Webinars

Could changing the gut microbiome help change the course of Parkinson's disease? In this session, Dr Arnout Bruggeman, neurologist and researcher at Ghent University in Belgium, explores the increasingly important relationship between the gut and Parkinson's disease, with a particular focus on fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). FMT involves transferring gut microbiota from a carefully screened healthy donor to a person with Parkinson's, with the aim of changing the composition of the gut microbiome. Arnout explains why the gut-brain axis is attracting so much attention in Parkinson's research, including the role of the vagus nerve, the immune system, inflammation and gut barrier integrity. He discusses the evidence suggesting that changes in the gut microbiome may be associated with Parkinson's, as well as the "body-first" and "brain-first" hypotheses of how the disease may develop. The session looks at the evidence from animal studies, where changing the gut microbiota has been shown to influence Parkinson's-like symptoms and pathology, before turning to human clinical trials. Arnout presents results from his own double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 46 people with Parkinson's, including findings on motor symptoms and constipation, and explains why the results are encouraging but still need to be confirmed in larger, multicentre studies. The discussion also explores how FMT is performed, how healthy donors are selected, the different methods of administering FMT, potential side effects, and the challenges involved in identifying the ideal donor and the people most likely to respond. Arnout also discusses the possible relationship between the gut microbiome and levodopa absorption, the role of short-chain fatty acids, probiotics, diet, exercise and fasting, and whether FMT could eventually become a disease-modifying treatment used alongside existing Parkinson's therapies. Throughout the session, Arnout emphasises that the research is still at an early stage. Although some clinical trials have produced promising results, studies have used very different methodologies, and there are still many unanswered questions about how FMT should be performed, who should receive it and how long any benefits might last.

This panel session explores the future of neurotrophic factors in Parkinson’s research, moving beyond the history of the field to focus on recent advances, key lessons learned and emerging opportunities. Bringing together leading experts, the discussion examines how our understanding of neurotrophic factors has evolved, the challenges that remain and the strategies being developed to overcome them. Topics include novel neurotrophic factors, innovations in delivery technologies and the priorities that are shaping the next generation of research. The chair, Jodie Forbes, is joined by Professor Aideen Sullivan and Dr Simon Stott. Find out more about these meetings - https://cureparkinsons.org.uk/research If you found this webinar helpful, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone living with Parkinson's. Together, we can help more people become informed, proactive participants in their own care. Medical Disclaimer The information provided in this video and description is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your neurologist, physician, gastroenterologist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your Parkinson's treatment, medication, diet or use of supplements. For our full disclaimer, please visit: No Silver Bullet medical disclaimer: https://nosilverbullet4pd.com/disclamer-.html

In this presentation, Professor Aideen Sullivan from University College Cork shares the results of her recently completed preclinical study, completed in collaboration with Professor Gerard O’Keefe. This project looked at whether two neurotrophic factors, glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and growth differentiation factor 5 (GDF5), were neuroprotective in models of Parkinson’s. GDNF has shown positive indications in laboratory studies but has so far failed to achieve clinical success. GDF5 belongs to the same family as GDNF but has a different structure and mechanism; therefore, researchers are interested in whether GDF5 could offer equal or greater protection to nerve cells as GDNF. This presentation was part of the Cure Parkinson’s Autumn 2026 Research Update Meeting. Find out more about these meetings - https://cureparkinsons.org.uk/research If you found this webinar helpful, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone living with Parkinson's. Together, we can help more people become informed, proactive participants in their own care. Medical Disclaimer The information provided in this video and description is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your neurologist, physician, gastroenterologist, or another qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your Parkinson's treatment, medication, diet or use of supplements. For our full disclaimer, please visit: No Silver Bullet medical disclaimer: https://nosilverbullet4pd.com/disclamer-.html

In this interview, Michel talks to Beatrice Zatorska, founder of PD Buddy, about her vision for a more personalised and holistic approach to living with Parkinson’s. Beatrice has a very personal connection with Parkinson’s. Her husband was diagnosed nearly seven years ago, and her experience led her to research the condition extensively and ultimately create PD Buddy, a digital platform now used by nearly 20,000 people around the world. PD Buddy brings together many different aspects of life with Parkinson’s, including exercise, symptoms, medication, routines, nutrition, sleep, wellbeing, education and wearable data. The aim is to help people become more informed and active participants in their own care. We also discuss PD Buddy’s new Personalised Health Report, which brings together information about what is happening in your everyday life and can help you have a more informed and productive conversation with your healthcare team. Beatrice then gives us a detailed demonstration of the PD Buddy app, including symptom tracking, personalised routines, exercise, medication and supplement reminders, nutrition, news, community features, wearable data, the Parkinson’s AI assistant and, of course, the new Personalised Health Report.

Could the food you eat help you live better with Parkinson's? In this session, Dr Michael Okun and registered dietitian Emily Truscott discuss the science and practical strategies behind nutrition and Parkinson's disease, on the occasion of the launch of their new book, The Parkinson's Plate. Their message is one of proactive hope: while there is no single diet or "silver bullet" for Parkinson's, the right nutritional choices can be an important part of a broader approach to managing symptoms and supporting quality of life. The discussion explores how to balance protein and levodopa, the importance of timing meals and medication, and how nutrition can help address some of the common challenges associated with Parkinson's, including constipation, weight loss, frailty and digestive problems. Michael and Emily also discuss the role of fibre, healthy fats and the gut microbiome, as well as the evidence behind different dietary approaches and why a balanced, sustainable diet is generally more important than focusing on individual "superfoods". The session also includes practical advice from The Parkinson's Plate, including how the recipes were developed and nutritionally analysed, and answers audience questions about supplements, vitamins, Mucuna, creatine, NAD, diabetes, gluten-free diets, B vitamins, blood tests and the relationship between nutrition and Parkinson's treatment.

What if some of the most powerful tools for brain health were already on your plate? In this session, Dr Puja Agarwal explains the science behind the MIND Diet and why it is one of the most evidence-based dietary patterns for protecting brain health. Drawing on research from the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, she explores how specific nutrients and foods can help slow cognitive decline, reduce the risk of dementia, and support people living with Parkinson's disease. The discussion covers the scientific evidence behind the MIND Diet, the role of antioxidants, healthy fats and whole foods, practical strategies for adopting the diet without feeling overwhelmed, and answers to audience questions on topics including supplements, organic food, coffee, alcohol, protein, meal planning, and whether dietary changes can still make a difference after a Parkinson's diagnosis.

To understand the PD Biome Sub-Study, it is helpful to first understand the wider research programme that it forms part of. The PD Frontline study is led by Professor Tony Schapira and his team at the Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, University College London Queen Square Institute of Neurology. Most cases of Parkinson's disease are described as idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause. However, around 10% of cases are associated with specific genetic variants. PD Frontline aims to identify these genetic forms of Parkinson's through genetic testing, helping researchers better understand the biological pathways involved and paving the way for more targeted treatments. One of the major studies supported by PD Frontline is the ASPro-PD Phase III Ambroxol trial. This landmark clinical trial is investigating whether ambroxol can slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. All participants in ASPro-PD must first undergo PD Frontline genetic testing before they can be enrolled. The PD Biome Sub-Study is a further extension of this research. It is investigating whether differences in the gut microbiome, the community of bacteria living in the digestive tract, can help predict Parkinson's disease in people carrying GBA gene variants. Researchers will compare biological samples from people with GBA variants, their healthy relatives or spouses, and people with Parkinson's disease to better understand the role of the gut microbiome in disease development and progression. What this webinar covers: Professor Tony Schapira - Exploring the relationship between the gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease, including key findings from our recently published paper Milly Anderson - Introducing the PD Biome study, which over 300 members of our cohort have participated in and has contributed to the research being presented by Professor Schapira. Georgie Pittwood - Sharing PD Frontline's future communication plans and how Ambassador feedback is helping to shape our approach. Live Q&A Session - Following the presentations, there will be an opportunity to ask questions to the team during a live Q&A session. 02:16 - Milly Anderson: Introducing the PD Biome study, which over 300 members of the PD Frontline cohort have participated in and has contributed to the research being presented by Prof. Schapira. 06:22 - Prof. Tony Schapira: Exploring the relationship between the gut microbiome and Parkinson's disease, including key findings from our recently published paper. 16:08 - Gut Microbiome Q&A 28:22 - Georgie Pittwood: Sharing PD Frontline's future communication plans and how Ambassador feedback is helping to shape our approach. 35:21 - General Q&A Get in touch if you would like to join this research: pdbiome@ucl.ac.uk

In this session, Dr. Mischley joined us to explore the shift from traditional clinical observation to a data-driven, personalised paradigm for Parkinson’s management. Dr. Mischley argues that true progress requires building a new model—using objective biomarkers, patient-reported outcomes, and comprehensive laboratory testing—rather than simply relying on more traditional diagnostic frameworks. Key questions explored in this session include: The Data-Driven Approach: How we can move beyond surface-level symptoms to understand specific biomarkers in blood, hair and urine, that provide a deeper picture of health. Tracking Progression: Insights into the PRO-PD app and its role in tracking individual health journeys. Targeted Interventions: Understanding how diagnostic tools and laboratory findings help tailor management strategies, including the role of fatty acids, cholesterol, homocysteine, and Vitamin D in neurologic health. Predictive Metrics: An introduction to the RDW-to-Albumin Ratio (RAR) and how metrics like Heart Rate Variability (HRV) serve as tools for neurologic agility.

In this session, we explored the frontiers of Parkinson’s research, focusing on the critical questions shaping the future of care. We asked Professor Noyce how linking research profiles with national health records creates a more accurate "roadmap" for disease progression and whether we are now able to categorise Parkinson’s into specific sub-types for more personalised medicine. Key questions explored in this session include: The "Early Window": How can we act upon biological markers years before motor symptoms appear, and what role do lifestyle interventions like exercise and diet play in slowing the condition? Biological Staging: How close are we to a "Gold Standard" blood or skin test, and should we stop viewing Parkinson’s as a "motor disease" and start treating it as a systemic biological process? Technology & Innovation: How can we use consumer wearables to screen for early markers, and what biological pathways—such as inflammation or mitochondrial health—hold the most promise for a breakthrough? Global Reach: How is the PC3 project ensuring that new treatments are effective for diverse patient populations? Professor Noyce’s expert insights and his thoughts on the scientific milestones from the first half of 2026 that offer the most optimism.