April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the ongoing fight against Parkinson’s disease and the impressive progress we’ve made in understanding and managing this challenging condition. It’s an opportunity to highlight how much has changed in terms of Parkinson's care—both medically and technologically—and to remind ourselves that the future looks brighter than ever for those living with PD.

Breakthroughs in Parkinson’s Research: What's New?

As we look back on recent advancements in Parkinson’s care, it’s clear that the landscape has changed dramatically. Researchers and healthcare professionals are discovering new ways to slow disease progression, enhance symptom management, and improve the overall quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s. Here are my top picks of the most important recent developments that will continue to make life better for those with PD.

• Infusion-based Therapy: One of the most exciting developments is Vyalev (also known as Produodopa in Europe, Canada, and Japan), an infusion-based therapy approved by the FDA in October 2024. Vyalev provides a continuous flow of levodopa/carbidopa, enhancing "on" time and reducing unpredictable motor fluctuations. Available in the UK and EU since February 2024, it offers more consistent symptom control, reducing the highs and lows that many Parkinson’s patients struggle with. Alongside Vyalev, the FDA approved Onapgo, a subcutaneous infusion therapy for advanced Parkinson’s, offering continuous symptom control without the peaks and valleys of traditional medications. The TOLEDO Phase 3 trial has shown that Onapgo significantly improves "on" time and reduces "off" time, marking a major milestone for advanced Parkinson’s treatment.
• Adaptive DBS: Medtronic’s Smart Brain Stimulation, which received FDA approval, marks a significant leap forward in Parkinson’s treatment. Unlike traditional Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Adaptive DBS (aDBS) adjusts in real-time based on brain activity. This personalized approach offers better symptom management, fewer side effects, and longer battery life. The BrainSense Electrode Identifier (EI), part of the system, allows for more precise electrode placement, ensuring a more efficient treatment from the start. Backed by real-world trial data from the ADAPT-PD study, this approval marks a pivotal moment in personalized Parkinson’s care.
• Advancements in Biomarker Research: In November 2024, researchers from the University of Barcelona identified ecto-GPR37 in cerebrospinal fluid as a potential biomarker for Parkinson's progression. Higher levels of this molecule were linked to slower disease progression, offering promise for personalized treatment approaches.
• Acetyl-DL-Leucine Observations: A September 2024 study explored acetyl-DL-leucine's effects on two people with REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), an early Parkinson's indicator. Treatment led to symptom improvement and even reversal of certain brain imaging markers after 22 months. However, cognitive decline was noted, necessitating further research to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms.
• Crexont: The approval of Crexont, a longer-acting version of levodopa/carbidopa, marks an important step in simplifying Parkinson’s treatment regimens. It requires fewer doses, offering extended symptom relief and improving quality of life. 
• Stem Cell Therapies: Meanwhile, progress in stem cell therapies, such as those by Bluerock Therapeutics and Aspen Neuroscience, is making strides in repairing or replacing damaged dopamine-producing cells, providing hope for those seeking more permanent solutions. Notably, Lund University’s treatment, which successfully implanted lab-grown brain cells in a patient, has led to significant improvements in both symptoms and lifestyle.
• AskBio’s Gene Therapy: AskBio’s investigational gene therapy AB-1005 has gained Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy (RMAT) designation from the FDA. Early Phase Ib studies have shown promising safety and efficacy in slowing Parkinson’s progression and improving motor function. This gene therapy, which delivers a gene that supports dopamine-producing neurons, could be a game-changer for Parkinson’s patients, especially as it moves toward accelerated approval.

Personalized Parkinson’s Care

Parkinson’s care is moving from a one-size-fits-all approach to one that is highly personalized. As Professor Bas Bloem aptly put it, “There are 10 million types of Parkinson’s because there are 10 million people with the condition.” The shift towards personalized care means that treatment is tailored to each person’s unique needs. This includes precision medicine, wearable tech for real-time symptom tracking, and customized exercise and nutrition plans. People with Parkinson’s now have more control over their health, and this means better outcomes and more hope for the future.

Exercise as Medicine

Exercise continues to be a cornerstone of Parkinson’s management. However, new research shows that not all exercise is created equal. High-intensity aerobic exercise, like boxing or strength training, has been proven to improve brain function and slow disease progression. By integrating personalized exercise plans based on an individual’s symptoms, Parkinson’s patients can experience better mobility, strength, and overall health.

Food as Medicine

Natural compounds like turmeric, green tea, and probiotics are being explored for their potential to reduce brain inflammation and protect against Parkinson’s. Diets such as gluten- and dairy-free, Mediterranean, keto, and intermittent fasting have shown benefits for managing symptoms and supporting brain health.

Wearables and Digital Health: Tracking and Improving Care

The rise of wearable tech and digital health tools has opened up new ways to monitor symptoms in real-time. Devices like smartwatches, sensors, and apps are now being used to track movement patterns, sleep quality, and symptom fluctuations. This provides valuable data for both patients and doctors, enabling data-driven decisions on medication schedules, lifestyle changes, and exercise routines, making care more precise and personalized than ever before.

Why Parkinson’s Awareness Month Matters

Parkinson’s Awareness Month is an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and get excited about where we’re heading. From personalized treatments to therapies that slow disease progression, the future of Parkinson’s care is brighter than ever. However, there’s still work to be done. Awareness is about more than just educating the public about the disease—it’s about celebrating the progress made, sharing the stories of those living with Parkinson’s, and advocating for continued research and innovation.

For me, as someone who works every day with people living with Parkinson’s and their families, this month is a reminder of why we do what we do. The advances in research and treatment are incredible, and we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible. Let’s celebrate the breakthroughs, share the successes, and keep pushing forward—together.