There are currently more than 800 clinical studies underway to understand the mechanisms and explore new potential treatments for Parkinson’s disease — the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. At least 150 drugs are under evaluation, along with research into biomarkers to support earlier diagnosis.
One of the most promising discoveries to date is a protein called alpha-synuclein, which accumulates in neurons and accelerates degeneration by disrupting dopamine production. Since Parkinson’s is caused by a significant decrease in this neurotransmitter — which supports the body’s automated movements — a reduction leads to impaired motor control, resulting in slowness, muscle rigidity, and the tremors characteristic of the condition.
According to neurologist André Felício, a physician and researcher at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, preliminary studies suggest that this protein buildup may accelerate cellular degeneration, leading to the disease. In addition, researchers are exploring the possibility of medications that could “clean up” the excess proteins in neural cells.
Genetics Against Parkinson’s
Another potential approach under investigation is gene therapy, which has also gained attention in recent years, says Felício.
One such study, published in the scientific journal *Nature*, showed that T cells (a type of immune cell) in individuals with Parkinson’s are “programmed” to attack the alpha-synuclein protein in the early stages of the disease. The problem is that T cells may also damage neurons, in a process similar to autoimmune diseases.
The goal, then, is to create mechanisms to inhibit this action by identifying the specific genes in T cells that trigger the attack, thereby preventing neural damage.
The expert notes that current research is promising but still needs time to advance. “Most of them are currently in phase 2,” he points out.
Clinical trials (research conducted on human subjects) are divided into different phases. Phase 2 trials test a substance or treatment in a group of patients with the condition to determine safety, ideal dosage, and effectiveness. If the results are positive, the research advances to phase 3 — where the product is compared to treatments already available.
Parkinson’s Around the World
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate there are approximately 16 to 19 new cases per 100,000 people each year. The organization highlights the disease as a public health burden, projecting a significant increase in the coming years. Alongside Alzheimer’s, another neurodegenerative condition, Parkinson’s is expected to surpass cancer as the leading cause of death by 2040, according to WHO.
Neurologist André Felício explains that current treatment protocols target both motor and non-motor symptoms. Medications are generally used to increase the amount of dopamine available in the patient’s nervous system, alleviating the physical symptoms of the disease. Non-drug therapies such as physical therapy also help manage secondary issues like gait disorders, balance, and pain.
The expert emphasizes that treatment must be tailored to the individual. “We need to observe the symptoms the disease causes in each person and how it affects their quality of life. From there, we offer personalized treatment to minimize the impact,” he explains.
Another option that may be used, depending on the patient’s needs and the physician’s assessment, is surgery. In this case, electrodes are implanted to modulate electrical signals in certain brain regions affected by the disease. “Today’s neurostimulators can reduce disease severity and the amount of medication needed, and they are more advanced, with different types of (directional) electrodes and a lifespan of decades,” the neurologist says.
(Source: Agência Einstein)
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