The Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR) hosted the 5th Parkinson’s Day, a meeting that brought together people with Parkinson, relatives, healthcare professionals, and researchers to share knowledge and experiences around new challenges and opportunities in the field of the disease. Under the motto “New horizons in Parkinson’s: therapeutic advances and patient–professional alliances,” the event offered a space for outreach, reflection, and dialogue on the latest scientific advances and the active role of affected individuals in research and healthcare.

The session began with a visit to the laboratory facilities of the VHIR, allowing attendees to gain first-hand insight into the research activity carried out at the center, especially in the field of neurodegenerative diseases.

New treatments targeting alpha-synuclein, the focus of the event

After the institutional welcome, delivered by Dr. Patricia Pozo-Rosich, Head of the Neurology Department and the Headache Unit at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, head of the Headache and Neurological Pain Group at the VHIR, and director of the Migraine Adaptive Brain Center at Vall d’Hebron, the program dedicated a significant part to advances in disease-modifying therapies for Parkinson’s disease, particularly those targeting alpha-synuclein.

This protein plays a central role in the pathophysiology of the disease, as it accumulates in the form of misfolded aggregates within neurons and contributes to their degeneration, especially in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra. In recent years, research has driven new therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing the spread of these aggregates between neurons, with the goal of slowing disease progression.

Dr. Marta Martínez-Vicente, principal investigator of the Neurodegenerative Diseases group at the VHIR, explained the role of alpha-synuclein in the disease and why it has become one of the main therapeutic targets in current research.

Next, Dr. Victoria González, neurologist at the Neurology Department of the Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, presented the current development status of immunotherapy strategies targeting this protein and the prospects they open for future Parkinson’s treatments.

The scientific perspective was complemented by the testimony of Federico Leyva San Juan, a person living with the disease, who shared his experience participating in an immunotherapy clinical trial. His contribution provided first-hand insight into the motivations, expectations, and experiences associated with participation in clinical studies.

The importance of collaboration between patients and professionals

The second part of the event was dedicated to the Parkinson Vall d’Hebron Community of Practice (CoP), an initiative promoted by the VHIR that brings together people with Parkinson’s, relatives, healthcare professionals, and researchers to create spaces for dialogue and shared learning around the disease. The project aims to address issues relevant to affected individuals, contribute to improving quality of life, and fight the stigma associated with Parkinson’s through citizen science and artistic activities.

The roundtable, moderated by Dr. Ariadna Laguna, principal investigator of the Neurodegenerative Diseases group at the VHIR, included the participation of Dr. Victoria González and Sara Belmonte, advanced practice nurse from the Neurology Department of the Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, as well as Miriam Gulló and Artur Sassot, people living with Parkinson’s and members of the community.

During the discussion, participants shared experiences on the benefits of working together from a participatory and interdisciplinary perspective, highlighting how incorporating the needs and priorities of affected individuals contributes to improving both clinical practice and research projects, while also fostering support networks and reducing stigma associated with the disease.

“The CoP has taught me that people with Parkinson’s disease (people, not just patients) are not merely recipients of care; they are experts in living with the disease, and if we incorporate this knowledge into care and research, we all learn and improve,” says Sara Belmonte.

The event concluded with an open Q&A session moderated by Dr. Oriol de Fàbregues, neurologist at the Neurology Department of the Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, which encouraged direct exchange between attendees, professionals, and researchers.

Presentation of results from the third edition of the PAIR project

Before the 5th Parkinson’s Day, the VHIR also hosted a session dedicated to the PAIR project (Parkinson Intergenerational caRe), a citizen science initiative led by the center that connects young people and people with Parkinson’s through an intergenerational model of research and service-learning.

During the meeting, preliminary results from the third edition of the project were presented. Coordinated by Dr. Ariadna Laguna, it has involved more than one hundred young people and people with Parkinson’s in activities aimed at promoting emotional well-being, empathy, and community participation. The session also included the presentation of the artistic methodology incorporated into this year’s program and a photographic exhibition developed within the project framework.

The event concluded with a roundtable featuring PAIR participants, who shared their experiences and reflections on the personal and social impact of the initiative. The project continues to consolidate itself as an innovative model of citizen science that strengthens the links between research, education, and community, while also contributing to reducing the stigma associated with Parkinson’s disease.