World Parkinson’s Day is a chance to raise awareness about the world’s fastest-growing neurological condition. A new study shows that the number of people with Parkinson’s disease could more than double in the next few decades. This prediction is backed by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. While this could be attributed to an aging population, mainly attributable to advancements in healthcare in recent years, the hope was that cases of Parkinson’s would decrease, not rise so steeply. Experts agreed that the results show how important it is to develop new treatments and improve social support for people living with Parkinson’s, as there is no global health system as yet that could handle the high demand caused by a single condition like this.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that affects the nervous system, causing symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. It is similar to multiple system atrophy (MSA), which causes similar symptoms but is a different condition. It occurs when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine become damaged or die over time. People with Parkinson’s often experience a gradual progression of symptoms, and the exact cause of the disease is still not fully understood.
What is causing the rise in cases of Parkinson’s?
While the exact reasons for the predicted rise are unknown, one theory is based around physical activity. This often decreases as countries become more developed. Exercise seems to help protect against Parkinson’s and other brain-related diseases, and when people have less active lifestyles at work and in daily life, it can lead to less healthy brains. Exposure to air pollution could also increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease. 
Are there any new treatments on the horizon for Parkinson’s disease?
Since the approval of Sinemet (levodopa) in 1970, progress in developing new treatments has been slow. Levodopa remains the main treatment for managing symptoms of Parkinson’s. Other medications like Amandin were all discovered and tested before the 1970s. Over the years, improved versions and new formulations of these drugs have been developed. In addition to medications, non-drug treatments such as deep brain stimulation and high-intensity focused ultrasound have also been approved for use. Unfortunately, none of these methods address the root cause of the disease since, in many cases, that cause is unknown.
Research into new medications for Parkinson’s disease is more intense than ever, with many drugs at different stages of development. It’s especially encouraging to see some of these potential treatments already in clinical trials. Around 145 compounds are currently being tested in clinical trials for Parkinson’s. This is an impressive number, and it doesn’t even include the many compounds still being studied in labs using test tubes, cell cultures, or animal models. It also doesn’t count drugs that have shown promise in smaller trials and are waiting to advance to larger clinical trials in the future.
In fact, an exciting breakthrough in Parkinson’s research happened in March 2025. Researchers figured out the structure of a protein connected to young-onset Parkinson’s. This is the form of Parkinson’s that Michael J. Fox was most famously diagnosed with, solving a mystery that has lasted for decades. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to treat the disease. The study explains how a protein called PINK1 sticks to the surface of damaged mitochondria, the parts of cells that produce energy. Scientists have recently discovered what human PINK1 looks like, how it connects to damaged mitochondria, and how it gets activated. This discovery could help researchers develop a drug to slow down or stop cases of Parkinson’s disease in people with a PINK1 mutation.
Finally, there is the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), a global study focused on discovering and tracking specific signs of Parkinson’s disease. The goal is to better understand how the disease progresses by studying clinical symptoms, imaging, genetics, and biological samples, ultimately helping speed up the development of new treatments.
Possible new medications to treat cases of Parkinson’s disease
Anti-alpha-synuclein treatments
In Parkinson’s disease, people develop clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein in their brains, known as Lewy bodies. Scientists are exploring ways to stop these proteins from clumping together or to break apart existing clumps with anti-α-synuclein compounds, which could help treat the condition.
Researchers are working on creating antibodies that can attach to the clumped alpha-synuclein proteins and help remove them from the brain. Another approach involves vaccines that encourage the body to make its own antibodies against alpha-synuclein. Some of these vaccines are also being tested in clinical trials.
Molecules that block alpha-synuclein aggregation are also being studied. Scientists have created small molecules that can help stop or break down the buildup of alpha-synuclein. These molecules stick to the harmful clumps and prevent them from growing.
GLP-1 agonists
Another approach involves using glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists like semaglutide and tirzepatide that form the basis of Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, which are treatments for type 2 diabetes. One study showed that people with type 2 diabetes are about 30% more likely to develop Parkinson’s than those without diabetes.
GLP-1 receptors are also found in the brain, and research suggests that these molecules may help protect the brain. They might do this by stopping brain immune cells from triggering harmful inflammation.
LRRK2
LRRK2 is a gene linked to an inherited form of Parkinson’s disease called autosomal dominant PD. This means that only one copy of the abnormal gene is needed to increase the risk of developing the disease, though not everyone with the gene will get PD. There is evidence that LRRK2 may affect the brain’s inflammatory response. LRRK2 also plays a role in the endolysosomal system, which helps cells break down and recycle unneeded materials. DNL151/BIOB12 is a possible treatment that is a small molecule designed to block the activity of LRRK. Another approach focuses on c-Abl kinase, which may help reduce oxidative stress.
Hope is on the horizon
While Parkinson’s disease remains a complex and challenging condition with no cure, the progress in research and treatment development offers hope. From understanding risk factors to advancing therapies, scientists are working tirelessly to address both the symptoms and underlying causes of the disease, and the future of Parkinson’s treatment looks promising. Continued investment in research and clinical trials will be critical in unlocking better therapies and, hopefully, a cure that sees cases of Parkinson’s drop rather than double.
FAQs
Why are so many people getting Parkinson’s disease?
While exact reasons for the increase in Parkinson’s disease are not fully understood, researchers have identified certain risk factors such as genetics, environmental toxins like pesticides, and age-related changes in brain cells as potential contributors to developing the disease.
Why is there still no cure for Parkinson’s disease?
Despite extensive research and advancements in treatment, the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is still unknown. This makes it challenging to develop a definitive cure for the condition.
Is Parkinson’s a mental issue?
No, Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects physical movement. However, some individuals with the disease may experience non-motor symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
Is Parkinson’s a visible disability?
Yes, Parkinson’s disease can cause visible symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
Is Parkinson’s a pandemic?
No, Parkinson’s disease is not considered a pandemic as it is not a contagious illness. However, it affects millions of people worldwide and the number of cases continues to rise.
