Research update: summer 2026
The latest updates and resources to help you start conversations about Parkinson's research with your patients.
Match research trials to your patient's stage
Research participation ranges from quick questionnaires at home to trialling new treatments at a local hospital. Guide your patients toward an opportunity that matches their current journey:
- A clinical trial called TOP HAT testing a repurposed medication for Parkinson's-related hallucinations, with sites across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Find out more about TOP HAT.
- A UK-wide clinical trial called EJS ACT-PD testing different treatments to slow progression. Find out more about EJS ACT-PD.
- Remote genetic screening to identify candidates for future precision trials. Find out more about this study.
Resources
Visit our dedicated research participation page for health professionals. You'll find information on:
- our Research Support Network - how to talk to your patients about it and how to join
- ordering free patient guides to Parkinson's research - explaining what research involves, the benefits of participating, and how to get involved
- learning how to lead research conversations - our 30-minute, self-directed course gives you the tools to discuss research value, answer patient questions, and champion diverse participation in Parkinson's studies.
News
Genetics in Parkinson's research
We recently updated our information about genetics and Parkinson's.
Find out more about how genetic information is being used in research in our blog.
Landmark European stem cell trial announces positive results
The STEM-PD trial team have shared that 6 out of 7 people who received the stem cell therapy have been able to reduce their Parkinson's medication.
Read the news story, or hear from Andy, who took part in the trial, about his experience.
New insights into dementia in Parkinson's
A study, part-funded by Parkinson’s UK, has uncovered important insights into why some people with Parkinson's develop dementia, while others don't.
Read more about the dementia study.
New drug could reduce damage to brain cells linked to Parkinson's symptoms
A pioneering global clinical trial in people with iRBD, funded through our drug development programme, in partnership with the Parkinson's Foundation, has published its first results showing it can reduce inflammation in areas of the brain that control movement and motivation.
Learn more about the trial's results.
Gut microbiome changes may occur in early Parkinson's
Researchers found that people with Parkinson's have a distinctive makeup of gut microbes compared to people without the condition. They found similar changes in people who had a change in the GBA1 gene, but had not developed symptoms of Parkinson's. The "Parkinson's pattern" of gut microbe changes was most consistently found in people with more advanced symptoms.
Recommendations for the design of research involving brain surgery
Drawing on insights from the GDNF trial – a study that explored the repeated infusion of a potential treatment directly into the brain, the findings highlight the importance of listening to people with Parkinson's and their loved ones to ensure their needs shape the future of research. This approach helps create trials that are more effective, ethical, and supportive.
Tools for identifying delirium could help improve care for people with Parkinson's in hospital
We funded research to identify tools that can help health professionals spot delirium early in people with Parkinson's in hospital, leading the way for more people getting the right treatment and support.
More news for professionals
Keep up to date with what’s happening around the Excellence Network.