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International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
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        VOLUME 29, ISSUE 1 • MARCH 2025.  Full issue »

Spread awareness for World Parkinson’s Day on April 11


Every year, World Parkinson’s Day serves as a global moment to raise awareness, foster resilience, and bring hope to individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. This year, the focus is on highlighting the Parkinson’s community and showcasing the stories of those affected, their caregivers, and the healthcare professionals who support them. The MDS is proud to endorse and amplify their voices, recognizing the strength, perseverance, and determination of those affected by PD. We aim to emphasize the importance of education, support, and collective action in improving the lives of individuals with Parkinson’s disease. 

As part of our initiative, MDS is supporting allied health professionals with Allied Advice, a growing library of educational videos designed to enhance knowledge by sharing tips and strategies for managing Parkinson’s Disease. These resources aim to empower healthcare providers with valuable insights into symptom management and rehabilitation techniques, enhancing overall quality of life and well-being. 

Parkinson’s disease is more than a diagnosis; it is a journey that requires strength, adaptability, and a united community. The MDS wants to share the expertise of its more than 11,000 members worldwide by providing some of the tools that have been used successfully to help individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. 

Contributions to this initiative will be available on our YouTube playlist. Members of the Allied health professionals SIG who want to contribute their own tips and advice to this initiative can share their submissions

The MDS also wants to shine a spotlight on the many other networks that foster resilience, provide support, and drive meaningful change, and we invite you to join us in this mission. Help us spread awareness by engaging with and sharing content from trusted Parkinson’s associations, both local and international. Together, we can create a world where individuals with PD receive the support and resources they need to live full and meaningful lives. 

Below, you will find a small selection of organizations that collaborate with MDS in advancing care, research, and advocacy for Parkinson’s Disease. Let’s stand together in solidarity and make a difference on World Parkinson’s Day and beyond. 

PD Avengers: A Global Patient-Led Movement 

Inspired by the book Ending Parkinson’s DiseasePD Avengers is an international movement advocating for real change in the fight against Parkinson’s disease. With over 7,000 members in 80 countries, this initiative unites patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and researchers to push for awareness, equitable treatments, and policy changes. 


Cure Parkinson’s Trust: Accelerating Research 

Based in the UK, The Cure Parkinson’s Trust is a patient-led organization dedicated to funding research aimed at finding a cure. Their innovative approach has led to the development of clinical trials exploring potential disease-modifying therapies that could slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. 


Shake It Up Australia: Non-Profit Research Initiative 

In Australia, the Shake It Up Australia Foundation partners with the Michael J. Fox Foundation to fund non-profit research. This patient-led initiative accelerates the discovery of new treatments and improves the quality of life for people with Parkinson’s disease. 


Davis Phinney Foundation 

Established by former professional cyclist and Olympic medalist Davis Phinney, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at age 40, the Davis Phinney Foundation focuses on “helping people living with Parkinson’s to live well today.” It provides educational resources, exercise programs, and funds related to improving the quality of life of those living with Parkinson’s.  


stoPD: Supporting Patients Through Exercise and Therapy 

stoPD is a nonprofit organization committed to helping people with Parkinson’s disease through innovative exercise-based programs. Founded in 2014 by neuroscientist Dr. Roberta Marongiu and actor Alex Montaldo, stoPD provides physical training, therapy, and creative activities to enhance mobility, confidence, and overall well-being for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. 


Parkinson-GFAS: Education and Support for the Latin American Community 

Parkinson-GFAS is a nonprofit organization focused on improving the lives of individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease in the Latin American community.  Through educational programs, online support groups, and advocacy efforts, Parkinson-GFAS aims to empower patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals with valuable resources. Their initiatives include the “A present for you” program, which provides virtual sessions with experts in neurology, nutrition, psychology, and rehabilitation, as well as leadership training for Parkinson’s disease ambassadors to spread awareness and support within their communities. 

A Call to Action 

These are just a few of the many patient-led organizations focused on improving the quality of life for those with Parkinson’s disease and advocating for better treatments. As World Parkinson’s Day approaches, it is crucial to amplify their voices and support their work. Active participation from patients, neurologists, and scientists is key to making progress in the fight against the disease. By spreading awareness, everyone can contribute to creating a real impact. 

We invite all members of the Movement Disorder Society (MDS) to find local and global ways to support these efforts. If you are looking for more resources or want to connect with patient-led initiatives near you, visit World Parkinson’s Day to explore more organizations and opportunities to get involved, or use the MDS toolkit:  

Get the toolkit » 

 

Read more Moving Along:

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