IN THE NEWS!
Michael J Fox Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
Michael J. Fox was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The award recognizes individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.
Speech & Swallowing in Perrysburg, OH: Learn tools and exercises to help you better understand and manage speech, swallowing and communication problems in PD.
This program is open to people with Parkinson's, their family, friends and the community.
Hilton Garden Inn Toledo Perrysburg
6165 Levis Commons Blvd
Perrysburg, OH 43551
February 7, 2025
1:00 pm to 3:00 pm EST
Free
The Michael J Fox Foundation - 2024 Year in Review
We hope you’ll explore the 2024 Year in Review, which outlines key highlights from this past year and, most importantly, offers a first look at our comprehensive roadmap for 2025 and beyond. Discover:
Biomarker-related research updates
Research paths for symptom treatment
A celebration of our community’s hard work
Can You Prevent Parkinson’s Disease?
Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s disease or caring for a family member or loved one who has the condition, you’ve likely wondered whether it’s preventable. Despite ongoing research, scientists and doctors have yet to find a way to prevent Parkinson’s disease. So the quick but hard-to-hear answer is no — you can’t prevent Parkinson’s. However, promising research does show that several lifestyle factors might lower the risk of developing this condition.
President Biden Signs the National Plan to End Parkinson’s into Law.
On July 2, President Biden signed the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act into law. This is the first-ever federal legislation dedicated to ending Parkinson’s disease (PD).
10 Early Signs
Know how to recognize the most common early symptoms of Parkinson's.
It can be hard to tell if you or a loved one has Parkinson's disease (PD). Below are 10 signs that you might have the disease. No single one of these signs means that you should worry, but if you have more than one sign you should consider making an appointment to talk to your doctor.
Get ready for the third annual APDA Virtual Parkinson’s Conference! Taking place on February 19-20, this event will be jam-packed with exciting PD updates, expert advice, real-life perspectives, as well as fun and engaging sessions to explore your creativity and try out some new music and exercise classes.
2024 TOP HEADLINES
Top Parkinson's Disease Headlines of 2024
In 2024, several significant advancements were made in the fight against Parkinson's disease, offering new hope and improving care for those affected.
National Parkinson's Project Legislation: President Biden signed the National Parkinson's Project into law, a historic step that increases federal research funding, improves early diagnosis, enhances patient care, and addresses health disparities in treatment and clinical trials.
FDA Approval of Vyalev: In October, the FDA approved Vyalev, a 24-hour subcutaneous infusion therapy designed to help those with advanced Parkinson's manage motor symptoms more effectively.
Advancements in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Researchers developed adaptive DBS technology that adjusts stimulation based on real-time neural activity, offering a personalized treatment approach that can reduce motor symptoms by 50%.
Progress in Disease-Modifying Therapies: Roche's trials of prasinezumab, an antibody therapy, showed promising results in slowing disease progression by 40%, offering hope for treatments targeting the underlying causes of Parkinson's.
Innovative Diagnostic Tools: A new non-invasive method using webcam recordings of facial expressions and movements to detect Parkinson's with 88% accuracy could lead to earlier, more accessible diagnosis.
Legal Developments on Paraquat: A class-action lawsuit against the maker of paraquat herbicide is underway, as thousands of individuals file claims after being diagnosed with Parkinson's following exposure to the chemical.
Australian Parkinson's Genetics Study: A new study in Australia is investigating genetic factors related to Parkinson's by gathering saliva samples from 7,000 participants, supported by Shake It Up Australia and The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
Bio-markers for Parkinson's: New biological markers were identified to help improve diagnosis and tracking of Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia, allowing for more precise treatment.
Innovative Cell Therapy Trials: Clinical trials using lab-grown dopaminergic cells to restore dopamine production in the brain showed early positive results, offering hope for disease modification.
Public Figures Raising Awareness: Several public figures, including Brett Favre, John Stapleton, Ed Begley Jr., and Justin Currie, shared their Parkinson's diagnoses, helping to raise awareness and inspire others living with the disease.