In mid-April 2026, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) hosted a webinar titled “What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?”, bringing together a panel of expert researchers to explore what science currently understands about the causes of Parkinson’s — including the roles of genetics, environmental exposures, and aging. The panel featured local legend Caroline Tanner, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology at the University of California San Francisco and the SF VA.  Read our notes.

In March 2026, the Davis Phinney Foundation hosted “Nutrition and Parkinson’s: Science, Strategies and What Really Matters”, a conversation with Richelle Flanagan, a registered dietitian and person with Parkinson’s, on evidence-based nutrition strategies for PD. Up to 90% of people with Parkinson’s don’t have access to a dietitian, yet nutrition plays a crucial role across the entire disease spectrum. The talk covered supplements, gut health, constipation, timing of medications with food, protein redistribution diets, and practical strategies. The fundamental message: eating better can help many people with Parkinson’s, but it requires proper dietary assessment and support rather than following trends online.

Exercise is not just beneficial for people with Parkinson’s disease—it’s essential medicine. In early February 2026, Dr. Daniel Corcos, a Northwestern University professor of physical therapy and human movement sciences, shared insights about exercise and Parkinson’s in an interview with Being Patient. His message: exercise provides both immediate day-to-day benefits (improved mood, concentration, symptom management) and long-term benefits (slowing disease progression), making it one of the most powerful tools available to people with Parkinson’s.