Expert Briefing: Disease Modification & Stem Cells - Where Are We Now? | Parkinson's Foundation

Learn more about stem cells and Parkinson's disease by visiting: https://www.parkinson.org/blog/scienc... Now, more studies than ever are exploring disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) that could truly change the future of Parkinson’s. While today’s treatments can help with symptoms, we cannot yet alter the disease progression. Researchers are working on DMTs that aim to slow, stop, or reverse the brain changes in Parkinson’s. This session will provide an overview of where the field stands—exploring breakthroughs in cell replacement therapies, disease-modifying trials, and ethical considerations. This webinar highlights how researchers are working toward interventions that could slow, stop, or reverse the disease process. The Foundation's Expert Briefing series is intended to offer firsthand access to the latest research and updates from experts in the field. Expert Briefing webinars will include more scientific terms and concepts. Speaker: Michael S Okun, MD Director, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence Helpful resources: Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline: 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636) | Helpline@Parkinson.org | https://www.parkinson.org/resources-s... Resources for those who are new to Parkinson’s disease: https://www.parkinson.org/living-with... Hospital Safety Guide: https://www.parkinson.org/resources-s... PD Health @ Home programs: https://www.parkinson.org/resources-s... Información en español: https://www.parkinson.org/espanol Find us on social media! @ParkinsonDotOrg Facebook:   / parkinsondotorg   Facebook en Español:   / parkinsonespanol   Instagram:   / parkinsondotorg   Twitter: https://x.com/ParkinsonDotOrg LinkedIn:   / parkinsondotorg   TikTok:   / parkinsondotorg   What is the Parkinson’s Foundation? The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) by improving care and advancing research toward a cure. In everything we do, we build on the energy, experience and passion of our global Parkinson’s community. Learn more on our website: https://www.parkinson.org/ © 2026 Parkinson’s Foundation. All rights reserved. Feel free to share this video using the provided YouTube link, but do not modify or reproduce it without permission. #ParkinsonsDisease #Parkinson’s #PD #ParkinsonsFoundation #ParkinsonsDiseaseResources #Parkinsonsdiseaseinformation #WhatIsParkinsonsDisease #TheParkinsonsFoundation #ParkinsonsVideos 00:00 - Introduction & Audience Poll 01:15 - Ask Pam AI Tool 02:00 - Dr. Michael Okun Introduction 03:05 - Disease-Modifying Therapies Defined 05:50 - Four Major Research Advances 07:00 - Stem Cell Therapy & Tourism Risks 11:55 - Alpha-Synuclein Protein Role 14:25 - Genetics & Precision Medicine 18:35 - Drug Development & Trial Design 20:35 - Q&A: Evaluating Clinical Trials 22:55 - Q&A: Five-Year Breakthrough Outlook 25:55 - Q&A: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) 26:55 - Q&A: Medication Management in Trials 28:35 - Future Tech & Brain Health Wish List 31:25 - Resources & Closing Remarks