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Neuro News

Issue 01 | October 2026

This Month’s Feature • Neuro Research

New Parkinson’s research: what Tavapadon means for “off” time

Welcome to Neuro News. Each month we share helpful, evidence-based information from our Neuro team — research, practical tips, fall-prevention strategies, and one simple thing to try at home. Short, helpful, and relevant — information you can take with you beyond your time in therapy.

🔥 Hot Take of the Month

A new option for Parkinson’s “off” periods

A recent 2026 study published in JAMA Neurology looked at tavapadon, a new once-daily medication being studied as an add-on to levodopa for people with Parkinson’s disease who experience “off” periods.1

Clinical Pearls

1. Improved mobility

In a study of 507 people with Parkinson’s, those who took tavapadon experienced increased mobility, or “on” time, and reduced dyskinesias compared to placebo.1

2. Short- & long-term impact

Tavapadon not only decreased daily “off” time, but benefits from baseline were still noted up to week 26 of the 27-week study.1

3. Side effects

Tavapadon was generally well tolerated, though some participants experienced side effects such as nausea, dyskinesia, and dizziness.1

 

WHY THIS MATTERS
Better management of “on” and “off” times may help people with Parkinson’s participate more consistently in daily activities, exercise, and rehabilitation. It’s one example of how ongoing research continues to expand treatment options for people living with Parkinson’s disease.
💡 Knowledge in Action

Breathe to Relax

Each month we share one simple thing to try at home — a movement, a balance drill, or a hands-on activity. This month: relaxation breathing.

Managing “off” time and dyskinesia is mostly about fine-tuning medication with your neurologist — but how you manage stress can support that work. Because tension tends to make Parkinson’s symptoms feel worse, a simple calming practice is a helpful partner to your medication plan.

Try it

  • Sit comfortably, well supported
  • Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of 4, letting your belly rise
  • Pause briefly
  • Breathe out slowly through pursed lips for a count of 6
  • Let your shoulders and jaw soften — repeat for a few slow breaths

Dose: a few minutes whenever you feel tense, or anytime during the day

 

Safety first: Gentle and seated, so it suits just about everyone — but check with your therapy team about what’s right for you. For questions about your own “on/off” and dyskinesia patterns, talk with your neurologist or care team.

Want to learn more?

Have a question or a topic you’d like us to cover in a future edition of Neuro News? Feel free to reach out — we’d love to hear from you!

Emily Beck, OTR/L – ebeck@hartzpt.com

Jamie Hreniuk, PT, DPT – jhreniuk@hartzpt.com

Kailey Kelly, PT, DPT – kkelly@hartzpt.com

Peter Juzwiak, PTA – pjuzwiak@hartzpt.com

 

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References

  1. Fernandez HH, Isaacson SH, Hauser RA, et al. Tavapadon as adjunctive treatment for Parkinson disease: the TEMPO-3 randomized clinical trial. JAMA Neurol. 2026;83(5):442–451. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2026.0577.
  2. Goldman JG, Volpe D, Ellis TD, et al. Delivering multidisciplinary rehabilitation care in Parkinson’s disease: an international consensus statement. J Parkinsons Dis. 2024;14(1):135–166. doi:10.3233/JPD-230117.