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.
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
| Item |
Details |
| Dates |
September 2025 |
| Location |
Barcelona, Spain — International Convention Centre |
| Organizer |
World Parkinson Congress Foundation |
| Website |
www.wpc2025.org |
| Expected Attendees |
4,000+ from 60+ countries |
¶ 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
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.
¶ 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
The LRRK2 kinase inhibitor program represents one of the most advanced precision medicine approaches in Parkinson's, with multiple compounds advancing through clinical development.
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
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
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
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
Sleep Disorders
- REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD): Prodromal marker and correlate
- Insomnia and fragmentation
- Restless legs syndrome
Autonomic Dysfunction
Cognitive Impairment
- Mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson's
- Parkinson's disease dementia
- Relationship to cholinergic degeneration
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
¶ 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
Infusion Therapies
- Levodopa-carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG)
- Apomorphine infusion
- Continuous subcutaneous apomorphine
Cell Replacement Therapy
- Embryonic stem cell-derived dopamine neurons
- Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) approaches
- Patient-specific cell therapies
- Current clinical trial status
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
Neuroinflammation
- Microglial activation in Parkinson's pathogenesis
- Complement system involvement
- T cell involvement in neurodegeneration
- Anti-inflammatory therapeutic approaches
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
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
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
- 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
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
Barcelona offers world-class facilities for the Congress:
- Modern conference facilities
- Accessible location near port
- State-of-the-art audiovisual equipment
- Multiple simultaneous session rooms
- Exhibition space for industry partners
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
- 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
The World Parkinson Congress has evolved significantly:
| Year |
Location |
Key Themes |
| 2010 |
Glasgow |
First patient-inclusive format |
| 2013 |
Montreal |
Alpha-synuclein biology emphasis |
| 2016 |
Kyoto |
Genetics and precision medicine |
| 2019 |
Shanghai |
Disease-modifying therapies |
| 2022 |
Barcelona (virtual) |
COVID-19 and Parkinson's |
| 2025 |
Barcelona |
Disease modification and precision medicine |
- Parkinson's Foundation
- Michael J. Fox Foundation
- European Parkinson's Disease Association
- Parkinson's UK