About this episode

This episode discusses gene therapy for Parkinson's, addressing common myths and ongoing research.

In this episode of the Parkinson's Podcast, l earn about gene therapy for Parkinson's , including common misunderstandings and ongoing research about it. This episode contains some technical terms and abbreviations. For your convenience , here is a short list o f definitions that might be helpful. AADC – Aromatic L-Amino Acid Decarboxylase: An enzyme that helps make dopamine (not a rock and roll band) AAV – Adeno-Associated Virus: A harmless virus used to deliver gene therapy CDNF – Cerebral Dopamine Neurotrophic Factor: A protein that helps keep dopamine-producing cells healthy DBS – Deep Brain Stimulation: A surgical treatment that uses electrical signals to help control symptoms GAD – Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase: An enzyme that helps rebalance brain circuits. GBA – A gene linked to Parkinson's risk GCH1 – GTP Cyclohydrolase 1: An enzyme that supports dopamine production. GDNF – Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor: A protein that helps protect brain cells LRRK2 – A gene linked to Parkinson's risk PARK2 – A gene linked to Parkinson's risk PET – Positron Emission Tomography: A brain scan that shows chemical activity PINK1 – A gene linked to Parkinson's risk SNCA – A gene…

Topics covered

• gene therapy
• Parkinson's disease
• medical research
• myths and facts
• neurobiology
• treatment options

Keywords

• gene therapy
• Parkinson's
• AADC
• AAV
• CDNF
• DBS
• GAD
• GBA
• GCH1
• GDNF

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Davis Phinney Foundation

Products: Gene Therapy, AADC, AAV, CDNF, DBS, GAD, GBA, GCH1, GDNF, LRRK2

More episodes of The Parkinson's Podcast

• Freezing in Crosswalks, Gratitude, and Saying Goodbye: The Parkinson's Podcast Unfiltered Finale · April 15, 2026 · 24 min
• Parkinson's, Love, and Making Room for the Hard Stuff · March 16, 2026 · 38 min
• Sexual Health, Levodopa Myths, Hypoxia Research, and More with Dr. Bas Bloem, Pt 2 · February 15, 2026 · 29 min
• Holistic Approach to Parkinson's: Exercise, Supplements, and More With Dr. Bas Bloem, Pt. 1 · February 10, 2026 · 26 min
• How Our Approach to Living With Parkinson's Changes as It Gets Harder · January 8, 2026 · 33 min
• Parkinson's Clinical Trials: Red Flags, Safety, and What to Consider · December 23, 2025 · 49 min

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Parkinson's Podcast podcast page.