Over the recent years, there has been significant advances made in preclinical research on both immune targeted therapy and genetically targeted therapy. Many of these trials have entered human testing. While these advancements have led to hightened enthusiasm within PD community, the experts are debating whether immunotherapy or gene therapy will hold promise for being disease modifying. At the end of this presentation, the audience will be convinced that Genetically targeted treatment, not immunotherapy, bears the disease modifying potential, eventually slowing down the progression.

Dr. Zhang's clinical and research interests focus primarily on Parkinson's disease, including its epidemiology and the association between past nutritional deficiency and current prevalence of the disease. He is testing new drugs with neuroprotective properties that may slow down the progression of Parkinson's. Dr. Zhang also specializes in functional neurology focusing on the implantation and management of deep brain stimulation. He is investigating the clinical manifestation of the disease in patients with atypical Parkinson's disease, and those with a family history of pre-mutation for fragile X syndrome, a genetic disorder that typically affects children. Additionally, Dr. Zhang specializes in botulinum toxin (Botox) treatments for a variety of conditions, including, but not limited to, dystonia, spasticity and tremor. He uses electric muscle testing when giving Botox injections to improve accuracy and gain maximal results.