Parkinson Canada at AD/PD 2026: Learning, connecting, and looking ahead. Posted Date: May 19, 2026 Parkinson Canada recently attended the AD/PD 2026 conference to stay closely connected to the global Parkinson's research community and better understand where the science is heading. AD/PD is one of the leading international conferences focused on neurodegenerative diseases, bringing together researchers, clinicians, and industry partners to share new findings, exchange ideas, and discuss what they mean for people living with Parkinson's, both now and in the future. This year through its travel award program, Parkinson Canada were able to support the next generation of Parkinson's researchers - its PhD students - to attend AD/PD, present their work, and make meaningful connections with other researchers. Several awardees spoke about the importance of finding community and reassurance in a highly specialized field. As one recipient, Cyril Helbing, shared, "This was my first conference where researchers working on the same assays as me were also attending." For trainees, this created space for constructive technical discussions, helping them feel less isolated in their work and identify ways to strengthen their work. "It's one thing to read about breakthroughs in Parkinson's research, but it's another to see the newest ideas and techniques presented by the people developing them" Awardees also highlighted how energizing it was to experience innovative ideas firsthand. "It's one thing to read about breakthroughs in Parkinson's research, but it's another to see the newest ideas and techniques presented by the people developing them," said Marie Filiatrault. Many described AD/PD as a "field compass," helping them see where Parkinson's research is moving and how emerging tools or approaches might be applied in their own labs. Networking across career stages and sectors stood out as particularly valuable. As Filiatrault noted, "We need to bridge the gap between academia and industry to understand how our findings eventually translate into the 'real world.'" Parkinson Canada was also proud to see the research it supports featured in the conference program, with Canadian researchers making significant contributions. Marie Filiatrault (Université de Montréal) presented work exploring early brain and biological changes in people with isolated REM sleep behaviour disorder, a condition that can precede Parkinson's. Her research helps clarify why some people go on to develop Parkinson's while others develop related conditions, supporting efforts to identify risk earlier and design more targeted future studies. Michael Schlossmacher (The Ottawa Hospital) shared advances for a practical, home-based Parkinson's predication tool designed to help identify people at higher risk. Across the conference, updates from clinical studies painted a cautiously hopeful picture. Many early-phase trials showed that experimental treatments can successfully reach the brain and affect disease-related biology, an important milestone, even when changes in symptoms are not yet expected. Researchers shared growing insight into why some trials succeed while others do not, reinforcing that Parkinson's is not a single disease and that future progress will rely on better matching treatments to specific biological features. Promising discussions also highlighted emerging approaches, including therapies that support brain cells under stress and cell-based strategies aimed at replacing lost dopamine-producing neurons. Together, these conversations reflect a field that is steadily expanding the possibilities for future treatments. Parkinson Canada's engagement at AD/PD reflects an ongoing commitment to supporting research, staying informed on advances across the field, and keeping people living with Parkinson's at the centre of these efforts. Your story matters: inspire and connect. Inspire hope and connect with others by sharing your Parkinson's journey. Your voice can make a difference. Apr 30, 2026 Apr 20, 2026 There can be no progress without you. To make a donation, please select the type of donation you wish to make:

Parkinson Canada is partnering with CurePSP. Posted Date: Jan 29, 2026 Advancing hope for people living with progressive supranuclear palsy and other atypical parkinsonian conditions. Parkinson Canada is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with CurePSP, the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the awareness, care and cure for three neurodegenerative diseases: progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA). This collaboration marks a significant step forward in addressing the unmet needs of Canadians living with PSP, a rare and complex neurological disorder often overshadowed by the more common Parkinson's disease diagnosis. The partnership is built on a shared commitment to raise awareness, expand educational resources and improve access to care for people with PSP across Canada. By joining forces, CurePSP and Parkinson Canada will leverage their combined expertise and resources to support research, develop new support services, and empower individuals and families affected by PSP. "This new partnership responds to a growing recognition of the significant gap in knowledge and the need for new research projects specifically targeted to unique needs of people living with PSP," said Ko Currie, Director of Research Programs and Partnerships at Parkinson Canada. "By working together, CurePSP and Parkinson Canada aim to accelerate progress, foster innovation, and ensure that people affected by PSP in Canada receive the care and attention they deserve." Introducing two new co-funded projects. As part of this collaboration, CurePSP and Parkinson Canada are co-funding two research projects from the 2025 CurePSP Collaborative Approaches to Resources, Education and Support (CARES) grant program. CurePSP CARES aims to assess unmet needs, improve access to innovative, person-centered care, foster collaboration among clinicians and researchers within the Centers of Care network, and accelerate new clinical solutions. Funding for these projects was made possible in part by the Parkinson Canada SuperMom Walk/Run event that was started by Carlota Lee in Vancouver. "My journey with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a Parkinson's Plus disease, has reshaped nearly every aspect of my life, but it has also clarified what matters most to me and why I continue to give back. Giving back is no longer optional for me - it is essential. Contributing to something larger than myself reminds me that my life is still rich with purpose" said Carlota Lee. * Mapping barriers to diagnosis in underserved communities Led by teams at the University of Alberta and the University of Toronto, this project uses a mixed-methods approach to identify barriers to - and facilitators of - timely diagnosis of PSP, corticobasal syndrome (CBS), and multiple system atrophy (MSA) in underserved regions across Canada. By gathering insights from patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, the project aims to develop evidence-based recommendations and process maps that will streamline referral pathways and improve access to specialized care. The ultimate goal is to reduce delays, promote equity, and empower those most affected by these challenging conditions. * Virtual wellness program for atypical Parkinsonis A second project, led by teams at the University of British Columbia and University of California San Diego, will test the effectiveness of an eight-week virtual wellness program for individuals living with atypical parkinsonism (including PSP, CBD, and MSA). The program will focus on mobility, speech, and social connection, offering activities like chair yoga, vocal exercises, and support groups. By measuring changes in well-being, resilience, and caregiver burden, the study will provide valuable data to inform future programs and expand access to non-drug therapies for people with PSP across Canada. Looking ahead. "These initiatives represent just the beginning of what's possible through collaboration," said Jessica Shurer, Director of Clinical Affairs and Advocacy at CurePSP. "Parkinson Canada and CurePSP are committed to ongoing partnership, regular review, and meaningful engagement with our community. Together, we hope to spark new research, improve care, and bring hope to Canadians living with PSP and related diseases and their families." Your story matters: inspire and connect. Inspire hope and connect with others by sharing your Parkinson's journey. Your voice can make a difference. Feb 10, 2026 Feb 9, 2026 There can be no progress without you. To make a donation, please select the type of donation you wish to make: