Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that impairs movement affecting approximately 1 million people in the US. Parkinson’s symptoms occur when specific neurons break down and die. These neurons normally produce a chemical messenger called dopamine. The reduction and loss of dopamine causes abnormal brain function leading to impaired movement and Parkinson’s symptoms.

Research has focused on Lewy bodies, clumps of specific substances, which are common in Parkinson’s patients. Specifically, a major focus of clinical research is directed on reducing a protein called alpha-synuclein in the Lewy body. Similar to Alzheimer’s disease, antibodies to alpha-synuclein have been developed but are inhibited by the BBB at reaching the Lewy body at the proper dosage.

For more information on Parkinson’s disease please see the National Institute of Aging Parkinson’s Disease.