EAN 2026: Kailash Bhatia on movement disorder advances

EAN 2026: A neurologist's perspective

Professor Kailash Bhatia, a leading neurologist specialising in movement disorders, spoke to EMJ at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) 2026 congress. He described the meeting as a pivotal moment for the field, with several studies shifting the way clinicians think about diagnosis and treatment.

Bhatia noted that the conference had a palpable sense of momentum. Researchers are moving beyond incremental improvements, he said, and beginning to tackle fundamental questions about disease mechanisms.

Biomarkers take centre stage

One of the most discussed topics at EAN 2026 was the progress in biomarkers for Parkinson's disease. Bhatia pointed to new data on alpha-synuclein seed amplification assays, which are now showing high sensitivity and specificity in cerebrospinal fluid and skin biopsies.

This matters because early diagnosis remains a major challenge. With reliable biomarkers, clinicians could identify Parkinson's years before motor symptoms appear. Bhatia stressed that this would open a window for neuroprotective therapies, something the field has long pursued without success.

Promising therapies for dystonia and ataxia

Bhatia also highlighted late-breaking trial results for dystonia. A novel oral agent targeting the D1 receptor showed significant improvement in the Burke-Fahn-Marsden dystonia rating scale. Patients with generalised and cervical dystonia both benefited, he noted, and the side effect profile appeared favourable.

For ataxia, gene therapy approaches are gaining traction. Preliminary data from a small phase 1/2 trial of an antisense oligonucleotide in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in mutant ataxin-3 protein levels. Bhatia called the results encouraging, though he cautioned that larger studies are needed to confirm clinical benefit.

Technology meets the clinic

Wearable sensors and artificial intelligence are no longer futuristic concepts in neurology. Bhatia described several presentations where researchers used smartphone accelerometers and smartwatch data to quantify tremor, bradykinesia, and gait abnormalities remotely.

This approach could revolutionise how trials are conducted. Instead of relying on subjective clinical scales and infrequent clinic visits, continuous monitoring provides real-world, objective data. Bhatia said that regulatory agencies are beginning to accept digital endpoints, which could accelerate drug development.

He also mentioned a machine learning algorithm trained on voice recordings that distinguished Parkinson's patients from controls with over 90% accuracy. Such tools might eventually help in community screening, especially in regions with limited access to neurologists.

What to watch next

Bhatia expects the next few years to bring validation of these biomarkers in large, diverse populations. He also anticipates that combination therapies—targeting multiple pathways simultaneously—will enter clinical testing. The field is moving fast, he said, and the convergence of biology and technology offers real hope for patients.