkinson's progression.
Alpha-synuclein antibodies
These infused drugs target the misfolded protein that accumulates in Parkinson's, similar to how Alzheimer's drugs target amyloid. Early trials are checking whether clearing alpha-synuclein can slow disease progression.
Gene therapies
For people with mutations in GBA1 or LRRK2 genes, trials are testing therapies designed to correct the specific genetic defect. Other gene therapies aim to boost dopamine production or protect remaining neurons.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on how long you've had Parkinson's, current medications, whether you have a genetic mutation, and scores on movement and cognition tests.
What types of trials are currently open
- Disease-modifying trials — Testing drugs that might slow neuron loss, usually in people with early Parkinson's. These trials last one to three years and track motor symptoms and brain imaging.
- Symptomatic trials — Testing new formulations of levodopa, dopamine agonists, or other drugs to control tremor, stiffness, and dyskinesia better than current medications.
- Device trials — Studies of deep brain stimulation, focused ultrasound, or wearable devices that deliver medication or track symptoms continuously.
- Non-motor trials — Testing treatments for cognitive problems, depression, constipation, sleep disorders, and other symptoms not helped by dopamine replacement.
- Genetic studies — Following people with Parkinson's-linked genetic mutations to understand disease progression and test targeted therapies.
Recently added Parkinson's Disease trials
Spinal Mobility, Rigidity, and Kinesiophobia in PD and TMD
Axial rigidity and loss of spinal mobility commonly observed in Parkinson's disease (PD) lead to postural deformities and substantial reductions in trunk flexibility. This condition can impair the biomechanics of the craniocervical and lumbopelvic kinetic chain, potentially exerting a negative impact on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) functions. In this context, the planned study aims to determine whether differences exist in spinal mobility, axial rigidity, and kinesiophobia levels between individuals with PD with and without Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), and to investigate whether a biomechanical relationship exists between TMD and spinal mobility, axial rigidity, and kinesiophobia levels in this population. The study will be conducted face-to-face at the Neurology Outpatient Clinic of Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Research and Training Hospital. Individuals aged 40-75 years, diagnosed with PD, staged between 1.5 and 4 according to the Hoehn and Yahr Scale, with a Mini-Mental State Examination score of 24 or higher (MMSE ≥ 24), and in the "ON" state during the evaluation will be included. Individuals with a history of cervical, lumbar, maxillofacial, or TMJ surgery that could directly affect spinal mobility and posture; acute orthopedic or rheumatologic disorders that would preclude testing (e.g., advanced Ankylosing Spondylitis); comorbid neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, multiple sclerosis); complete edentulism or severe disruption of oral anatomy; active toothache; pregnancy or suspected pregnancy; and severe psychiatric disorders will be excluded. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants, and the study will be conducted on a voluntary basis. All data will remain confidential and be utilized solely for scientific purposes. In this cross-sectional study, evaluations will be carried out in a single session for each participant. Following the recording of demographic and clinical characteristics, the presence of TMD will be assessed using the Fonseca Anamnestic Index, jaw range of motion with a millimeter ruler, and spinal mobility using the modified-modified Schober test, tragus-to-wall distance, intermalleolar distance, and occiput-to-wall distance measurements. Axial rigidity will be evaluated using item 3.3 (Rigidity) of the Movement Disorder Society-Sponsored Revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS), posture will be assessed using MDS-UPDRS item 3.13 (Posture) alongside craniovertebral angle measurement, and kinesiophobia will be assessed via the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia. The resulting findings are expected to contribute to understanding the impact of spinal mobility, axial rigidity, and kinesiophobia on the temporomandibular system in PD, offering valuable clinical guidance for assessment, physiotherapy, and multidisciplinary neurological rehabilitation pathways.
Velocity-Loss Training and Parkinson's Disease
This study will compare the effects of velocity-loss resistance training at 10% and 30% velocity loss thresholds on measures of muscle strength and power and tests of daily performance in older adults with Parkinson's disease.
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