New Roadmap Highlights Aging's Role in Parkinson's Research

Researchers call for a more holistic approach to studying the disease by incorporating aging biology as a key factor.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A group of researchers from around the globe have published a new roadmap that emphasizes the importance of incorporating aging as a central element in Parkinson's disease research. The paper, published in the journal npj Parkinson's Disease, argues that while aging is the largest risk factor for Parkinson's, the majority of research has largely left aging out of the mix. The roadmap identifies mouse models that are best utilized for preclinical experiments that incorporate aging, and aims to standardize methodologies, foster cooperation, and optimize resource utilization among Parkinson's researchers.

Why it matters

Parkinson's disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that affects an estimated 1 million Americans, with global estimates exceeding 10 million. The vast majority of Parkinson's cases are sporadic, arising from a mix of factors including age, genetic vulnerability, environmental exposures, and lifestyle choices. By focusing more on the role of aging in Parkinson's, researchers hope to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the disease and identify new therapeutic targets.

The details

The roadmap was developed by a group of researchers led by Juie Andersen, PhD, a professor at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Andersen's lab focuses extensively on the intersection of aging and Parkinson's disease, noting that many of the whole-body hallmarks of aging, including mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired autophagy, increased inflammation, and cellular senescence, have been shown to contribute to the development of Parkinson's. The researchers argue that the research community needs to approach Parkinson's holistically, with aging biology emerging as a key therapeutic target.

  • The roadmap paper was published online on February 12, 2026 in the journal npj Parkinson's Disease.

The players

Juie Andersen

A professor at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and one of the senior authors of the roadmap paper.

Minna Schmidt

A postdoctoral fellow in the Andersen lab and the first author of the roadmap paper.

Buck Institute for Research on Aging

A research institute focused on understanding the mechanisms of aging and developing therapies to slow down age-related diseases.

Michael J. Fox Foundation

A non-profit organization that funded the 4-year consortium that produced the roadmap paper and other research on Parkinson's disease.

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What they’re saying

“Many age-related changes in the brain mirror those seen in the early stages of Parkinson's. The research community needs to approach this disease holistically and aging is the place to start. Aging biology is emerging as a therapeutic target.”

— Juie Andersen, Professor, Buck Institute for Research on Aging

“As a group we recognize that the complexity and diversity of Parkinson's models, combined with the lengthy nature of aging studies, present challenges that require substantial resources and innovative approaches. Our work is aimed at making it easier for researchers to include aging as a critical element of their efforts to tackle this disease.”

— Juie Andersen, Professor, Buck Institute for Research on Aging

What’s next

The roadmap paper is part of a larger effort from a 4-year consortium funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation. In addition to this work which involves guidelines for mouse models, other papers from the consortium will focus on the use of human cell cultures and primates in Parkinson's research.

The takeaway

By incorporating aging as a central factor in Parkinson's research, scientists hope to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the disease and identify new therapeutic approaches that target the underlying biology of aging, which is a major risk factor for the development of Parkinson's.