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Your donation will help get new treatments to the people that need them, faster.
£50 could fund a blood test to monitor the safety of new treatments being investigated for Parkinson's.
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Explore our research
Our research projects are divided into 2 categories: Cure and Improve Life.
- Cure projects develop treatments and strategies to slow, stop or reverse Parkinson's. We currently have 26 active projects in this category.
- Improve Life projects develop treatments to improve symptoms and quality of life for people living with Parkinson's. We currently have 15 projects in the improve life category.
Our pioneering research programme is already paving the way towards better treatments and a cure, and helping everyone live better with Parkinson's, now. We're here to support every Parkinson's journey, every step of the way.
We're the leading funder of Parkinson's research in Europe
Read more about some of the research projects funded by Parkinson's UK:
Improving deep sleep to protect the brain in Parkinson's
Many people with Parkinson's experience sleep problems, especially a lack of deep, refreshing sleep. When deep sleep is reduced, the brain's natural clearing system, known as the glymphatic system, can't work properly.
This means toxic proteins may build up that could play a key role in the progression of Parkinson's.
At the University College London, Dr Ian Harrison is testing whether a new drug that is designed to improve deep sleep could help the brain clear harmful proteins. If successful, this drug could keep the brain healthy for longer while improving sleep and overall well-being.
Understanding the role that genetics play in Parkinson's
Our understanding of what causes Parkinson's is limited. This study, led by Dr Sophie Farrow at the University of Oxford, aims to explore how and why some changes in certain genes can increase a person's risk of Parkinson's.
Researchers will look at the genes of 2 types of brain cells associated with Parkinson's and identify genes which we know increase the risk of the condition. The team will then look for the presence of these specific genes in the blood, fluid surrounding the spinal cord, and brain cells of people with Parkinson's. They aim to explore how these genes can increase the risk of Parkinson's.
Your gift could fund the next breakthrough
There are so many ways your donation will have a huge impact, and research like this is only possible with your support. Every donation counts and will help us continue to fund vital research, and ultimately bring us closer to a future free of Parkinson's.
Or choose a specific project to support
EJS ACT-PD is the largest Parkinson's clinical trial ever carried out in the UK, bringing together researchers to find better treatments, faster. The trial is testing multiple therapies that all have the potential to slow, or even stop Parkinson's from progressing.
The Parkinson's UK Brain Bank was established in 1984 at Imperial College London. Scientists around the world access the Brain Bank to deepen their understanding of the condition whilst searching for better treatments and ultimately a cure.
There is no approved treatment for Parkinson's hallucinations. Professor Suzanne Reeves and her team are investigating if an existing drug may be the answer.