Inspired by this book…
We have pledged to take positive actions that will make life better for those living with PD, while plotting the endgame for Parkinson’s disease. Learn more at EndingPD.org.
ABOUT THE BOOK
PARKINSON’S DISEASE is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. Over the past twenty-five years, the number of people with the condition has jumped from 3 million to over 6 million. By 2040, it will likely double again. We are failing to stop this onslaught. Harmful pesticides and other toxic chemicals that contribute to Parkinson’s surround us. At the same time, our investment in new therapies has lagged behind the disease, and many people remain undiagnosed and untreated.
Prevent.
The P stands for Prevent the disease.
Air pollution, heavy metals, and certain pesticides, like trichloroethylene, can play a role in developing Parkinson’s disease. Paraquat increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease by double.
We need to ban Paraquat.
Care.
The C stands for Care for all affected.
Make sure everyone with Parkinson’s has access to a neurologist. We must educate people that outcomes improve when people have access to neurologists. especially those trained in Parkinson’s disease. We must embrace tele-medicine and other technologies to improve access to care.
Advocate.
The A stands for Advocate for better policies and resources. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funds $3 billion per year for HIV. The NIH funds $200 to $300 million per year for PD. We need to advocate for ten times the current funding of Parkinson’s disease. This funding is essential to move the needle.
Treat.
The T stands for Treat the disease with new drugs and novel therapies. We need better measures of the actual disease which can cut the number of people we need for clinical trials from thousands to hundreds (biomarkers). We need novel approaches to immunotherapies, vaccines, microbiome research, optogenetics, designer drugs and more.