Mary Chapman, features writer —

Mary graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in journalism. She began her career at United Press International, then spent a decade reporting for the Bureau of National Affairs, Inc. (now Bloomberg Industry Group). Mary has written extensively for The New York Times, and her work has appeared in publications such as Time, Newsweek, Fortune, and the Chicago Tribune. She’s won a Society of Professional Journalists award for outstanding reporting.

Articles by Mary Chapman

Iowa researchers use music, movement for Parkinson’s patients

Researchers at Iowa State University are exploring the benefits of music and dance, along with other activities, for people with Parkinson’s disease. Studies have shown that regular physical exercise can ease Parkinson’s motor symptoms, and that dancing may improve or slow the advancement of both motor and…

People with Parkinson’s tremor asked to take part in survey

Parkinson’s disease patients who experience tremor are invited to complete an online survey aimed at assessing the difficulties due to this common disease symptom, with an ultimate goal of promoting more effective treatments. The survey, called the “Burden of Tremor in Parkinson’s Disease,” is a collaboration…

4 new US sites added to global Parkinson’s genetics study

University Hospitals (UH) healthcare system in Cleveland, Ohio, has been named one of four new sites for a Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2) study that seeks to better understand Parkinson’s disease in Black people, with a focus on the disorder’s genetic basis. Improved knowledge of genetic variants…

Scottish researchers helped develop key WHO guidelines on rehab

Researchers from a university in Scotland were among the contributors to recent World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines outlining the most essential interventions in rehabilitation for 20 health conditions — including Parkinson’s disease — with high prevalence and elevated levels of associated disability. The WHO’s “Package of Interventions for Rehabilitation”…

Friends of Parkinson’s, patient support group, asking for donations

A decade after its establishment, the Friends of Parkinson’s — a group that supports, educates, and advocates for those living with the progressive neurodegenerative disorder — is asking for donations to allow it to grow and be of greater help. Jamillah Ali-Rahman, who founded the Nevada-based nonprofit in 2014,…

Wearable device prevents freezing of gait in Parkinson’s patient

Researchers at Harvard and Boston universities have adapted a soft, robotic wearable device to help mitigate the effects of gait freezing, a potentially disabling Parkinson’s disease symptom marked by patients feeling like their feet are stuck to the floor, and they’re unable to take another step. The device or…