Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical therapy used to treat certain aspects of Parkinson’s disease (PD). This powerful therapy most addresses the movement symptoms of Parkinson’s and certain side effects caused by medications.
This video features a voiceover from Dr. Michael Okun, the National Medical Advisor for the Parkinson's Foundation.
Hay mucho que saber acerca de la enfermedad de Parkinson. Aprenda cómo se trata y, lo más importante, cómo llevar una vida mejor con Parkinson.
El Parkinson es una enfermedad individualizada. Si bien la experiencia de cada persona con el Parkinson es única, cuanto más sepa, más empoderado estará para desempeñar un papel activo en su autocuidado y manejar su vida con Parkinson.
The National Parkinson’s Project is a first-ever federal initiative to prevent and cure Parkinson’s disease, treat its symptoms and slow or stop its progression. The National Parkinson’s Project is being carried out under the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act, by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
What’s Next
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is building a supporting advisory council to develop the National Parkinson’s Project. This is a collaborative effort, as government agencies and leaders in the PD space, including the Parkinson’s Foundation, will provide essential community input and planning support.
The National Parkinson’s Project will encompass research, care, and services for Parkinson’s and all other neurodegenerative Parkinsonisms, including multiple system atrophy, corticobasal degeneration, progressive supranuclear palsy, and Parkinson’s-related dementia.
To receive updates on the Act, please sign up for the NIH listserv.
January 2025 Update
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has received a delegation of authority to lead the implementation of the Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act, which was signed into law on July 2, 2024. Along with the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH), the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), part of NIH, will co-chair the Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research, Care, and Services called for in this Act.
The NIH, with support from OASH and in collaboration with the Council, will create, maintain, and periodically update a National Plan to prevent, diagnose, treat and cure Parkinson’s, as well as stop disease progression.
The National Plan will encompass research, care, and services for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and all other neurodegenerative Parkinsonisms, including multiple system atrophy, corticobasal degeneration, progressive supranuclear palsy, and Parkinson’s-related dementia.
To receive updates on the Act, please sign up for the NIH listserv.
September 2024 Update
On September 17, 2024, thousands of policy advocates across the country will virtually rally together to urge elected officials to take steps to better understand and address environmental risk factors for Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Led by the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council, the Parkinson’s National Day of Action is entirely virtual, and it only takes a few minutes to participate! On September 17:
More than 1 million Americans live with Parkinson’s, the second most common and fastest growing neurological disease. Help us get closer to a cure by participating in the Parkinson’s National Day of Action!
July 2024 Update
On July 2, 2024, President Biden signed the National Parkinson's Project into law. This is the first-ever federal legislation dedicated to ending Parkinson’s disease (PD).
Top five ways this monumental bill can make an impact:
“The Parkinson’s Foundation is excited for what comes next,” said John Lehr, Parkinson’s Foundation President and CEO. “We look forward to having input in designing exactly how this bill will mobilize meaningful change for the one million Americans living with this disease.”
The Parkinson’s Foundation would like to thank all the PD advocates, volunteers and people who wrote to their senators and representatives to make this bill to become law. We also thank President Biden and members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for helping us make PD history.
Share this monumental victory on your social media channels! Get friends and family excited that Parkinson’s disease has received legislative support.
Share the news on social media. Click here.
Follow us on social media (Facebook, X, Instagram and others) to stay up to date on what happens next. We are excited to document the process and any movement spurred by the new Act and our involvement alongside the Michael J. Fox Foundation and other leaders in the PD space to establish next steps.
May 2024 Update
On May 23, 2024, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act, the first-ever federal legislation dedicated to ending Parkinson’s disease (PD). Next, the bill will be sent to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the U.S. House of Representatives in December.
“As we eagerly await the bill to be signed into law, we applaud members of congress for their bipartisan support and recognition of one of the most pressing health care issues of our day,” said Parkinson’s Foundation President and CEO John L. Lehr. “On behalf of the Parkinson’s Foundation, I’d like to thank members of the United States Congress for joining the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, the Unified Parkinson's Advocacy Council and the greater PD community in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.”
This monumental bill has the potential to shape the lives of the one million Americans living with Parkinson’s. It is designed to:
Once President Biden signs the bill into law, the Federal government will begin to establish actionable steps to carry out the plan. The Parkinson’s Foundation looks forward to working alongside the Michael J. Fox Foundation and other leaders in the PD space to help throughout this process.
Content provided by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). Read the MJFF blog article here.
December 2023 Update
On December 14, 2023, The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act (S.1064/H.R.8585) passed through the U.S. House of Representatives. Next, the bill will go to the U.S. Senate.
Now is the time to have all of your members of Congress sign on to support the bill so it will pass this session!
Find our if your state’s Senator and Representative co-sponsored the bill:
Your senators and representatives need to hear from members of the Parkinson’s community about why we need a focused, national strategy to prevent Parkinson’s, find a cure, and ensure those living with the disease can access care.
Specifically, we encourage members of the Parkinson’s community in the U.S. to Call Your Members of Congress.
Members of Congress and their staff want to know what is important to you and how to best represent you. Your representative and senators need to learn about what it is like living with Parkinson’s — or loving or knowing someone with Parkinson’s — so they can understand why it is important to support The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act (S.1064/H.R.8585).
Here is an easy way to help you tell your story to members of Congress and their staff:
I hope you will help contribute to a cure by co-sponsoring this legislation.
On July 28, 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives introduced the first-ever legislation solely devoted to ending Parkinson’s. This is a historic moment for the Parkinson’s community!
The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act will, for the first time, unite the federal government and private enterprises in a mission to prevent and cure Parkinson’s, alleviate financial and health burdens on American families, and ensure those living with the disease have access to the care they need.
This bipartisan legislation is led by Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL). The Parkinson’s community is thankful for its leadership.
This bill will go through the traditional congressional process and will need to be voted on by the House. A Senate’s companion bill will be introduced in the coming weeks, because it is standard congressional procedure for both chambers of Congress to pass the bill before it can go to the President for signature.
Parkinson’s is a disease that requires a national effort to cure and prevent. The economic burden of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and atypical parkinsonism (AP) has grown faster than researchers previously estimated, reaching nearly $82.2 billion in 2024.
A national plan to end Parkinson’s has the potential to:
The public-private advisory council created as part of this legislation will report every year to Congress on their progress and impact in ending Parkinson’s. This is the kind of forward-looking strategy and responsible accountability the Parkinson’s community needs and deserves.
The Parkinson’s Foundation is a member of the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council (UPAC), a collection of nearly 30 Parkinson’s organizations that come together to help shape federal and state public policy in ways that support the Parkinson’s community. There will be many opportunities for all of us to engage our Members of Congress on this legislation and have conversations about the bill and its intended impact, and we will begin to communicate those opportunities in the coming weeks.
Content provided by The Michael J. Fox Foundation
We will update this blog and our social media channels as the legislation advances, so stay tuned! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Get out and move with your community! Every dollar raised supports the Parkinson’s Foundation mission to make life better for people affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD). At Moving Day Community Walks across the country, we’re fighting Parkinson’s and celebrating movement — proven to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms — and we’re doing it together. The Moving Day Community Walk Program is a complement to the Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s. These walks are family-friendly and help the Foundation make life better for people with PD.
The Community Walk program offers volunteers an opportunity to organize a walk in their own community that does not have a Moving Day event. The program leverages the personal experiences and community leadership of passionate volunteers to promote Parkinson’s awareness and raise funds for the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Diane Gordon
This program will focus on Impulse Control and Thinking Changes, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships.
This program provides an overview of current Parkinson's research and its impact on treatment and care.
Moving Day is your chance to speak up about Parkinson’s disease and move others to take action.
Get out and move with your community! Every dollar raised supports the Parkinson’s Foundation mission to make life better for people affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD). At Moving Day Community Walks across the country, we’re fighting Parkinson’s and celebrating movement — proven to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms — and we’re doing it together. The Moving Day Community Walk Program is a complement to the Parkinson’s Foundation Moving Day, A Walk for Parkinson’s. These walks are family-friendly and help the Foundation make life better for people with PD.
The Community Walk program offers volunteers an opportunity to organize a walk in their own community that does not have a Moving Day event. The program leverages the personal experiences and community leadership of passionate volunteers to promote Parkinson’s awareness and raise funds for the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Kristin Courington
This program will focus on Impulse Control and Thinking Changes, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships.
This program provides an overview of current Parkinson's research and its impact on treatment and care.
Moving Day is your chance to speak up about Parkinson’s disease and move others to take action.
At 48 years old, I heard the words "Troy, you have Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease." It took me some time, but as a public speaker who invites audiences to define success and fulfillment on their own terms, I knew I had to figure out a way to start wrapping my personal stories of Parkinson’s into each presentation. And I did.
On July 12, 2017, I had the opportunity to look into my own life to find strength and inspiration. After more than 18 months of chronic and debilitating pain, fatigue, tremors and other symptoms, I finally had an answer: Parkinson’s. This life-altering diagnosis put my lifelong beliefs to the ultimate test.
Over the next few years, I began finding ways to get involved and build my Parkinson’s community. I became active in organizations that support those dealing with chronic and life altering health conditions, which has helped me gain perspective on my own situation. My recent activity as a Parkinson’s Foundation Heartland Chapter board member is an extension of that work.
Continuing to be a public speaker has inspired me as I am able to incorporate the learnings from my own journey and the stories of other's journeys to provide inspiration to audiences.
I’ve had time to think of advice I’d give to others who are new to Parkinson’s, including:
First, there is not one path in navigating this journey. Each of us must make decisions that are best for ourselves and those who are present to support us.
Learn as much as possible about your symptoms and characteristics that have led to your diagnosis. Because PD manifests itself in unique paths to each person, gathering as much information and perspectives is key to making wise decisions on treatment.
Find a care team that best aligns with your needs. Don't be scared to change that team as time evolves. Your disease will evolve, and sometimes that means changing the team members is needed.
Turn to the Parkinson’s Foundation. The vast amount of information, data and research findings pushed out through emails, Parkinson.org and events has been significant in keeping me informed and hopeful.
My expertise in public speaking has been acquired through years of studying, asking questions of, presenting to and consulting with audiences and groups from Fortune 500 firms to leadership conferences. These principles and traits include hitting control+alt+delete to redefine societal defaults for success; establishing and measuring goals with specific strategies; finding wisdom to overcome adversity and inevitable change.
Now, especially after releasing my first book, Change Is Inevitable, Growth is Optional, I continue to be inspired by the tremendous stories of others who have faced adverse change and find a pathway to growth. This inspiration has led me to me to participate in such experiences as running in masters track meets, fundraising for worthy causes, and speaking before audiences to share my experiences.
Everything so far has led me to my newest way to advocate for people with Parkinson’s: becoming a Parkinson’s Champion and hosting my first fundraiser. On June 8, I will be competing as a Parkinson’s Champion in the 6 in 6 Challenge. I will compete in six track and field running events on the same day in approximately six hours.
I chose the number six because every six minutes someone is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. In the roughly six hours it takes me to complete the 6 in 6 Challenge, 60 people will learn of their new Parkinson's diagnosis.
Long before public speaking, running was always my passion. I have been active as a runner since my teenage years. I ran track, coached high school and middle school track, and ran a triathlon (which may be the next challenge.)
In my Parkinson’s experience, I challenge my body each day to get stronger and maintain strength so that I can delay the disease. But for many people with Parkinson's, simple physical activities are an extreme challenge. For those who can't challenge themselves to the level I still can, I am honored to take on a new physical challenge in their honor.
Support Troy’s Parkinson’s Champion event, 6 in 6 Challenge, or learn more about becoming a Parkinson’s Champion.
from the Parkinson's community
There are two sessions available: You are welcome to choose one or attend both.
– 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET
– 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET
A virtual network for people living with Parkinson's disease (PD) who live alone, by choice or circumstance. The purpose of this group is to create a community of support for those living without a care partner. People living with PD are the experts about what challenges, changes and accommodations are needed on a daily basis. This network will provide a place to share ideas, concerns, brainstorm strategies, suggestions, resources & to build relationships.
The Parkinson's Foundation is providing the initial funding and support to kick start this network. It will most likely become a very strong network that will operate independently although the Parkinson's Foundation will always be an entity of support & information for the participants.
– June 11 and June 25, 2024
– July 9 and July 23, 2024
– August 13 and August 27, 2024
– September 10 and September 24, 2024
– October 8 and October 22, 2024
– November 12 and November 26, 2024
– December 10, 2024
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link.
Nancy Nealon
This is a virtual program, taking place live, using the online Zoom platform. Instructions on joining the webinar are provided after registering.
This program will focus on Impulse Control and Thinking Changes, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships.
This program provides an overview of current Parkinson's research and its impact on treatment and care.
Moving Day is your chance to speak up about Parkinson’s disease and move others to take action.
There are two sessions available: You are welcome to choose one or attend both.
– 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET
– 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET
A virtual network for people living with Parkinson's disease (PD) who live alone, by choice or circumstance. The purpose of this group is to create a community of support for those living without a care partner. People living with PD are the experts about what challenges, changes and accommodations are needed on a daily basis. This network will provide a place to share ideas, concerns, brainstorm strategies, suggestions, resources & to build relationships.
The Parkinson's Foundation is providing the initial funding and support to kick start this network. It will most likely become a very strong network that will operate independently although the Parkinson's Foundation will always be an entity of support & information for the participants.
– June 11 and June 25, 2024
– July 9 and July 23, 2024
– August 13 and August 27, 2024
– September 10 and September 24, 2024
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link.
Nancy Nealon
This is a virtual program, taking place live, using the online Zoom platform. Instructions on joining the webinar are provided after registering.
This program will focus on Impulse Control and Thinking Changes, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships.
This program provides an overview of current Parkinson's research and its impact on treatment and care.
Moving Day is your chance to speak up about Parkinson’s disease and move others to take action.
There are two sessions available: You are welcome to choose one or attend both.
– 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET
– 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET
A virtual network for people living with Parkinson's disease (PD) who live alone, by choice or circumstance. The purpose of this group is to create a community of support for those living without a care partner. People living with PD are the experts about what challenges, changes and accommodations are needed on a daily basis. This network will provide a place to share ideas, concerns, brainstorm strategies, suggestions, resources & to build relationships.
The Parkinson's Foundation is providing the initial funding and support to kick start this network. It will most likely become a very strong network that will operate independently although the Parkinson's Foundation will always be an entity of support & information for the participants.
– June 11 and June 25, 2024
– July 9 and July 23, 2024
– August 13 and August 27, 2024
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link.
Nancy Nealon
This is a virtual program, taking place live, using the online Zoom platform. Instructions on joining the webinar are provided after registering.
This program will focus on Impulse Control and Thinking Changes, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships.
This program provides an overview of current Parkinson's research and its impact on treatment and care.
Moving Day is your chance to speak up about Parkinson’s disease and move others to take action.
There are two sessions available: You are welcome to choose one or attend both.
– 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET
– 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET
A virtual network for people living with Parkinson's disease (PD) who live alone, by choice or circumstance. The purpose of this group is to create a community of support for those living without a care partner. People living with PD are the experts about what challenges, changes and accommodations are needed on a daily basis. This network will provide a place to share ideas, concerns, brainstorm strategies, suggestions, resources & to build relationships.
The Parkinson's Foundation is providing the initial funding and support to kick start this network. It will most likely become a very strong network that will operate independently although the Parkinson's Foundation will always be an entity of support & information for the participants.
– June 11 and June 25, 2024
– July 9 and July 23, 2024
– August 13 and August 27, 2024
There is no charge to attend, but registration is required in order to receive the Zoom link.
Nancy Nealon
This is a virtual program, taking place live, using the online Zoom platform. Instructions on joining the webinar are provided after registering.
This program will focus on Impulse Control and Thinking Changes, exploring their impact on daily life and relationships.
This program provides an overview of current Parkinson's research and its impact on treatment and care.
Moving Day is your chance to speak up about Parkinson’s disease and move others to take action.
