Parkinson's Disease Research Web Overview

The NINDS supports a broad spectrum of basic, translational and clinical research on Parkinson’s disease (PD), a chronic, progressive movement disorder that affects the lives of at least one million patients across the United States. The average onset of characteristic motor symptoms, which are initially subtle and impact purposeful movement, occurs in the sixth decade. People with PD also experience significant non-motor symptoms including changes in cognition and mood, sleep disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction. Currently available pharmacological and surgical treatments provide relief from some motor symptoms, but do not halt the ultimate progression of the disease. Although significant research advances have been made, including the recent identification of possible environmental and genetic risk factors, a clear cause and a definitive cure for PD have remained elusive. Through a constellation of funding mechanisms, representing over $86 million in fiscal year 2008, the NINDS promotes the advancement of research directed to the understanding, treatment and eventual cure of PD.

This NINDS website is designed to facilitate research efforts on Parkinson’s disease, as well as to provide researchers, patients and caregivers with related information and resources. Because the interests of the research and patient communities are overlapping yet distinct, the site contains separate web pages directed toward these two communities. For example, regarding funding for PD research, researchers will find information on relevant research funding opportunities, and people with PD can access information on currently funded NINDS and NIH projects.

As part of our mission to decrease the burden of neurological disease, and building upon a strong foundation of research discovery, the NINDS is committed to the rapid translation of basic research findings into clinical practice. Building upon previous efforts, including a recent evaluation of the Udall Centers program, strategic planning for PD research will be initiated in 2010. Through this endeavor, the NINDS will partner with other NIH Institutes, government agencies, and nongovernmental organizations to chart a course for future research efforts on PD.

For questions or comments about this website and Parkinson’s Disease research funded by the NINDS, please contact Beth-Anne Sieber, PhD sieberb@ninds.nih.gov