Recordings from the 2025 Neuro-APP Symposium-Get The Skinny On GLP 1 Agonsists

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Kara Zimkowski, a nurse practitioner specializing in movement disorders, presented an overview of Parkinson’s disease and emerging research on GLP-1 receptor agonists. She reviewed motor symptoms, such as tremor, rigidity, and slowness, as well as non-motor symptoms. Current treatment aims to manage symptoms and restore dopamine activity; carbidopa/levodopa remains a common first choice, while pumps and deep brain stimulation are options for some patients.<br /><br />GLP-1 agonists, used mainly for diabetes and obesity, may have neuroprotective effects through pathways involving inflammation, oxidative stress, protein clearance, and cellular maintenance. Their potential relevance to Parkinson’s may also relate to the gut-brain connection and similarities between the diseases’ underlying biology.<br /><br />The talk highlighted a 2024 Phase II trial of lixisenatide in people with early Parkinson’s. After 12 months, the treatment group showed less worsening of motor scores than the placebo group, with the difference still apparent after a washout period. Nausea and vomiting were common, and one participant experienced pancreatitis. The study was limited by its duration, use of a single dose, and lack of imaging or biomarkers.<br /><br />The findings are promising but preliminary; GLP-1 agonists are not established Parkinson’s treatments. Further research is needed, especially given potential concerns about weight loss and delayed gastric emptying.

Keywords

Parkinson's disease

GLP-1 receptor agonists

lixisenatide

movement disorders

carbidopa/levodopa

deep brain stimulation

neuroprotective effects