Parkinson's: Study That Could End Parkinson's

 

A Journey into Parkinson's with Nancy Mellon 

Coordinated by Corrine Bayraktaroglu 

 PPMI

A Study That Could End Parkinson's

Image courtesy of Jesse Orrico

Sometimes it is too much information.  And sometimes, I am ready to connect with what  is going on in the PD Community.  Yesterday, in the mail, I got a booklet from the Michael J. Fox Foundation.  It was a Fall/Winter 2022 heres-what-is-going-on booklet.

It started with a warm picture of MJF smiling.  I had read that it is hard for him to get a good picture these days, because of his PD constant movement. Also he was smiling!  And that too can be hard for people with Parkinson's. It made my heart sing to see his smile.  The quote beneath was “When we first started the Foundation, we asked a simple question: why can't we cure Parkinson's?  Then, we knew what would get us there: our belief in taking risks and willingness to do whatever  it takes.”

One article in the pamphlet talks about the numerous research partners, clinical trials, volunteers, donors and more that has paid off in a new discovery.  It's a new imaging tool, “that could revolutionize how Parkinson's research is conducted and how long it takes for new therapies to be validated. “

 In the section Research Briefs it lists:

•       New Levodopa treatments close to approval,

•       Research studies in inflammation therapies,

•       Efforts to develop more inclusive research and care practices

•       Next stage clinical trials in a LRRK2 Drug to slow disease progression.

•       Plus others.

It has ways for PD people to become participants in some of the research. 

Steven and I are both part of their Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative. We answer a set of easy questions on health and disease sent to us online every 90 days.  PPMI is an extraordinary, huge, open source of data for researchers.

 

•       Whether you are recently diagnosed with PD, 

•       Were diagnosed decades ago

•       Or those who have not been diagnosed but may be at risk for Parkinson's

•       Or those that have no known connection to the disease,

•       We are all needed. 

 

“Anyone over age 18 in the  United States, with or without Parkinson's can add to the study, sharing information on health and disease over time. The more PPMI captures about brain health and aging the faster science can move to cures.” 

“PPMI is making progress in it's ambitious goals,  but many more volunteers are needed. However you have been touched by Parkinson's, you can make a difference in ending it.”

I believe that we will find the answer.  

So today, I am asking you, my friends, my family. if you haven't already, to join in this research for a cure to Parkinson's.  Go to  https://www.michaeljfox.org/ppmi    It is easy to do, doesn't take a lot of time, but you will make a difference in ending Parkinson's.  We can do this!

Thank you,

Nancy & the Snark.