Michael A. Schwarzschild, MD, PhD

Michael A. Schwarzschild, MD, PhD, is a neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Schwarzschild’s research investigates genetic and environmental factors linked to Parkinson’s disease (PD) and translates insights gained from preclinical laboratory models to clinical trials. His group discovered the neuroprotective properties of purines including caffeine and other adenosine A2A receptor blockers in mouse models of PD. From 2012 to 2024 he led the Parkinson Study Group (PSG), a network of North American clinical trialists dedicated to improving therapy for people with PD. He co-directs the biennial conference series, Planning for the Prevention of Parkinson’s and Related Synucleinopathies: A trial design forum. Dr. Schwarzschild cares for patients with PD in the movement disorders clinic at MGH.