In Memoriam: MJFF Mourns Loss of Parkinson’s Research Leader C. Warren Olanow, MD

The Parkinson's research community mourns the passing of neurologist C. Warren Olanow, MD, a leader in the field who advocated passionately for giving more weight to patient needs in Parkinson's research, pushed innovative thinking about clinical trial design and helped to bring research into the clinic.

From its earliest days, Dr. OIanow participated in The Michael J. Fox Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board, offering key guidance and contributing to research strategies that have led to significant progress in Parkinson's disease research.

"We at the Foundation are grateful for the chance we had to work with Dr. Olanow," said Todd Sherer, PhD, chief mission officer at The Michael J. Fox Foundation. "His advocacy for the patient perspective and his contributions to clinical trial design played an important role in shaping Parkinson's research."

Over the course of his career, he contributed to more than 400 research papers, an indication of his impact on science.

His work laid the foundation for many of today's available treatments, contributing to both the development and clinical evaluation of medications targeting dopamine pathways. Over his career, Dr. Olanow conducted pioneering research into the importance of protecting dopaminergic neurons from degenerating, highlighting mechanisms we continue to study closely including mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

He also worked to refine drug delivery methods, making therapies more effective. His research explored new types of treatments, opening doors for stem cell and gene therapies.

The impact of Dr. Olanow's work resonates powerfully through the Parkinson's community. He helped standardize treatment approaches for people with Parkinson's through clinical practice guidelines, bringing the advancements of research directly into the clinic.

Dr. Olanow served on the faculties of McGill University, Duke University and the University of South Florida before becoming the Henry P. and Georgette Goldschmidt Professor and chairman of the Department of Neurology and professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. He also served as the Chief of the Neurology Service at the Mount Sinai Hospital.

Dr. Olanow's long list of community contributions includes Past President of the Movement Disorder Society, Past President of the International Society of Motor Disturbances and Past Treasurer of the American Neurological Association. He received a number of important honors over the course of his career, including the Presidential Award from the Movement Disorder Society and the Movement Disorder Research Award from the American Academy of Neurology. He also has participated in additional medical boards, scientific advisory boards and editorial boards, including as editor-in-chief of the journal Movement Disorders.

C. Warren Olanow leaves behind a legacy of empathy and insight. His passing is a profound loss to the scientific community.

• David Kumbroch

  Senior Science Writer