PPMI has helped scientists zero in on this discovery and now aims to take it to the next level . This kind of finding can give us a critical window into processes taking place in the brain and body cells of people who don ’ t have Parkinson ’ s today but might be at risk to get it in the coming years . And that could move us closer to new and better treatments for the disease — or even preventing it altogether .
How you can help
Participating in the study is simple . For most people , it ’ s as easy as filling out questionnaires online every few months . The longer you keep doing it , the more your profile can offer to research . And because privacy is critical , we ’ ve taken every step to safeguard the personal data you share with researchers .
There was no PPMI when I was diagnosed in 1991 . The doctor told me I had Parkinson ’ s and 10 years left to work , all in the same sentence . ( He was wrong about that second part .)
I ’ m sure he wished there were some treatment that would have stopped the disease process right then and there , so I could move on with my life and never think about Parkinson ’ s again .
With your help , that ’ s where PPMI is headed .
The Michael J . Fox Foundation has been at this work for 21 years . To patients , including me , that feels like a long time , but in scientific terms it ’ s the blink of an eye . It ’ s why we need to stay focused on the day we find a cure . With your help , we ’ ll get there . Until then , we ’ re persistent , we ’ re problem-solvers and we ’ re optimistic — and grateful to you for being part of it .
Reprinted with permission .
Learn more and join PPMI at michaeljfox . org / ppmi-study .
Better Brain Health | USA Today : We Can Help End Parkinson ’ s Disease 53