World Parkinson Congress 2025

The World Parkinson Congress (WPC) is the premier triennial international gathering bringing together the entire Parkinson’s disease community — including researchers, clinicians, people living with Parkinson’s, care partners, and advocacy organizations. The 2025 Congress continues this tradition of inclusive, patient-centered scientific exchange that distinguishes WPC from other neuroscience meetings^{1World Parkinson CongressOpen reference}.

Overview

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The World Parkinson Congress is unique among neurodegenerative disease conferences in its fundamental commitment to including people with Parkinson’s as active participants, presenters, and leaders. This patient-inclusive approach reflects the growing recognition that the lived experience of Parkinson’s provides essential insights that complement traditional clinical and basic science perspectives

The 2025 Congress serves as a critical platform for:

• Translating basic science discoveries into clinical applications

• Showcasing results from pivotal clinical trials in Parkinson’s disease

• Facilitating collaboration between academic researchers, industry, and patient advocates

• Discussing emerging therapeutic approaches and disease-modifying strategies

• Addressing the holistic needs of people living with Parkinson’s and their families

2025 Congress Details

Conference Themes

Alpha-Synuclein Biology and Pathology

The alpha-synuclein protein remains the central focus of Parkinson’s research, with the 2025 Congress featuring the latest advances in understanding its biology and role in disease pathogenesis. Key topics include:

Aggregation Mechanisms

• Molecular triggers of alpha-synuclein misfolding and aggregation

• Role of genetic factors (SNCA mutations, duplications) in aggregation propensity

• Impact of post-translational modifications (phosphorylation, ubiquitination) on aggregation

• Cell-to-cell transmission of pathological alpha-synuclein

Therapeutic Targeting

• Immunotherapy approaches: active and passive vaccination strategies

• Small molecule aggregation inhibitors

• Gene therapy approaches targeting SNCA expression

• Calcium channel modulators affecting alpha-synuclein dynamics^{3Alpha-synuclein and Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord. 20192019 · DOI 10.1002/mds.27686Open reference}

The field has made remarkable progress in understanding how alpha-synuclein pathology spreads through the nervous system, informed by Braak staging observations and recent studies showing that prion-like propagation occurs via defined neural circuits^{4Braak staging and the progression of Parkinson's disease. Nat Rev Neurol. 20222022 · DOI 10.1038/s41582-022-00635-8Open reference}.

Parkinson’s Genetics and Precision Medicine

Genetic discoveries have transformed our understanding of Parkinson’s disease, and the Congress will feature comprehensive coverage of:

Major Parkinson’s Genes

• LRRK2: The most common genetic cause of sporadic Parkinson’s, with kinase inhibitor trials advancing

• GBA: Glucocerebrosidase mutations conferring significant Parkinson’s risk, with enzyme replacement approaches in development

• SNCA: Alpha-synuclein gene mutations establishing the centrality of protein aggregation

• PARKIN: Autosomal recessive young-onset Parkinson’s

• PINK1: Mitochondrial quality control in early-onset Parkinson’s

• DJ-1: Oxidative stress response

• ATP13A2: Lysosomal function in Kufor-Rakeh syndrome

Precision Medicine Approaches

• Genotype-stratified clinical trial designs

• Gene-specific therapeutic development

• Polygenic risk scores for patient stratification

• Population-specific genetic architecture^{5GBA gene mutations and Parkinson's disease: Clinical implications and therapeutic strategies. Mov Disord. 20242024 · DOI 10.1002/mds.29812Open reference}

The LRRK2 kinase inhibitor program represents one of the most advanced precision medicine approaches in Parkinson’s, with multiple compounds advancing through clinical development^{6LRRK2 kinase inhibitors in Parkinson's disease: Current status and future directions. Brain. 20242024 · DOI 10.1093/brain/awae054Open reference}.

Disease-Modifying Therapies

The development of therapies that can slow or halt Parkinson’s progression represents the field’s highest priority:

Alpha-Synuclein Immunotherapy

• Cinpanemab (BIIB054): Anti-alpha-synuclein antibody showing disease-modifying potential

• Prasinezumab (RO7046015/PRX002): Promising signals in early Parkinson’s

• Lu AF87908: Anti-alpha-synuclein antibody in early clinical development

• Active vaccination strategies targeting pathological alpha-synuclein species^{7alpha-Synuclein immunotherapy for Parkinson's disease: Current status and future prospects. Pharmacol Ther. 20232023 · DOI 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108457Open reference}

LRRK2 Inhibitors

• BIIB122 (DNL151): LRRK2 kinase inhibitor completing pivotal trials

• DNL151: Demonstrating target engagement and safety in Phase 1/2

• Kinase inhibitor approaches for LRRK2-associated Parkinson’s^{6LRRK2 kinase inhibitors in Parkinson's disease: Current status and future directions. Brain. 20242024 · DOI 10.1093/brain/awae054Open reference}

Neuroprotective Strategies

• Inosine supplementation to elevate urate (neuroprotective antioxidant)

• GLP-1 receptor agonists (exenatide, liraglutide) showing promise

• CoQ10 and mitochondrial protectants

• AMPA receptor modulators

Biomarkers and Diagnostics

Early and accurate diagnosis remains critical for implementing disease-modifying therapies:

Fluid Biomarkers

• Alpha-synuclein seed amplification assays (RT-QuIC, PMCA)

• Neurofilament light chain (NfL) for disease progression monitoring

• p-tau181 and p-tau217: Emerging Alzheimer’s markers with cross-disease relevance

• Metabolomic and proteomic signatures

Imaging Biomarkers

• Dopamine transporter (DAT) SPECT imaging

• Tau PET imaging in atypical parkinsonism

• Novel alpha-synuclein PET tracers (in development)

• Neuromelanin MRI

Digital Biomarkers

• Wearable sensors for movement analysis

• Voice and speech analysis

• Gait pattern analysis

• Continuous monitoring approaches^{8Digital health technologies for Parkinson's disease monitoring. NPJ Digital Med. 20242024 · DOI 10.1038/s41746-024-00867-5Open reference}

Non-Motor Symptoms

Recognition of non-motor symptoms as major determinants of quality of life has grown substantially:

Neuropsychiatric Features

• Depression and anxiety: Prevalence, pathophysiology, treatment

• Apathy: Distinct from depression, specific therapeutic approaches

• Psychosis: Visual hallucinations, management strategies

• Impulse control disorders: Dopamine agonist-related behaviors^{9Non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 20232023 · DOI 10.1038/s41582-023-00714-4Open reference}

Sleep Disorders

• REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD): Prodromal marker and correlate

• Insomnia and fragmentation

• Restless legs syndrome

Autonomic Dysfunction

• Orthostatic hypotension

• Gastrointestinal dysfunction (constipation, nausea)

• Urinary symptoms

• Sexual dysfunction

Cognitive Impairment

• Mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s

• Parkinson’s disease dementia

• Relationship to cholinergic degeneration^{2The Parkinson's disease pandemic: A call to action. Nat Rev Neurol. 20242024 · DOI 10.1038/s41582-024-00932-5Open reference}0

Motor Complications

Advanced Parkinson’s presents significant therapeutic challenges:

Motor Fluctuations

• Wearing-off phenomena

• On-off phenomena

• Delayed-on and no-on

• Management strategies

Dyskinesias

• Levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LID)

• Pathophysiology

• Surgical interventions (DBS)

• Pharmacological management

Gait and Balance

• Freezing of gait (FOG)

• Falls and fall prevention

• Postural instability^{2The Parkinson's disease pandemic: A call to action. Nat Rev Neurol. 20242024 · DOI 10.1038/s41582-024-00932-5Open reference}1

Surgical and Device-Based Therapies

Deep Brain Stimulation

• STN vs. GPi targets: Comparative effectiveness

• Adaptive DBS (closed-loop systems)

• MRI-guided focused ultrasound

• Post-operative programming optimization^{2The Parkinson's disease pandemic: A call to action. Nat Rev Neurol. 20242024 · DOI 10.1038/s41582-024-00932-5Open reference}2

Infusion Therapies

• Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG)

• Apomorphine infusion

• Continuous subcutaneous apomorphine

Emerging Therapies

Cell Replacement Therapy

• Embryonic stem cell-derived dopamine neurons

• Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) approaches

• Patient-specific cell therapies

• Current clinical trial status^{2The Parkinson's disease pandemic: A call to action. Nat Rev Neurol. 20242024 · DOI 10.1038/s41582-024-00932-5Open reference}3

Gene Therapy

• AAV-based delivery (AADC deficiency, GAD, neurotrophic factors)

• CRISPR-based approaches

• RNA interference for SNCA reduction

Repositioned Drugs

• GLP-1 receptor agonists (exenatide, liraglutide)

• Ambroxol (GCase enhancer)

• Lithium (neuroprotective)

• Statins

Basic Science Advances

Neuroinflammation

• Microglial activation in Parkinson’s pathogenesis

• Complement system involvement

• T cell involvement in neurodegeneration

• Anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches^{2The Parkinson's disease pandemic: A call to action. Nat Rev Neurol. 20242024 · DOI 10.1038/s41582-024-00932-5Open reference}4

Mitochondrial Dysfunction

• PINK1/Parkin mitophagy pathway

• Complex I deficiency

• Mitochondrial DNA mutations

• Metabolic therapies

Synaptic Dysfunction

• Alpha-synuclein at the synapse

• Synucleinopathies and synaptic protein networks

• Vesicle trafficking impairment

Neurogenesis and Plasticity

• Adult neurogenesis in the subventricular zone

• Exercise-induced neuroplasticity

• Rehabilitation approaches

Clinical Trial Design

The Congress addresses critical issues in Parkinson’s clinical trials:

Outcome Measures

• MDS-UPDRS: Gold standard for motor symptoms

• Patient-reported outcomes

• Digital outcome measures

• Composite endpoints

Trial Populations

• Early vs. advanced Parkinson’s

• Genetically-defined subpopulations

• Prodromal cohorts

• Enrichment strategies using biomarkers

Trial Design Innovations

• Platform trials

• Adaptive designs -延期 Pre-symptomatic prevention trials

Patient-Centered Research

The unique inclusion of patients at WPC fosters:

Patient-Reported Outcomes

• Quality of life measures

• Daily functioning assessments

• Treatment satisfaction

• Unmet needs identification

Patient-Advocate Partnership

• Community-based participatory research

• Patient advocacy organization initiatives

• Fundraising and awareness campaigns

Living with Parkinson’s

• Self-management strategies

• Care partner perspectives

• Support groups and community resources

Conference Structure

Session Types

• Keynote Lectures: Major addresses by field leaders

• Plenary Sessions: Cross-cutting scientific presentations

• Oral Abstract Sessions: Selected research presentations

• Poster Sessions: Interactive research displays

• Workshop Sessions: Focused educational content

• Patient-Focused Sessions: Unique to WPC

• Networking Events: Collaboration and community building

Daily Program Highlights

Research Days

• Basic science symposia

• Clinical trial results presentations

• Biomarker and diagnostic sessions

Clinical Days

• Diagnosis and management updates

• Therapeutic strategies

• Non-motor symptoms workshops

Patient Days

• Patient education sessions

• Interactive Q&A with researchers

• Advocacy and community events

Venue: Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona offers world-class facilities for the Congress:

International Convention Centre (CCIB)

• Modern conference facilities

• Accessible location near port

• State-of-the-art audiovisual equipment

• Multiple simultaneous session rooms

• Exhibition space for industry partners

Getting There

From Barcelona-El Prat Airport

• Metro L9 Sud to Ciutadella | Vila Olímpica station

• Taxi: 20-30 minutes

• Shuttle services available

From Sants Railway Station

• Metro L3 to Ciutadella | Vila Olímpica

• Taxi: 10-15 minutes

About Barcelona

• Home to Hospital Clínic and IDIBAPS (major Parkinson’s research center)

• Parkinson’s disease research excellence at University of Barcelona

• Accessible city with excellent public transportation

• Mediterranean climate

• Rich cultural attractions

Historical Context

The World Parkinson Congress has evolved significantly:

Related Conferences and Organizations

Major Parkinson’s Conferences

• AD/PD 2026 — Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s Diseases Conference

• MDS 2026 — Movement Disorder Society Meeting

• International Congress on Parkinson’s Disease

• AAIC — Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (PD sessions)

Parkinson’s Organizations

• Parkinson’s Foundation

• Michael J. Fox Foundation

• European Parkinson’s Disease Association

• Parkinson’s UK

Related Conditions

• Multiple System Atrophy

• Progressive Supranuclear Palsy

• Dementia with Lewy Bodies

• Corticobasal Degeneration

Related Pages

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Parkinson’s Disease Research

• Parkinson’s Disease Genetics

• Alpha-Synuclein

• Alpha-Synuclein Aggregation

• LRRK2

• GBA

• Alpha-Synuclein Immunotherapy

• LRRK2 Inhibitor Therapy

• Clinical Trials in Parkinson’s Disease

• Biomarkers in Parkinson’s Disease

• Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

• Deep Brain Stimulation

• Conference Index

External Links

• World Parkinson Congress

• WPC 2025

• Parkinson’s Foundation

• Michael J. Fox Foundation