For most people, pain can be part of daily life. Pain expresses itself and manifests physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally. Those who live with pain, look for ways to manage it throughout the day — consciously or subconsciously. For people with Parkinson’s, pain is a common non-motor symptom.

Emotional pain can be brought on by stressful situations, from the holidays to a Parkinson’s diagnosis. While physical pain can be brought on by Parkinson’s symptoms or the physical demands of caregiving.

There are many ways to manage physical pain, including:

• Activities: stretching, yoga or Tai Chi
• Over-the-counter medication that eases the response of neurons to relieve pain
• Tools: cane, walker, knee brace, heating pad, ice, compression stockings, supportive shoes

Managing Pain Through Mindfulness

There are different types of pain, and other ways to manage it. The mind plays a significant role in pain management. When you start to think about how the mind responds to pain, you can start to redirect your thoughts and how to address that sensation, adopting a new technique for managing pain.

Below are six steps to managing pain through mindfulness:

1. Acknowledge your pain.

Which type of pain are you experiencing? Pain can take shape in multiple ways:

• Physical pain: felt in the body — tingling, burning, throbbing, aching
• Emotional pain: feelings of grief, loneliness, panic or worthlessness
• Mental pain: feelings of anxiety or depression
• Spiritual pain: feeling disconnected from yourself and others

2. Work on redirecting your response to pain.

Notice where you are experiencing pain. Say, “Hello. I feel you. I hear you. And I accept you.” Repeat this mantra as many times as you need to acknowledge your pain and to begin cultivating a relationship with the sensation or thoughts you are feeling.

A mantra is a sound, or vibration to help reduce stress, anxiety or pain. Mantras can help adapt the brain to how it responds to pain.

3. Recognize your strength.

Your strength comes in many forms — physical, mental, spiritual and emotional — the same ways pain manifests. When living with chronic pain, some people may feel they are not as strong as they should be. Chronic pain can also cause fatigue. Our body and minds also work hard to avoid pain, to push it away. This can lead to exhaustion and forgetting about the strength you do have.

Any amount of strength is reason to celebrate. Find your reason to celebrate — what strength and motivation did you find today? Did your strength look like taking a walk, folding the laundry, cooking, calling a friend to catch up or spending time resting? How did your strength show up today? And tell yourself, “I am strong. I am resilient. I trust my body.”

4. Reduce your stress.

Triggers are events or everyday things that can set you off. They increase blood pressure, anxiety and pain. For example, being stuck in traffic or unable to button a shirt. How you respond to stressors can cause the same stress response in your body. Stress can also make Parkinson’s symptoms worse.

Does stressing about the traffic help the situation? Does feeling frustrated make you feel better? Does looking for your phone with anger improve your search skills? Probably not. In fact, stress slows us down.

Try to categorize your stressors. Ask yourself, “is this situation a mountain or a mole hill?” Next, breathe. Once you can bring yourself to see the significance of a stressor, you can start to feel relief. Pain is also associated with feelings of uncertainty and insecurity, which can manifest itself to become anxiety.

5. Make yourself feel safe when experiencing pain.

Understand that it is common to worry when experiencing pain, but recognize that fear or uncertainty, and work towards making your body and mind feel safe. How can you reduce your anxiety?

• Mindful meditation can help — using our breath to calm the nervous system, along with using words and phrases, like mantras.
• Calming smells, like essential oils of lavender or jasmine.
• Be gentle with yourself. Refrain from judgement and return to objective awareness.
• Show yourself some extra love. Be kind to yourself. When your body is hurting, do something kind for it— take a bath, drink herbal tea, breathe into your body and say: “I am safe, I am loved.”

During flare ups, or bad days, it’s even more difficult to remind yourself how far you have come.

6. Stop and think about the positive things.

Our brains find it much easier to hold onto negative memories and emotions than the positive ones. Help your mind, help your brain, remember the positive memories and emotions. Close your eyes and silently say: “Look how far I’ve come” and then add something positive you have accomplished.

It’s a complicated conversation when you start to talk to your pain. Create a deeper connection with your body and how your mind reacts to your body. What kind of conversation do you have with yourself? Can you redirect the language you use to a more supportive, positive and optimistic tone?

Try utilizing a mantra in your daily like. Use a mantra below to help guide your supportive relationship with yourself, your body and your pain — or think of a new one that inspires you.

• I feel you. I hear you. And I accept you.
• I am strong. I am resilient. I trust my body.
• Is this a mountain or a molehill?
• I am safe, I am loved.
• Look how far I’ve come.

This article is based on a PD Health@Home Mindfulness Monday event, Mantra for Pain Relief with Parkinson’s Disease. Watch the video now.

For more guided mindfulness and relaxation events and videos, visit Parkinson.org/PDHealth.

2021 was an exciting year for the Parkinson’s Foundation. Thanks to YOU we were able to fund more Parkinson’s disease (PD) research and community programs than ever before!

Here are nine ways we made a positive impact in 2021:

1. Reached 3,000 volunteers

We rely on the energy, skill and passion of our volunteers to advance research toward a cure. This year we reached an impressive 3,000 volunteers who want to help us beat Parkinson’s — from our Parkinson’s Champions to our Moving Day volunteers. Thank you!

Get involved today

2. Invested Additional $10 Million for Research, Care and Education Programs

This investment includes expanding PD GENEration to the Hispanic and Caribbean communities, and $2 million in funding across 143 community grants that support educational and wellness classes.

Find a program near you

3. Shared Key Parkinson’s Genetics Findings at American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting

This year, we participated in the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, presenting on PDGENEration’s evolution to at-home genetic testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Check if you are eligible

4. Surveyed the PD Community On Pressing Topics

In the U.S., cannabis has become more widely available for medical and recreational use. Until this survey, there was insufficient data about the attitudes towards, and experiences with cannabis use among those living with PD.

Check out our survey findings

5. Funded Critical Parkinson’s Research

This year we invested $4.3 million in 29 grants to accelerate cutting-edge Parkinson’s research. Each of these studies has the potential to lead us to the next breakthrough PD therapy or treatment.

Check out the grants we funded this year

6. Published New Veterans Resources and Events

Together, with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), we hosted new online events created for veterans with Parkinson’s and care partners. We also published new tools and information for veterans, such as our new FAQ guide for veterans.

Visit Parkinson.org/Veterans today

7. Launched $30 Million Multi-Year Fundraising Campaign

This fall, we launched Reach Further, a four-year fundraising initiative that will raise an additional $30 million to accelerate Parkinson’s research and increase access to health care and quality-of-life programs.

Help us Reach Further

8. Released new online Care Partner Program

Our new Care Partner Program is a series of self-paced online courses designed with care partners in mind. Courses address top caregiving topics, from preventing caregiver burnout to nutrition.

Find a course now

9. Brought Local Communities Together at Moving Day

We began with virtual and drive through Moving Day events and ended the year strong with safe in-person events. All 47 events brought our local PD communities together.

Sign up for a 2022 Moving Day today

Help us further our reach and impact in 2022.

Donate today.

Whether diagnosed at 31 or 72, tremor or no tremor, fast or slow progression, feeling relief or anger at hearing the words “You have Parkinson’s,” every Parkinson’s disease (PD) story is different. Every person who shared their PD Story with the Parkinson’s Foundation has one thing in common — they hope their story might just help someone else.

Each of the top PD stories below inspire us to keep making life better for people with Parkinson’s. Let these testimonials remind you that you are not alone. We thank everyone who has found the courage to share their story with us and our global PD community.

Every My PD Story is unique.
If you would like to share your Parkinson’s story, please submit your story online.

Parkinson’s disease (PD), skin and bone health are closely intertwined. Researchers are exploring how they are connected to uncover information that could improve lives. Higher bone fracture risk, flaky or dry skin and too much or too little sweating can be common in Parkinson’s. Simple tips can help you tackle these and other related changes.

This article is based on a Parkinson’s Foundation Expert Briefing webinar exploring these connections presented by Nicki Niemann, MD, Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, and Kenneth W. Lyles, MD, Duke University Medical Center. Barrow and Duke are Parkinson’s Foundation Centers of Excellence.

Parkinson’s and Skin Health

Research shows an overlap in skin health and PD. Overall cancer risk is reduced in Parkinson’s disease, but skin cancer risk — especially melanoma — increases.

In Parkinson’s, misformed alpha-synuclein protein builds up and clumps in the brain. Skin cancer biopsies of people with PD also show increased alpha-synuclein in the skin, compared to the general population. Additionally, people diagnosed with rosacea — facial flushing, redness and sometimes, bumps — are nearly two times as likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

PD and other neurological disorders also increase the risk for bullous pemphigoid (a skin condition causing itching, redness and large, fluid-filled blisters that can break and cause blood-borne infection).

Connections such as these have scientists exploring skin health as a possible biomarker (a measurable sign, such as heart rate, that can clue doctors in on your health) to help detect Parkinson’s sooner. Skin biopsy holds promise as a potential future Parkinson’s disease diagnostic tool. Earlier diagnosis can improve outcomes for people living with PD.

Skin Cancer Safeguards

Despite past misconception, levodopa, the most commonly prescribed PD medicine, does not increase risk of melanoma. However, though the association is not yet clear, some of the same shared risk factors for PD can also increase melanoma risk. These include being male, Caucasian, having red hair, fair skin and previous pesticide exposure.

Protect yourself by reducing direct sun exposure, wearing sunblock and visiting the dermatologist annually.

When it comes to spotting melanoma, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends watching for these signs:

Asymmetry –the shape of a spot or mole is unequal
Border – an irregular or scalloped edge
Color – blues, reds, browns or black; suspect spots can vary in hue
Diameter differs, too; melanomas can be the size of a pencil eraser, larger or smaller
Evolution in spot color, shape or size should also be shared with your doctor

Skin Health Strategies

Studies estimate between 20 to 60% of people with Parkinson’s may also live with seborrheic dermatitis, compared to just three to four percent of people without PD. Symptoms can include itching, scaling, oiliness, redness and burning — mainly on the scalp, but for some people, the face, chest or back, too.

Over-the-counter medicated shampoos containing salicylic acid, zinc, selenium, tar or ketoconazole can help. A dermatologist can recommend treatment for severe symptoms, such as prescription-strength shampoos, steroids or other immune suppressants.

Excessive drooling can also be common in Parkinson’s. It can cause perioral dermatitis — redness and irritation around the mouth. Anticholinergic medications and botulinum toxin A (BOTOX ®) can be used to decrease drooling.

Sweating Changes     

Sweating too much — whether on the head, neck or trunk — is more common in Parkinson’s than not sweating enough. Excess sweating can also happen on the foot soles, palms or at night. It’s often experienced even prior to a Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Sometimes changes in the autonomic nervous system, an area controlling automatic body functions such as rate of breathing, are responsible. Carbidopa-levodopa-related motor fluctuations, or “wearing off,” can increase sweating, as can other medications unrelated to PD, such as certain antidepressants. Infections, sleep apnea, endocrine conditions and cancer can intensify sweating, too.

Though not as common, decreased sweating can also pose problems for some people with Parkinson’s. This is often related to anticholinergics, including amantadine and trihexyphenidyl. Review your medication list with your doctor who can adjust prescriptions, identify other causes or offer treatments, such as:

• topical medications, including prescription antiperspirant aluminum chloride hexahydrate
• oral propranolol (Inderal®)
• anticholinergic drugs, such as glycopyrrolate
• BOTOX ® injections for localized sweating 
• electric current iontophoresis therapy

These at-home tips can help with sweating:

• Wear breathable cotton clothes and socks, and non-synthetic shoes
• Take lukewarm or cold showers
• Increase fluid intake
• Drink cold liquids
• Use antiperspirant

Skin Changes

Sometimes, PD treatments can cause skin issues. While there are few reports of true levodopa/carbidopa allergy, the 25/100 formulation can cause a rash for some people, possibly due to a yellow dye. If this side effect occurs, your doctor might switch you to formulation without yellow dye, including 10/100, 25/250, Parcopa, Stalevo or Sinemet CR.

Some Parkinson's medications can also cause leg edema (swelling due to trapped fluid). These include amantadine and dopamine agonists, such as ropinirole, pramipexole, rotigotine and apomorphine. Talk to your doctor if leg swelling occurs within a few months of starting a medication.

People using Duopa therapy, levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel delivered by pump through a small, surgically placed hole in the stomach, can also experience skin issues, including redness, leakage around the opening or abscess. Proper pump tube care and increased healthcare provider access is essential.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) uses surgically placed electrodes in the brain and with an implantable pulse generator to block abnormal nerve signals in the brain that cause motor symptoms. Though skin-related complications are uncommon, a small percentage of users might experience hardware-site infection, or skin erosion near components.

Parkinson’s and Bone Health

Caring for bone health when living with Parkinson’s is critical. Exercise, regular bone mineral density screenings are key.

It’s estimated that about 45 million Americans have low bone mass, putting them at risk of joining the more than 12 million people in the U.S. who live with osteoporosis (a condition where bones become thin, fragile and prone to fracture). Such skeletal problems are often associated with aging.

People with PD are at higher skeletal fracture risk than others, experiencing fractures two to three times more frequently. Hip fractures occur four times as frequently. At best, less than five percent of people with Parkinson’s who experience fractures are treated. However, addressing and treating fractures is crucial: It can take someone who lives with PD longer to recover from a fall injury or fracture, and they may experience worsening symptoms, loss of independence and cognitive decline.

Fortunately, there are many ways to reduce fracture rates in people with PD and current research is exploring further ways to minimize bone risks.

Who’s at a high risk of osteoporosis?

• People living with Parkinson’s  
• Women
• Older people
• Those with low body weight
• Those with a family history of osteoporosis
• Those with a history of fractures or low-impact fractures
• Smoking and excessive alcohol intake increase risk

Glucocorticoid therapy, medicine used to reduce inflammation, can increase bone loss and fracture risk. Other medications can too — including proton pump inhibitor therapy, anticonvulsants, aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen, Depo-Provera and steroids. Conditions that are associated with bone loss include gastrointestinal and autoimmune diseases, genetic issues, diabetes and others.

Boosting Bone Health

What’s good for your body is also good for your bones:

• Stop smoking
• Limit alcohol
• Avoid sedating medications

Exercise can keep bones strong and strengthen muscles and in Parkinson’s, it can also improve many disease-related symptoms. Find something that makes you want to move and stay active. Physical therapy can help, too.

Maintaining optimal levels of calcium and vitamin D3 benefits bones and overall health. Because calcium in dairy foods can inhibit levodopa absorption, people with PD can find it hard to get the recommended 1200 mg daily for women over 50 and 1000 mg daily for men over 70. Calcium-fortified foods, such as juices, rice and breakfast cereals, can boost calcium levels. Chewable calcium citrate tablets can be taken without food and are easily absorbed. Doctors recommend limiting single doses to no more than 600 mg elemental calcium, splitting the dose if needed.

The body also needs adequate vitamin D to take in enough calcium. Research shows depressed vitamin D levels in people living with Parkinson’s. Vitamin D is easy to absorb if you live in a sunny place — wear sunscreen. If this isn’t possible, a nutritious diet, including fatty fish, such as salmon, liver, eggs and fortified milk or cereals, can help. Your doctor might also recommend vitamin D3 supplements.

Osteoporosis Medications  

Medicines are also available to treat bone density loss. Hormonal medications include estrogen therapy and raloxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, or SERM.

Prescription therapies that stop bone breakdown, called antiresorptives, include bisphosphonates such as alendronate (Fosamax®), risedronate sodium (Actonel®), ibandronate sodium (Boniva®) and zoledronic acid (Reclast ®). Anabolic medications boost bone building, and include teriparatide, abaloparitide and romosozumab.

While our podcast series, Substantial Matters: Life and Science of Parkinson’s, offers listeners an opportunity to tune into a variety of Parkinson’s disease (PD) topics in English and Spanish, we recognize some may prefer reading over listening.

The Parkinson’s Foundation strives to make Parkinson’s resources available to all, reaching learners through more access and a range of platforms — from audio to visual. To expand our reach, we worked with our Helpline team to select key podcast episodes to transcribe. Below find a list of our newly transcribed episodes:

Just as physical health is affected by lifestyle and exercise, so is your mental health. Cognition, mood and sleep all play integral roles when it comes to maintaining proper mental health.

Most people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experience changes and symptoms that impact cognition, mood and sleep as time goes on. Some people even experience cognition, mood and sleep symptoms as early PD signs. Below we highlight tips for how to support your mental health with changes in your cognition, mood and sleep.

Cognition Tips

Cognition is the act of mental processing. While tremors are a recognizable PD symptom, Parkinson’s may also impact cognition. Cognitive changes can include shifts in your thinking and behavior, along with slowness in memory. This non-movement symptom can impact quality of life. It can be scary to experience cognitive changes, but there are ways to support your mental health:

• Create coping strategies like developing a routine and staying engaged with fun hobbies.
• Find a counselor to help you adjust to these changes. You can see a counselor individually or with your care partner.
• Exercise can help improve how we think and perform tasks. Try Fitness Fridays or finding a local workout classes.
• Communicate with loved ones about these changes. Your care partner and care team are there to help and support you.
• Take time to process and accept these changes. This time can look different for everyone.

Mood Tips

Everyone experiences mood changes; however, Parkinson’s can influence mood as a non-motor symptom. Mood changes may negatively affect your social life and emotional well-being. They may include depression, anxiety and other mood-related changes. Your mood may be affected by major life changes or medication. It is important to evaluate your mood and mental health. We have tips to help support you through these mood changes:

• Create an exercise plan to support your emotional and physical health.
• Connect with those around you to provide social support. Attend a support group and build your community — try attending a local PD event by using our In Your Area search tool.
• Talk to a mental health professional who can help you process mood changes.
• Focus on your nutrition. Eating healthy is important for helping manage Parkinson’s symptoms and optimizing PD medications.
• Talk to a doctor about a treatment plan, especially if your mood changes are associated with pain.

Sleep Tips

Sleep is a vital part of mental health; our bodies and minds need rest. Parkinson’s can often affect your ability to sleep and daytime alertness. Sleeping problems may be the result of sleeping disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea. Your mental health may be affected by unhealthy sleeping patterns. Here are five tips that can help with sleep and Parkinson’s:

• Set a schedule around sleep: avoid naps and try to set a consistent sleep pattern.
• Practice exercise to get your body moving and ready for rest.
• Avoid using electronic devices right before sleep.
• Set aside time to relax intentionally as you get ready for bed. Avoid doing things that cause stress.
• Discuss sleep issues with your doctor and healthcare team.

Although changes in your cognition, mood and sleep may feel overwhelming, you are not alone. It is very important to care for your mental health. The Parkinson’s Foundation has many resources to support you through these changes.

• Emotional & Mental Health
• Episode 118: Managing Mental Health Problems with Parkinson’s Disease
• How Stress and Stress Management Impact Parkinson’s
• Answering the Top Care Partner Questions About Mental Health

For Lynda Nwabuobi, MD, a movement disorder specialist at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Institute, patient care is as much an art as a science.

Dr. Nwabuobi, whose specialized training was supported through a Parkinson’s Foundation Movement Disorders Fellowship, delivers compassionate, individualized care to her patients while also engaging in clinical research. The Parkinson’s Foundation believes in increasing access to specialized care for people with Parkinson’s and continues to do so through funding clinical fellowships and grants.

“I had an excellent fellowship — the availability of the grant to the university allowed me to benefit from exceptional training,” said Dr. Nwabuobi. “I was surrounded by some of the greatest minds in Neurology, and it has helped my career because it opened my mind to a lot of possibilities.”

Dr. Nwabuobi’s patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) benefit not just from her expertise, but also from her passion for clinical research, which heavily focuses on documenting and addressing the root causes of healthcare disparities. Getting to know and better understand the needs of her patients in the clinic also inspires new directions in her research.

“Having such a large practice, you truly get to see what people with PD and their family members are dealing with,” said Dr. Nwabuobi. “It shows you what the gaps in care are, and points to ways that we can make things better today.”

A prime example is rooted in Dr. Nwabuobi’s observation that women with PD are more likely to come to her clinic alone. “In my previous research work, I examined sex disparities in homebound PD patients,” said Dr. Nwabuobi. “We found that women with PD who are homebound are more likely to be alone and less likely to have access to a neurologist. In addition, loneliness affects morbidity and mortality. This tells me that women, especially those who are homebound, are a group of patients that I need to pay closer attention to; we have to do better for them.”

During Dr. Nwabuobi’s Neurology residency, she led a study on care disparities between the majority-white, privately insured patients seen at the main hospital clinic of New York University (NYU) vs. the racially diverse, multicultural community of patients seen at the nearby public Bellevue hospital clinic, many of whom were uninsured. Both sets of patients saw the same specialist, and in fact, public hospital patients saw their doctors at a more frequent rate than the main campus patients, yet still experienced disadvantages in care.

Differences noted included reduced access to physical therapy, certain beneficial medications, and deep brain stimulation surgery for the public hospital group. This research was highlighted in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology in the article titled, “Racial and Social Disparities in Health and Health Care Delivery Among Patients with Parkinson’s disease and Related Disorders in a Multicultural Clinic Setting.”

"I am passionate about creating access to better care to marginalized communities and bringing more diversity to the clinic. I am very much affected when I see that people get different treatment based on the color of their skin, whether or not they are insured, or what language they speak. People are becoming more aware of the effects of racism in healthcare. My greatest hope is that we will live in a world that provides equitable care for everyone."

- Dr. Nwabuobi

At her Columbia University clinic during her fellowship, where over 80% of her patients were white (despite the racially and ethnically diverse community surrounding the hospital’s campus), Dr. Nwabuobi decided to take action to encourage marginalized people to seek the hospital’s neurological resources.

“I had an idea to set up a table at the community farmer’s market in Washington Heights as a way of creating awareness about PD and available resources,” said Dr. Nwabuobi. “I call it “Neurology at the Market!” I found that farmer’s markets are a good way to get into communities. This year, I expanded the effort, and I had my residents and medical students involved. It has been very successful!”

“Dr. Nwabuobi’s work embodies the Foundation’s belief that all people deserve quality care, and that may require us to think outside the box,” said Juanita Pharr, Director of Clinical Affairs at the Parkinson’s Foundation. “The benefits of Dr. Nwabuobi’s approach to clinical engagement for her patients and the wider community she shares, truly highlights why the Foundation is dedicated to supporting specialized training.”

Dr. Nwabuobi reflected on the Foundation’s resources and impact on her patients: “All the programs that Parkinson’s Foundation offers are helpful to my patients — especially virtual programs. Our biggest goal in the field is raising awareness. The current work of the Parkinson’s Foundation will create greater awareness.“

Find a movement disorders specialist in your area at Parkinson.org/InYourArea or call the Parkinson's Foundation Helpline at 1.800.4PD.INFO (1-800-473-4636).

Thanks to the passionate people who help us raise funds, we make life better for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), together. The strength and success of our 2021 community fundraisers translated to expansions in programs and resources that will keep the entire PD community connected and empowered in 2022 and beyond.

“Today, 87% of our revenue goes directly to critical research, care and education initiatives. We can only accelerate progress on these fronts thanks to our volunteers and fundraisers,” said Kayln Henkel, Parkinson’s Foundation Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer. “The energy and enthusiasm of our Parkinson’s Champions, Moving Day participants and Parkinson’s Revolution riders brings us hope.”

Meet some of our fundraisers and volunteers who inspire us:

Alexandria Rides for Her Dad

“Living away from my dad I wanted to educate myself... I began using Parkinson.org as a resource, and then saw the opportunity to pair what I love doing — working out  — and getting others educated through Parkinson’s Revolution.”

Keep reading

Christine Moves for Herself and the PD Community

“At some point everyone is going to go through this life and have something bad happen to them… My response is trying to raise money to help the people who will develop this disease.”

Keep reading

Neelam Volunteers for her Late Grandfather

“Each year, in the morning, after set-up is done and the volunteers are all in place, there is a quiet moment at sunrise. It is then that I always feel the presence of my grandfather.”

Keep reading

Wendy and Jamie Run for their Mom

“Some of the brightest minds on earth are working around the clock to continue progress on advances towards a cure. This is why running with Parkinson’s Champions and continuing to raise awareness is so very important.”

Keep reading

Read the Newsletter Now

Since 2011, Moving Day events have raised $35 million that directly funds our mission. Through do-it-yourself events, Facebook fundraising and endurance events, Parkinson’s Champions have raised nearly $15 million since 2008. In our newest fundraising program, Parkinson’s Revolution, riders generated awareness through in-person and virtual cycling events. Together, every volunteer, donor and person who attends these events brings us closer to a cure.

The way dopamine is released and how it influences other cells (called neurotransmission) is a critical factor in understanding how Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects the brain. The influence of dopamine is also critical for motor and reward, or reinforced, learning.

New York University’s Margaret Rice, PhD, has worked to understand dopamine neurons and their role in movement for decades, bringing new insights and understanding to Parkinson’s as well as a host of other neurological conditions and movement disorders.

The Parkinson’s Foundation caught up with Dr. Rice to discuss her research at the Rice Lab at New York University. She described the impact of the Parkinson’s Foundation early grant supporting her research and her hopes for encouraging a new generation of scientists to focus on Parkinson’s. 

You received Parkinson’s Foundation research funding in 2002. How did it impact your work?

I was really interested in dopamine because it’s such a fascinating molecule. My research seeks to understand why dopamine neurons, the ones in the substantia nigra [the area of the brain that produces dopamine], are selectively vulnerable — it's a fascinating question, but also really important.

Can you describe the role of dopamine in understanding Parkinson’s?

Dopamine “wears” two main hats:

1. As a conductor, orchestrating in movement — acting through substantia nigra dopamine neurons in the midbrain, which degenerate in Parkinson's
2. As a motivational speaker, promoting motivation and reward — acting through nearby ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons

It makes sense that there are loops between these cell groups and that they're right next to each other, because movement and motivation are inextricably linked and dopamine neurons facilitate both processes.

I became particularly interested in somatodendritic dopamine release, which is an unusual way for neurons to communicate with each other. Typically, neurons extend long connections to release dopamine in a location called a synapse. However, the dopamine neurons in the midbrain not only make traditional connections but they also release dopamine directly from the cell body to influence their own activity, and possibly that of their immediate neighbors. My grant proposal was focused on studying that release process using carbon fiber microelectrodes (conductors) to detect dopamine release in brain slices.

The Foundation’s funding allowed me to pivot my research. I was able to use preliminary data from this work to get a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant and I have had continuous funding since then to study dopamine. Our most recent work is addressing fundamental questions about this dopamine release. This work was published in 2021, so the trajectory has been onward and upward since that funding from the Foundation, which came at a crucial moment.

You have been dedicated to Parkinson’s research for 20 years. How has the impact of your work helped the PD community better understand this disease?

If you don't understand how something works, you're not going to be able to fix it. So, you have a cell phone and suddenly it doesn't turn on. Why? If you don't understand that you need to be charging it regularly, that it has a battery, it's useless for you.

A lot of our work is basic science. Understanding how this process of dopamine released by dopamine neurons happens is important. There is a dopamine toxicity theory of Parkinson's disease, for example, that theorizes that dopamine can oxidize [a chemical reaction], which can be toxic to cells and may contribute to the selective degeneration of dopamine neurons. Understanding factors that regulate dopamine release and uptake inside cells and understanding which aspect of this process might go awry and contribute to a degenerative process — all of this is critical in understanding Parkinson’s.

You are part of the Parkinson’s Foundation Scientific Advisory Board. Can you tell us about this work and your interest in helping the next generation of Parkinson’s researchers? 

I continue to believe that this should be one of our most important missions — to help new investigators get seed money for bigger funding, but also to engage them in the Parkinson's field. We get fantastic proposals, and it would be great if those folks became interested in turning their attention to either fundamental neuroscience about dopamine, the basal ganglia function (brain structures responsible for motor learning) or disease processes. They are all important in moving the field forward.

What makes you most hopeful that we will reach an understanding of the disease that impacts people with Parkinson's?

The more we understand how circuits and cells of the basal ganglia function normally, the greater the chance of restoring that function. If we can understand how the components of this motor system work together, we could fill in a piece that may be broken even if we haven't fixed the cause.

Learn more about Parkinson’s Foundation research initiatives at Parkinson.org/Research.