International Congress on Parkinson's Disease

The International Congress on Parkinson's Disease (ICPD) represents one of the most significant gatherings in the neurodegenerative disease research calendar. Organized by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society (IPMDS), this premier congress brings together the global community of clinicians, researchers, scientists, and patient advocates dedicated to understanding, treating, and ultimately preventing [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)[@international].

Overview

The International Congress on Parkinson's Disease (ICPD) represents one of the most significant gatherings in the neurodegenerative disease research calendar. Organized by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society (IPMDS), this premier congress brings together the global community of clinicians, researchers, scientists, and patient advocates dedicated to understanding, treating, and ultimately preventing [Parkinson's disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)[@international].

Overview

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after [Alzheimer's disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease), affecting approximately 10 million people worldwide. The disease is characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to the cardinal motor symptoms of bradykinesia, resting tremor, rigidity, and postural instability. Beyond motor manifestations, Parkinson's involves a spectrum of non-motor symptoms including cognitive impairment, depression, sleep disorders, autonomic dysfunction, and sensory disturbances that significantly impact quality of life["@bloem2024"][@kalia2015].

The International Congress on Parkinson's Disease provides a comprehensive forum for:

• Presenting groundbreaking research discoveries
• Translating basic science findings into clinical applications
• Discussing advances in disease-modifying therapies
• Addressing clinical management challenges
• Facilitating international collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates
• Showcasing innovations in diagnostic and monitoring technologies

Congress Structure

Session Types

The ICPD features multiple session formats designed to address diverse educational and scientific needs:

Keynote Lectures

• Major presentations by international experts
• State-of-the-art reviews on critical topics
• Future directions and emerging concepts

• Cross-cutting scientific presentations
• Clinical trial results and updates
• Policy and healthcare delivery discussions

• Focused sessions on specific topics
• Multi-speaker presentations with Q&A
• Themed sessions across disease areas

• Selected abstract presentations
• Young Investigator awards
• Late-breaking research

• Interactive research displays
• Themed poster tours
• Networking opportunities

• Hands-on training sessions
• Clinical skills development
• Research methodology

Focus Areas

The Congress covers the full spectrum of Parkinson's research and clinical care:

Basic Science

• Alpha-synuclein biology and pathology
• Mitochondrial dysfunction and energy metabolism
• Neuroinflammation and glial activation
• Genetics and precision medicine
• Neurodegeneration mechanisms

• Disease epidemiology and risk factors
• Clinical trial design and endpoints
• Biomarker development and validation
• Natural history and progression markers
• Diagnostic criteria and differential diagnosis

• Disease-modifying therapies
• Symptomatic pharmacological treatments
• Surgical interventions (DBS, focused ultrasound)
• Cell-based and gene therapies
• Rehabilitation and complementary approaches

• Cognitive impairment and dementia
• Mood disorders (depression, anxiety)
• Sleep disorders (RBD, insomnia)
• Autonomic dysfunction
• Sensory disturbances

• Multidisciplinary care models
• Patient-centered approaches
• Digital health and remote monitoring
• Global health equity
• Health economics and policy

Disease-Modifying Therapies

The development of therapies that can slow or halt Parkinson's progression represents the field's highest priority, and the ICPD regularly features the latest advances:

Alpha-Synuclein-Targeted Approaches

The alpha-synuclein protein remains the central therapeutic target in Parkinson's disease:

Immunotherapy

• Cinpanemab (BIIB054): Anti-alpha-synuclein monoclonal antibody
• Prasinezumab (RO7046015/PRX002): Anti-alpha-synuclein antibody showing promise
• Lu AF87908: Novel anti-alpha-synuclein antibody
• Active vaccination strategies targeting pathological species[@foltin2023]

• Aggregation inhibitors preventing toxic oligomer formation
• Compounds promoting alpha-synuclein clearance
• Autophagy enhancers

• RNA interference targeting SNCA expression
• CRISPR-based approaches for gene correction
• AAV-mediated delivery of protective factors

LRRK2 Inhibitors

The LRRK2 protein kinase represents a major therapeutic target:

Kinase Inhibitors

• BIIB122 (DNL151): LRRK2 inhibitor completing pivotal trials
• DNL151: Demonstrating target engagement and safety
• Multiple additional compounds in development[@mikhailova2024]

• LRRK2 mutations are the most common genetic cause of sporadic PD
• Kinase activity is elevated in sporadic Parkinson's
• Inhibition may protect against neurodegeneration

GBA-Directed Therapies

Glucocerebrosidase (GBA) mutations are significant risk factors:

Enzyme Replacement/Enhancement

• Ambroxol: GCase chaperone showing promise in clinical trials
• Gene therapy approaches for GBA
• Substrate reduction strategies[@axelsen2024]

Neuroprotective Strategies

Multiple approaches aim to protect vulnerable neurons:

Anti-Inflammatory

• Microglial activation modulators
• Complement inhibitors
• T cell-targeted approaches[@caceres2024]

• CoQ10 and analogues
• Complex I enhancers
• Metabolic support strategies

• BDNF and GDNF delivery approaches
• AAV-mediated trophic factor expression
• Cell-based delivery systems

Biomarkers and Diagnostics

Early and accurate diagnosis enables timely intervention:

Fluid Biomarkers

Alpha-Synuclein Assays

• Seed amplification (RT-QuIC, PMCA) for detection
• Total and phosphorylated species measurement
• CSF vs. blood-based testing

• Neurofilament light chain (NfL)
• Tau and phosphorylated tau
• Beta-amyloid

• Cytokine profiles
• Complement components
• Glial markers[poulin2024]

Imaging Biomarkers

Dopaminergic Imaging

• DAT SPECT (DaTscan)
• PET with dopaminergic tracers
• MRI-based iron imaging

• Volumetric analysis
• Neuromelanin imaging
• Diffusion tensor imaging

• fMRI connectivity studies
• PET metabolism imaging

Digital Biomarkers

Wearable and smartphone-based assessments:

• Movement and gait analysis
• Continuous monitoring
• Voice and speech analysis
• Fine motor skill tracking[park2024]

Surgical Treatments

Deep Brain Stimulation

DBS remains a cornerstone of advanced Parkinson's management:

Targets

• Subthalamic nucleus (STN)
• Globus pallidus internus (GPi)
• Comparative effectiveness research

• Directional leads
• Adaptive/closed-loop stimulation
• MRI-guided approaches
• Improved programming algorithms[@weinberger2024][@michael2023]

Focused Ultrasound

Incisional lesioning technology:

• Thalamotomy for tremor
• Pallidotomy for dyskinesias
• Emerging applications

Gene Therapy

Viral vector-based approaches:

• AAV-GAD for Parkinson's
• AADC deficiency gene therapy
• Neurotrophic factor delivery

Non-Motor Symptoms

Recognition of non-motor features has grown substantially[@bhatia2023]:

Cognitive Dysfunction

Mild Cognitive Impairment

• Prevalence and risk factors
• Progression to dementia
• Management strategies

• Cholinergic degeneration
• Treatment approaches
• Caregiver burden[@aarsland2021]

Mood Disorders

• Depression: SSRIs, SNRIs, dopamine agonists
• Anxiety: Comorbid management
• Apathy: Distinct from depression
• Impulse control disorders

Sleep Disorders

• REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD)
• Insomnia and fragmentation
• [Restless legs syndrome](/diseases/restless-legs-syndrome)
• Excessive daytime sleepiness

Autonomic Dysfunction

• [Orthostatic hypotension](/diseases/orthostatic-hypotension)
• Gastrointestinal dysfunction
• Urinary symptoms
• Sexual dysfunction

Clinical Trial Design

The ICPD addresses critical issues in clinical research:

Outcome Measures

Motor Assessments

• MDS-UPDRS
• Timed tests
• Patient diaries

• cognitive testing batteries
• Quality of life instruments
• Patient-reported outcomes

• Wearable-derived metrics
• Continuous monitoring data
• Composite endpoints

Trial Populations

• Early vs. advanced disease
• Genetically defined subpopulations
• Prodromal cohorts
• Enrichment strategies

Design Innovations

• Platform trials
• Adaptive designs
• Master protocols
• Virtual/decentralized trials

Rehabilitation and Supportive Care

Physical Therapy

• Exercise programs (treadmill, dance, tai chi)
• Gait training
• Balance exercises
• Fall prevention

Occupational Therapy

• Home modifications
• Adaptive equipment
• Functional independence

Speech Therapy

• Voice training
• Swallowing assessment
• Communication strategies

Psychological Support

• Patient counseling
• Caregiver support
• Support groups

Related Conferences

The ICPD maintains close relationships with other major gatherings:

• [World Parkinson Congress](/events/world-parkinson-congress) — Triennial patient-inclusive meeting
• [MDS 2026](/events/mds-2026) — Movement Disorder Society Annual Meeting
• [AD/PD 2026](/events/adpd-2026) — Alzheimer's & Parkinson's Diseases Conference
• [AAIC 2026](/events/aaic-2026) — Alzheimer's Association International Conference
• [Conference Index](/events/conference-index)

Related Pages

• [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
• [Parkinson's Disease Research](/diseases/parkinsons-disease-research)
• [Parkinson's Disease Genetics](/diseases/parkinsons-disease-genetics)
• [Alpha-Synuclein](/proteins/alpha-synuclein)
• [LRRK2](/genes/lrrk2)
• [GBA](/genes/gba)
• [Alpha-Synuclein Immunotherapy](/therapeutics/alpha-synuclein-immunotherapy)
• [LRRK2 Inhibitor Therapy](/therapeutics/lrrk2-inhibitor-therapy)
• [Deep Brain Stimulation](/therapeutics/deep-brain-stimulation)
• [Clinical Trials in Parkinson's Disease](/clinical-trials)
• [Parkinson's Disease Biomarkers](/biomarkers)
• [Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's](/diseases/parkinsons-disease-non-motor-symptoms)

Movement Disorders

The Congress also addresses related conditions:

• [Progressive Supranuclear Palsy](/diseases/progressive-supranuclear-palsy)
• [Multiple System Atrophy](/diseases/multiple-system-atrophy)
• [Dementia with Lewy Bodies](/diseases/dementia-lewy-bodies)
• [Corticobasal Degeneration](/diseases/corticobasal-degeneration)
• [Huntington's Disease](/diseases/huntingtons)
• [Essential Tremor](/diseases/essential-tremor)

Global Impact

The ICPD plays a crucial role in:

Advancing Research

• Disseminating findings
• Fostering collaboration
• Training next generation

• Clinical guideline development
• Best practice sharing
• Healthcare policy influence

• Incorporating patient perspectives
• Raising awareness
• Fundraising and support

See Also

• [Conference Index](/events/conference-index)
• [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
• [Movement Disorders Overview](/diseases/movement-disorders)
• [Clinical Trials Overview](/clinical-trials/overview)

External Links

• [International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society](https://www.movementdisorders.org)
• [Movement Disorders Journal](https://www.movementdisorders.org/Journal)
• [IPMDS Education Resources](https://www.movementdisorders.org/Education)

References