SECTION 1 : PROGRESS
THE MICHAEL J . FOX FOUNDATION 2022 IN REVIEW
Identifying Parkinson ’ s Risk
Various contributors play a role in Parkinson ’ s risk . Our Foundation facilitates broad and diverse data collection — including in populations traditionally underrepresented in research — to better understand these factors and how scientists may address them to prevent or stop disease .
Global Genetics Program The Global Parkinson ’ s Genetics Program ( GP2 ) — a resource of the Aligning Science Across Parkinson ’ s initiative , for which MJFF is the implementation partner — aims to collect and analyze genetics data from more than 150,000 volunteers with and without PD over five years . To maximize efficiency , this ambitious program is leveraging more than 125 existing cohorts at 57 unique locations on six continents .
Lifestyle and Societal Impact With Foundation support , Harvard researchers will look at data from the Black Women ’ s Health Study for connections to increased PD risk . For example , they will study the impact of smoking , caffeine intake and physical activity . They also will explore how the lived experience of racial bias or abuse may influence the course of Parkinson ’ s . Better understanding the contributors to PD and its experience in distinct groups can help tailor interventions and care practices .
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