Parkinson's, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs

Vision – To improve the health and lives of people with, or at risk for, Parkinson’s disease through innovative research that translates to clinically meaningful treatments

Mission – To support high-impact research that intends to decrease risk, slow progression, or ease symptoms of Parkinson's disease that benefit Service Members and their Families, Veterans and the general public

Parkinson's Research Program Summary Sheet

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Parkinson's Research Program Strategic Plan

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Parkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative movement disorder of the central nervous system resulting from a loss of neurons in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra. These neurons produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter important for motor control; however, as PD progresses, the death of dopaminergic neurons results in reduced dopamine levels and impairment of motor control.

For FY22, Congress transitioned the Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Parkinson's (NETP) program to the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) and broadened the research from neurotoxin exposure treatment PD research to all types of PD research. The PRP challenges the scientific community to develop the most impactful research that will advance the understanding of the disease, with the ultimate goal of ending PD.

For information on toxic exposure research, please go to the Toxic Exposures Research Program at CDMRP.

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