Author Archives: Mary Chapman

A television producer, legislators, and movement disorder specialists are among recent recipients of The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s (MJFF) 2020 Parkinson’s Advocacy Awards. The annual presentation, which this year took place virtually at the organization’s Parkinson’s Policy Forum, recognizes individuals or groups that do outstanding work advocating on behalf…

Zarela Martinez, a celebrity chef with Parkinson’s disease (PD), has partnered with Acorda Therapeutics to create a video series aimed at helping people live well with the progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Release of the series, called “A Taste for Life with Zarela,” coincides with Parkinson’s Awareness Month, observed each April.

Dorys, a 66-year-old woman with Parkinson’s who lives in Peru, was able to be treated for her progressive disease through an extreme sacrifice: the sale of her family’s home. Diagnosed 15 years earlier, the disease had rendered Dorys unable to do much of anything. Her physicians suggested a surgical treatment…

The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) has a growing cache of community exercises, fitness activities, and mental strengthening skills that Parkinson’s (PD) patients can use any time and any place in response to the need for online programming due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The organization wishes…

A Parkinson’s Foundation indoor cycling event aimed at highlighting the benefits of exercise while raising money for Parkinson’s (PD) research returns on June 12 for its second year. Called the Parkinson’s Revolution, the cycling program will take place at studios in 25 cities — up from…

Activities are underway to mark Parkinson’s Awareness Month, set aside each April to draw attention to the neurodegenerative disorder that affects some seven to 10 million people globally. At the center of this observance is World Parkinson’s Day April 11. Patients, family, caregivers and friends across the country…

More than 350 disease advocates, representing all 50 U.S. states, took part in The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) virtual Parkinson’s Policy Forum, urging lawmakers to increase federal investment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) research after years of stagnant support. Annual funding for the Department of Defense’s Parkinson’s Research…

The now-classic 1985 film “Back to the Future” featured actor Michael J. Fox — who would go on to found The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) — and a time machine made from a DeLorean sports car. To support the organization and honor the movie, Discovery+ is bringing…

Parkinson’s UK has opened a survey aimed at understanding the experiences of caregivers of people who have Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s disease dementia. The survey seeks to shed light on the support caregivers receive, and caregivers’ and patients’ experiences with the health and social care system in…

A recent survey about medical cannabis use by Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients in the U.S. found one-quarter of its more than 1,000 respondents had used cannabis in the last six months, and less than 13% reported negative side effects. Most of these people reported using cannabis to treat nonmotor Parkinson’s symptoms…