Parkinson’s research is moving quickly, offering new insights for people living with the disease. This Expert Briefing will highlight how our understanding of Parkinson’s has evolved and why researchers are optimistic about future breakthroughs. We’ll focus on three key research areas shaping today’s momentum: alpha-synuclein, mitochondrial function, and inflammation. Participants will gain a clear snapshot of the latest discoveries, where science is headed, and how these advances may guide new and more effective treatments.
The Foundation's Expert Briefing series is intended to offer firsthand access to the latest research and updates from experts in the field. Expert Briefing webinars will include more scientific terms and concepts.
Speaker
Laurie Sanders, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Departments of Neurology and Pathology, Divisions of Movement Disorders and Translational Brain Sciences
Center for Neurodegeneration and Neurotherapeutics, Duke Clinical Research Institute, A Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
Ski for Science is an alpine ski event for all ages, featuring live music, a mountain scavenger hunt, barbecue lunch, raffle prizes, and a silent auction—all in support of Parkinson’s research.
Challenge your body and mind in this Parkinson’s-friendly exercise class designed to support brain health and functional movement. Through dual-tasking activities that combine physical exercise with cognitive challenges—like memory recall, problem-solving, and multitasking—you’ll work to improve processing speed, attention, and coordination. This engaging format helps strengthen neural connections, enhance daily function, and promote confidence in both movement and mental agility.
Instructors
Jonathan Zins PT, DPT, GCS
Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Geriatric Physical Therapy
Geriatric Residency Faculty Member
Parkinson’s Team Lead
Sofi Hess, ACSM-CEP
Kylee Arnold
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
Ski for Science is an alpine ski event for all ages, featuring live music, a mountain scavenger hunt, barbecue lunch, raffle prizes, and a silent auction—all in support of Parkinson’s research.
Pull up a chair, pour yourself a cup, and join us for an open conversation with the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sneha Mantri and guest expert. Our Coffee & Conversation series creates a space for you to ask the questions that matter most. This sessions will focuse on the movement symptoms of Parkinson's.
Living with Parkinson’s involves more than managing movement symptoms—many people also experience emotional and motivational changes that can be just as challenging. In this open conversation, Dr. Sneha Mantri and a guest expert invite you to join a thoughtful dialogue about three common but often misunderstood experiences: anxiety, apathy, and depression.
Your questions will guide the discussion as our experts share practical insights, coping strategies, and supportive approaches that can help improve emotional well-being and quality of life.
Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity. Bring the conversation. Don’t forget your coffee (or tea!).
Speakers
Sneha Mantri, MD, MS
Neurologist, Duke University
Chief Medical Officer, Parkinson's Foundation
Daniel Weintraub, MD
Professor of Psychiatry
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center
Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
Ski for Science is an alpine ski event for all ages, featuring live music, a mountain scavenger hunt, barbecue lunch, raffle prizes, and a silent auction—all in support of Parkinson’s research.
This program offers an introduction and basic overview of Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD varies from person to person and changes over time. Discover its causes, common symptoms, available treatments and effective strategies for managing them. Learn practical daily living tips to empower you to take charge of your health and to navigate the challenges of living with PD.
Speaker
Nandakumar Narayanan, MD PhD
Juanita J. Bartlett Professor of Neurology
Vice Chair for Research
University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
Ski for Science is an alpine ski event for all ages, featuring live music, a mountain scavenger hunt, barbecue lunch, raffle prizes, and a silent auction—all in support of Parkinson’s research.
Creative Connections is an arts-based wellness program designed to support the emotional, cognitive, and physical well-being of people with Parkinson’s and their care partners. In this session, our facilitators will introduce the creative practices they use—including acting, improvisation, voice work, choreography, drama therapy, music therapy, mindfulness, and movement.
After sharing an overview of their approach, they will guide participants through a series of simple, engaging activities. Together, we’ll explore how creative expression can spark connection, build confidence, and offer meaningful tools for well-being.
Speaker
Maggie Ivancic MSW, LCSW
Center Coordinator & Clinical Social Worker
UNC Chapel Hill, Movement Disorders Center, Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence
Heather Davis Cuevas, MA, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
UNC Chapel Hill, Movement Disorders Center, Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required.
Due to the nature of our social engagement programs and to protect the privacy of participants, we will not be recording or archiving these programs. By not recording, it's our hope that the program provides a comfortable environment that encourages meaningful participation.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
Ski for Science is an alpine ski event for all ages, featuring live music, a mountain scavenger hunt, barbecue lunch, raffle prizes, and a silent auction—all in support of Parkinson’s research.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment that can improve quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease by helping to manage symptoms that may not be fully supported with medication. This webinar will provide an overview of recent advances is DBS technology that hold promise for people with Parkinson’s by providing more effective, personalized and convenient treatment for Parkinson’s symptoms.
Speaker
Arjun Tarakad
Associate Professor of Neurology
Director of Deep Brain Stimulation Program
Parkinson’s Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic
Baylor College of Medicine
Department of Neurology
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
Ski for Science is an alpine ski event for all ages, featuring live music, a mountain scavenger hunt, barbecue lunch, raffle prizes, and a silent auction—all in support of Parkinson’s research.
Tremor, Shakes, & Everything in Between: Parkinson's Motor Symptoms
Motor symptoms are among the most recognizable aspects of Parkinson’s disease. From tremor and rigidity to dystonia, dyskinesia, and changes in posture and gait, these symptoms can affect daily life in unique ways. We will explore the wide spectrum of motor symptoms, how they evolve, and strategies for managing them.
The Foundation's Expert Briefing series is intended to offer firsthand access to the latest research and updates from experts in the field. Expert Briefing webinars will include more scientific terms and concepts.
Speaker
Pablo Coss, MD
Assistant Professor of Neurology, UTH San Antonio
Movement Disorders Specialist
Director, HDSA Center of Excellence, San Antonio
UT Health San Antonio
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends, and the community.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
Ski for Science is an alpine ski event for all ages, featuring live music, a mountain scavenger hunt, barbecue lunch, raffle prizes, and a silent auction—all in support of Parkinson’s research.
Join the Parkinson's Foundation, in partnership with the Elder Care Alliance and Neponset River Regional Chamber, for Panel on Parkinson’s Disease, a free program in Sharon, MA.
You will hear from a local Movement Disorder Specialist, a person living with Parkinson's disease and staff from the Parkinson's Foundation for talks around real life experience, and research and treatment updates.
Speakers
Suja Sadasivan, MD
Director of Movement Disorders, Boston Medical Center
Stefany Scliopou
Education & Outreach Manager, Parkinson's Foundation
Kyle Meingast
Advancement Director, Parkinson's Foundation
Bob DePeron
Person with Parkinson's
On-site parking is available.
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required. This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends and the community.
This April, in partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation, join us for the Million Meter Challenge! Whether you row, run, bike, or power-walk, every dollar raised helps bring us closer to a cure.
Ski for Science is an alpine ski event for all ages, featuring live music, a mountain scavenger hunt, barbecue lunch, raffle prizes, and a silent auction—all in support of Parkinson’s research.
This article highlights the ways the Parkinson’s Foundation helped people living with Parkinson’s and the Parkinson’s community in 2025. It highlights:
How we advanced research through funding grants and evolving our genetics study.
Funded local community programs.
Launched new policy effort to improve care and research through advocacy.
Spread Parkinson’s awareness through programs, campaigns and resources.
2025 was a remarkable year for the Parkinson’s Foundation. Over the course of 365 days, we advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD) research while working hard to represent the one million people in the U.S. living with this neurodegenerative disease. We strengthened our connections among care partners and everyone serving the PD community.
With your support, we launched new initiatives and vital PD resources, stayed fast in our commitment to improving PD care and research, and empowering the community through education and new resources.
Thanks to YOU, here are the top 12 ways we made a difference this year:
In a year when federal funding for disease research sharply declined, we significantly increased our investment in Parkinson’s research. We awarded more than $4.3 million across 44 grants. We are proud to fund scientists pursuing innovative studies across diverse areas of PD — driving the development of new therapies, treatments and ultimately a cure for the 10 million people worldwide living with this neurological disease.
Dr. Kim is leveraging AI (artificial intelligence) to advance genetics research. His research seeks to understand how overlapping PD mutations may influence the risk of developing PD.
Providing genetic testing and counseling to 30,000+ people with Parkinson’s, at no cost.
Finding that approximately 12-13% of participants carry a genetic link to PD.
Expanded study to a total of 77 testing sites worldwide and counting — adding sites in Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru and El Salvador.
We also launched an exciting new pilot program, PD Trial Navigator, to help advance PD GENEration’s goal of accelerating genetic-focused clinical trials. This program helps inform PD GENEration participants about Parkinson’s genetic trials they may qualify for based on their genetic results.
Hosting a national roundtable on Parkinson’s care and innovation to identify national priorities to improve care for people with PD.
Co-hosted the 2025 Parkinson's Policy Forum, where 250 people with PD, family members and advocates from 45 states gathered in Washington, D.C. to urge Congress to accelerate progress toward better treatments and a cure.
We awarded more than $1 million in community grants for programs that help people living with PD across 38 states. Our 2025 grants fund local programs that provide exercise and educational support for people with PD and their care partners and address mental health needs. Since 2011, the Foundation has devoted more than $12.7 million in community-based programs, reaching a combined 81,000 people with PD and care partners.
Pictured: Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grantee, Parkinson's Exercise Program For You, in Dana Point, CA, offers PD-tailored exercise programs.
To find your nearest exercise or wellness class, visit your local chapter’s webpage or call our Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (1-800-473-4636).
5. Appointed our first-ever Chief Medical Officer.
This year, we welcomed Sneha Mantri, MD, MS, as Chief Medical Officer of the Parkinson’s Foundation. A nationally recognized movement disorders specialist and educator, Dr. Mantri believes in getting to know her patients and personalizing their treatments. “I'm excited to bring that philosophy of care to this role and address the needs of people with Parkinson’s on a national scale,” she said.
Look out for virtual events featuring Dr. Mantri in 2026.
6. Moved two Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech drugs into trials.
Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech is a research-driven investment fund we support alongside Parkinson’s UK. In 2025 we shared two exciting advances:
Project ASPro-PD became the first Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech project to enter a large phase 3 trial, assessing whether ambroxol (a common cough medicine ingredient) can slow the progression of Parkinson’s. This trial is the closest to delivering a new treatment.
A new drug from NRG Therapeutics, designed to repair the mitochondria that power brain cells, is advancing to clinical trials for Parkinson’s and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). This progress was made possible through early investment from the Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech, proving how our venture philanthropy model fuels innovation — turning bold ideas into real possibilities for people living with Parkinson’s and making investments less risky for future funders.
We know that healthcare appointments for Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming. Which is why we published new content and tips dedicated to help people with PD and care partners advocate for their best care. Use our Steps to Prepare for a Parkinson’s Appointment worksheet for a step-by-step guide to choosing your top three appointment topics.
8. Raised $263,000 on Parkinson’s Foundation Day of Giving.
Our incredible community came together and made our third annual Day of Giving the most successful so far, raising double the amount raised in 2024. Our steadfast supporters made this special day a success, raising awareness and funds to support our mission to make life better for people with Parkinson’s disease.
9. Facilitated 3,949 community service hours through Parkinson’s Ambassadors.
Volunteers are essential to our mission and help us localize our reach. This year, we trained 239 new Parkinson’s Foundation Ambassadors and brought all our volunteers together at our national Volunteer Leadership Summit.
Etana Soloman joined our People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council to add her voice and help represent young caregivers and people like her mother who are in the later stages of PD. “Being able to care for my mom is truly an honor” Read her story.
10. Reached 8.6 million visits to Parkinson.org and expanded Spanish-language engagement.
Parkinson.org reached a record of 8.6 million visits, including 1.3 million visits to our Spanish content. Every page visit represents an opportunity to connect people with life-changing resources, digital events and actionable ways to help make life better for people with Parkinson’s.
11. 20,000 participants raised more than $8.3 million through community fundraising events.
Parkinson’s Foundation community fundraisers raised an impressive $8.3 million to advance PD research, access to care and life-changing resources in 2025. Together, every person who participates in Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s, Parkinson’s Champion and Parkinson’s Revolution bring us closer to a cure.
Two years after his diagnosis, Brooke Ramsey found Moving Day Columbus. For the last 14 years his family has raised more than $117,000 to help make life better for people with Parkinson’s. Read his story.
12. Engaged with our audience through two awareness campaigns.
In April, we introduced the world to PAM, your guide to Parkinson’s Awareness Month. To raise PD awareness, PAM shared essential information, tips and resources about PD on our social media channels and website.
In April we:
Posted 5 new videos highlighting PD facts everyone should know.
Reached 2+ million visits to Parkinson.org — our most page views in a single month!
Earned 914,000 impressions across our social media posts
In November, for National Family Caregivers Month, we amplified the diverse experiences of caregiving through our Real Care. Anywhere. campaign. We provided tailored resources for three types of caregivers including those caring for someone living with Parkinson’s, those providing care from a distance and those managing PD alone.
Caregiving takes many forms — from spouses, family members and friends providing daily, hands-on care, to those supporting from a distance to individuals managing care responsibilities on their own. No matter the circumstance, every caregiver plays an important role. This year, the Parkinson’s Foundation is highlighting the diverse experiences of caregivers within the Parkinson’s disease community and beyond with our theme: Real Care. Anywhere.
In this episode, we speak with CJ Polkinghorne and Nikki Logan, care partners for their spouses living with young-onset Parkinson’s disease. They share their stories of navigating the day-to-day challenges of caregiving, while remembering to celebrate the victories along the way. They emphasize the importance of communicating their needs and recognizing when it’s time to take a step back and care for themselves. They also reflect on learning to adjust expectations -- not only for their loved ones, but for themselves as well.
Released: November 25, 2025
Nikki is 40 years old and originally from New Jersey. She moved to Camden, ME at an early age of 3 with her amazing parents and older brother. They own a wine, cheese, candy, and flower shop. She grew up knowing more about high-end wine than any 15-year-old should know!
She moved to Portland, ME about 20 years ago and went to cosmetology school and makeup artistry. She worked in the corporate world for over 14 years, then moved into a whole new career and has been working with a plastic surgeon for the past 3 years. She has been with her husband for 12 years and married for 5 this NYE. He is her absolute everything, and she couldn't imagine life without him in it every single day.
CJ Polkinghorne is a Project Manager at USC and a graduate student pursuing his master’s in Museum Studies. Alongside his work as producer and co-host of the Bruh Meets World podcast, CJ is the founder of the James–Polkinghorne Queer Night Culture Collection. He and his husband, Rex, met in 2018 and married in 2023.
Since Rex’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, CJ has stepped into the role of caretaker /spouse, navigating the realities of young-onset Parkinson’s with compassion, advocacy, and humor. They live in the Hollywood Hills with their Am Staff, Logan.
We want to thank this episode’s podcast sponsor, Amneal, for supporting our mission.
