The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

This just in: The National Plan to End Parkinson's Act has been signed into law! MJFF and our 2.75 million friends and advocates thank you, President Biden! And thanks to everyone who has helped get us here: advocates, scientists, patients, families, clinicians, caregivers and legislators, especially the bill’s lead sponsors Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Chris Murphy and Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Paul Tonko and other champions including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Representative Jennifer Wexton. In short order, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will create an advisory council and the National Parkinson's Project, a first-ever federal initiative to prevent and cure Parkinson’s disease, treat its symptoms and slow or stop its progression. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ePmyyBHh Let’s get to work!

“Patients with Parkinson’s, we hold the answer. It’s within us, and the scientific community needs us to participate [in research] because we are the key,” says Lauren Traub. “I really feel hopeful that we are close [to a cure] and I’m excited to be a part of it.” Tune into our latest podcast episode where you’ll hear from our expert panel: • Maggie McGuire Kuhl, vice president of patient engagement at MJFF • Lauren Traub, registered nurse Team Fox member diagnosed with PD in 2018 • Bret Parker (he/him), executive director for the New York City Bar Association and co-chair of MJFF’s Patient Council, diagnosed with PD in 2007 • Paulina Gonzalez-Latapi, MD, movement disorder specialist and assistant professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Together, they discuss the practicalities of volunteering for research, including the many benefits of participation for the volunteer and the entire Parkinson’s community. Listen now: https://bit.ly/4cf5GiL

We are excited to launch the ASAP CRN Cloud, a data-sharing tool designed to advance #ParkinsonsDisease research by allowing researchers to share, access, and work directly with other experts to distill discoveries. We developed this tool in collaboration with our implementation partner, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and our technical partners at Verily, DNAstack, and DataTecnica LLC. Currently featuring a unique set of sequencing data from over 150 donors, the CRN Cloud dataset offers the potential for unprecedented insights into #neurodegeneration. The database will continue to expand, with 629 donors contributing to the final harmonized dataset. Read our blog to learn more about the CRN Cloud: https://bit.ly/3VUMlO0

Right now, a team of four men, aka Team Human Powered Potential, is rowing across the Pacific Ocean to support Parkinson’s research. Brendan, Peter, Scott and Pat — who lives with Parkinson’s — are taking on this 2,800-mile journey with an ambitious goal of raising $28 million. Thanks to an anonymous donor, their efforts are supported by a historic 3:1 match. That means every $1 raised will turn into $4 to power Parkinson’s research. And the best part? There are many ways you can join them this summer and have your contributions matched, too! Donate and get involved in MJFF’s Summer Challenge now: https://bit.ly/3zqJhQH

Individuals with Parkinson's disease often experience gait impairments, including slower walking speeds and smaller steps. These changes can increase the risk of falls and other adverse outcomes. When walking ability declines, it can also lead to a reduction in overall physical activity, which can negatively impact overall health. To prevent this cascade of events, Dr. Gammon Earhart, Associate Dean for Physical Therapy at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is developing and evaluating interventions to improve gait and increase physical activity in People with Parkinson's disease. In the latest episode of The Parkinson’s Research Podcast, Dr. Earhart discusses how she and collaborators are conducting studies on different approaches to improve aspects of walking and physical activity in people with PD. Listen now: https://bit.ly/3KSqGQg * This podcast is geared toward researchers and clinicians. If you live with Parkinson’s or have a friend or family member with PD, listen to The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Podcast: michaeljfox.org/podcasts

Are you a neurology resident interested in learning more about movement disorders? Apply for the MDS-PAS 9th Annual Movement Disorders School. Hosted by the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society and co-sponsored by MJFF and the Edmond J. Safra Foundation, this two-day course provides a comprehensive overview of research, care and careers in movement disorders. Applications are due by September 6th. bit.ly/4eixDav

We are thrilled to share that The Michael J. Fox Foundation recently hosted an in-person MRI Biomarker Workshop in New York City. The workshop brought together leading academic investigators, industry representatives, and regulators to discuss the state of the field of MRI biomarker research. The collaboration and engagement from all stakeholders were inspiring, and we are committed to continuing this partnership to enhance the regulatory maturity of these measures. Together, we're making strides towards better therapies and outcomes for the PD community.

Date Announced: Join us on October 17, 2024 in New York City for The Michael J. Fox Foundation's 16th annual Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Conference. Join over 300 research and business development professionals from both academia and industry for the world's only conference exclusively focused on Parkinson's disease drug development. Use promo code EB2024 for an early bird special (ends July 19). Learn more and register today: https://bit.ly/3x6WUE5

Understanding the neural circuits involved in Parkinson's disease is crucial for developing more targeted and more effective treatments. In the latest episode of The Parkinson's Research Podcast, Dr. Aryn Gittis, Professor of Biological Sciences and the Neurosciene Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, shares her research on basal ganglia circuits and motor control in health and disease. Dr. Aryn also discusses her ongoing project evaluating the impacts of stimulus location for a novel pattern of deep brain stimulation (DBS). Listen to the full episode: https://bit.ly/4c58GOF * This podcast is geared toward researchers and clinicians. If you live with Parkinson’s or have a friend or family member with PD, listen to The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Podcast: michaeljfox.org/podcasts

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is heading to San Diego, California next week to attend the BIO International Convention in the Patient Advocacy Pavilion!    On the third day, Wednesday, June 5th, MJFF's very own Jessica Tome Garcia, Ph.D. will be participating in a panel discussion titled "PFDDs and Beyond – Different Roads to Patient-Inspired Drug Development" from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (PT). The panel will explore the diverse approaches stakeholders use to incorporate the patient voice into drug development to advance innovative and meaningful new therapies for patients. https://bit.ly/4bXaZCP   Look forward to seeing you there!  #BIO2024