What are disease modifying therapies (DMTs) and how could they revolutionise care for people living with Parkinson’s?
Disease modifying therapies (DMTs) are currently a hot topic in the world of Parkinson’s research. The latest Parkinson’s Life podcast episode looks at what they could mean for people with Parkinson’s and their families.
Our guests discuss how DMTs may have the potential to slow, halt, or even reverse the progression of Parkinson’s. They also consider the challenges involved in rolling these therapies out.
Potential for disease-modifying therapies
DMT was chosen for this week’s episode after we asked our Parkinson’s Europe social media followers what topics they’d like us to include. The request to see DMT covered was “resounding”, says co-host and Parkinson’s Life’s Research Manager Amelia Hursey.
Amelia has a master’s in cognitive neuropsychology and has been involved in the neurodegenerative research world for 15 years. She describes to co-host Anthony Zahra the three stages of a cure – stopping the progress of Parkinson’s, reversing the symptoms a person has, and preventing them from occurring in the first place. In the disease-modifying space, she explains, “We’re looking at halting [Parkinson’s] in its tracks, with hopefully some leaning into reversing it.”
Innovation and patient participation in DMT research
This episode explores the challenges of measuring the effectiveness of DMTs, the importance of global representation in clinical studies, and why continued patient participation in research is critical to progress.
Guest Philippe Boccon-Gibod has lived with Parkinson’s for years. He reflects on his personal journey, sharing his initial hesitations about potential cures. He also talks about why research into slowing disease progression matters so deeply.
Philippe is joined by Kate Trenam, a Senior Director at the global biopharma company UCB. Kate provides insights into the current state of DMT research, the lessons learned from other neurodegenerative diseases, and the importance of clinical studies designed to reflect the diverse realities of people living with Parkinson’s.
“While symptom management remains crucial for improving quality of life, disease modifying therapy treatments are offering the promise of actually altering the disease course itself,” she explains.
Unique experiences of living with Parkinson’s
Kate also comments on the importance of clinical studies designed to reflect the diverse realities of people living with Parkinson’s.
“Other fields, like Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis, have shown us that breakthroughs are possible,” she adds. “We’re applying those lessons to Parkinson’s, but the journey is unique, and we need to stay innovative.”
The discussion also highlights the nuanced and highly personal nature of living with Parkinson’s, emphasising the importance of patient-reported outcomes and realistic expectations for treatment breakthroughs.
“We all have different stories,” Philippe reminds us. “Every experience is unique.”
Listen to the full episode on Spotify via the link above, or on your podcast provider of choice. If you like what you’ve heard, please rate and review – it helps make sure others can find us.
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Explore more of our Parkinson’s Life podcasts, with episodes covering Parkinson’s research, how to deal with “off” periods, sex and intimacy in Parkinson’s, and women and Parkinson’s. Never miss an episode by subscribing to the Parkinson’s Life podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, or your streaming service of choice.
Parkinson’s Europe is sharing this article for information purposes only; it does not represent Parkinson’s Europe’s views and is not an endorsement by Parkinson’s Europe of any particular treatments, therapies or products.
