News

Specific GI Problems Linked to Parkinson’s Disease Risk

WebMD
August 25, 2023

A large new study links Parkinson’s disease with gastrointestinal problems. Researchers sought to investigate a theory known as Braak’s Hypothesis that suggests sporadic Parkinson’s disease is caused by a pathogen that enters the body through the nose, is swallowed, and then enters the gut. The pathogen could be a virus, bacteria, or some other microorganism.

News

Does playing American football increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease?

Medical News Today
August 17, 2023

Sports with a high risk of head trauma, such as boxing and soccer, have been associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Now, a study has suggested that American football may also increase the risk by as much as 61%. Dr. Michael S. Okun, Parkinson’s Foundation National Medical Advisor, Adelaide Lackner Professor of Neurology and Executive Director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Disease at the University of Florida Health, is interviewed, stressing the importance of more research on the topic.

News

What Living With Parkinson’s Feels Like

AARP
August 15, 2023

Living with Parkinson’s disease is about so much more than managing movement. In this story, three people share how PD has shaped their lives and outline strategies for living well with the disease. Gregg Hummer and Vikas Chinnan, members of the Parkinson’s Foundation People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council, and avid volunteer Teresa Jackson, provide insight into their personal experiences.

News

Parkinson’s Disease, Genetics and You

Rock Steady Boxing Magazine
August 3, 2023

Preliminary data from a Parkinson’s Foundation study, PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson’s Disease, has found that the percentage of people with a genetic tie to PD is higher than scientists originally thought. This article outlines results from PD GENEration and explains how collecting genetic data can help improve treatment options for PD.

News

Why Genetic Testing May Be Our Best Shot at Progress in PD

Medscape
July 26, 2023

A growing body of work has prompted researchers and drug developers to take a look at how genetics influence Parkinson’s risk and progression. PD GENEration, the genetics study from the Parkinson’s Foundation, is building the largest genetic data bank of sequenced sets of PD-risk genes made accessible to patients. Featured interviews include James Beck, PhD, SVP and chief scientific officer at the Parkinson’s Foundation; Roy N. Alcalay, MD, MS, PD GENEration principal investigator, and Kathleen E. McKee, MD, PD GENEration principal investigator at Intermountain Health.

News

Many people with Parkinson's are not getting the care they need

Medical News Today
July 11, 2023

A new study on Parkinson's disease care in the U.S. reveals critical gaps and disparities, particularly affecting women, people of color and rural residents. The Parkinson's Foundation estimates that the number of PD cases in the U.S. will rise, while the current shortage of specialists poses challenges in seeking care. James Beck, PhD, SVP and chief scientific officer for the Parkinson's Foundation, is interviewed.

News

Quality Care for People with Parkinson’s Is Lacking Across the U.S.

HealthDay
July 11, 2023

Parkinson’s Foundation SVP and Chief Scientific Officer, James Beck, PhD, is interviewed to provide insight into a new study shedding like on the lack of quality care for people with Parkinson’s in the U.S., including the ongoing shortage of movement disorders specialists.

News

Why nearly half of Americans with Parkinson’s don’t see a neurologist

STAT News
July 10, 2023

A study on Parkinson's disease reveals significant gaps in care and disparities faced by patients. In 2019, 40% of Medicare beneficiaries living with PD didn’t see a neurologist for their disease. This article follows the story of Richard Huckabee, who experienced PD symptoms for nine years before receiving a diagnosis. Parkinson’s Foundation SVP and Chief Scientific Officer James Beck, PhD, is interviewed.

News

Parkinson’s Foundation publishes guidelines for exercise programs

Parkinson’s News Today
June 21, 2023

A competency framework set up by the Parkinson’s Foundation can help therapists and other professionals design more personalized exercise programs for people with Parkinson’s disease. The framework outlines programs, courses, and approaches that help to educate and train movement specialists, given the importance of exercise for people living with PD.

News

Grant to Parkinson’s Foundation to Expand Genetic Research Access

Parkinson’s News Today
June 9, 2023

A grant from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation to the Parkinson’s Foundation will expand PD GENEration genetic testing and counseling opportunities for African Americans with Parkinson’s disease. Through a partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine, the funding will also support efforts to boost participation in educational research.