APDA Partners with Smart Patients to Support Parkinson’s Online Community

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by Ana de Barros, PhD |

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The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is collaborating with Smart Patients — an online community connecting Parkinson’s patients and their families — to extend APDA’s resources to help people living with the disease.

Smart Patients provides resources so people can have the latest information related to their condition, share their questions and concerns with other members, and use those resources to improve their daily lives.

The software company believes patients are the most underutilized resource in healthcare and says that thanks to its resources, patients become experts in their conditions and that this knowledge improves the care they receive.

APDA is the nation’s largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s. Since its establishment in 1961, the New York-based organization has raised and invested more than $170 million to provide patient services and educational programs, increase public awareness about Parkinson’s and support research designed to better understand, and ultimately end, the disease.

“We are thrilled with our partnership with Smart Patients to launch this community. This network is designed for people with Parkinson’s, care partners and family members,” Robin Kornhaber, APDA’s vice president of programs and patient services, said in a news release. “This innovative opportunity will further a dialogue to nurture the Parkinson’s community, provide socialization, education, and critical access to information — and will allow us to expand our reach across the country.”

By collaborating with Smart Patients, APDA empowers patients and families living with Parkinson’s to improve care for themselves and others.

“We are proud to work with the APDA to connect people with Parkinson’s with one another,” said Dr. Roni Zeiger, CEO of Smart Patients. “Community can provide peace of mind through social and emotional support, not to mention those practical tips patients and families learn through direct experience.”

Patients can join the community by registering here. Once a registration process is complete, participants will have access to information, resources, and can take part in community chats and topics about Parkinson’s.