Research has shown that the abnormal protein that accumulates in the cells in Parkinson’s Disease and leads to degeneration of cells is phosphorylated alpha synuclein. Dr. Padma Mahant will be discussing the different ways that alpha synuclein can be detected in different tissues, how these tests can be used to differentiate Parkinson’s disease from other parkinsonian syndromes, and the clinical trials that have focused on removing the pathological alpha synuclein from the brain and tissues. She will also discuss if removal of the alpha synuclein can potentially be the avenue of cure for Parkinson’s.